Name: Pizza Monkey Bread With Canned Biscuits
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486810H5M48S
Total time: PT-486810H5M48S
Cuisine: Americans
Ingredients: • 2 (16.3 oz) cans refrigerated biscuits, cut into quarters• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese• 1 (3.5 oz) package sliced pepperoni, quartered• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Who doesn’t love the irresistible combination of melted cheese, savory pepperoni, and warm, doughy bread? That’s exactly what you’ll get with this delectable Pizza Monkey Bread made with canned biscuits. This recipe takes the classic monkey bread concept and gives it a pizza-inspired twist, creating a snack or appetizer that’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

Imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread infused with the tantalizing flavors of pizza toppings – it’s a sensory experience that will have your taste buds dancing with excitement. The best part? This recipe is incredibly easy to make, using simple pantry ingredients and store-bought biscuits for a convenient and satisfying treat.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓

This Pizza Monkey Bread is a true crowd-pleaser, appealing to both kids and adults alike. The combination of fluffy, doughy bites and savory pizza toppings creates a delightful textural contrast that makes each morsel irresistible. Plus, the accessibility of the ingredients and the straightforward preparation make this recipe a breeze to whip up, even on busy weeknights.

What sets this Pizza Monkey Bread apart is its versatility. You can easily adapt the toppings to suit your personal preferences or cater to dietary restrictions, making it a flexible option for any occasion. And the best part? It can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving, ensuring your guests enjoy a fresh and piping hot treat every time.

🛒 What You Need to Prepare Pizza Monkey Bread ❓

• 2 (16.3 oz) cans refrigerated biscuits, cut into quarters
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 (3.5 oz) package sliced pepperoni, quartered
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

The beauty of this Pizza Monkey Bread is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of cheesy, savory pepperoni and fragrant Italian seasoning creates the pizza-inspired flavor profile that has made monkey bread recipes perennially popular.

📝 How to Make Pizza Monkey Bread Step-by-Step ❓

• Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch Bundt pan or a 9-inch round baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
• Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the quartered biscuit pieces, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and pepperoni. Toss gently to mix.
• Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
• Step 4: Pour the butter mixture over the biscuit and cheese mixture, and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
• Step 5: Transfer the coated biscuit pieces to the prepared Bundt pan or baking dish, arranging them in an even layer.
• Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Step 7: Allow the Pizza Monkey Bread to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate or platter.
• Step 8: Serve the Pizza Monkey Bread warm, with any desired dipping sauces on the side, such as marinara or ranch dressing.

⏱️ Timing Overview

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
• Total time: 40-45 minutes

Compared to traditional pizza recipes which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Pizza Monkey Bread saves you over 50% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.

👩🏻‍⚕️ Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 258
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 785mg

These Pizza Monkey Bread bites provide approximately 10% of your daily protein requirements and 35% of your daily sodium needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.

🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Reduced-fat option: Use reduced-fat or part-skim mozzarella cheese and opt for turkey pepperoni instead of regular.
• Lower-carb version: Replace the canned biscuits with low-carb or keto-friendly biscuit alternatives, such as almond flour or cauliflower-based doughs.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Substitute the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses with dairy-free shredded cheese blends.
• Added protein: Incorporate cooked ground turkey or lean ground chicken into the biscuit mixture for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the biscuit mixture for additional nutritional value and flavor.

These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Pizza Monkey Bread.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
• Pair with a fresh garden salad or a crisp Caesar salad for a complete meal.
• Complement the Pizza Monkey Bread with a light tomato-based soup or a creamy chicken noodle soup.
• For a game day or movie night, serve alongside garlic knots, chicken wings, or a veggie tray.
• Create a pizza-themed platter with the Pizza Monkey Bread, pepperoni slices, olives, and cherry tomatoes.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overloading the pan: Resist the temptation to cram too many biscuit pieces into the Bundt pan or baking dish, as this can lead to uneven cooking and a dense, doughy texture.
• Skipping the butter mixture: Neglecting to coat the biscuit pieces in the butter-herb mixture can result in a dry, bland end product. Be sure to thoroughly coat the biscuits for maximum flavor.
• Overcooking: Keep a close eye on the oven and avoid overbaking the Pizza Monkey Bread, as this can cause the edges to become too crispy or the interior to dry out.
• Failing to allow for cooling: Rushing to serve the Monkey Bread immediately after baking can result in a messy, difficult-to-remove presentation. Be patient and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before inverting onto a serving platter.
• Forgetting the dipping sauces: While the Pizza Monkey Bread is delicious on its own, providing a complementary dipping sauce, such as marinara or ranch, can elevate the overall experience and add an extra layer of flavor.

🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe

These Pizza Monkey Bread bites retain their quality remarkably well:

• Refrigeration: Leftover Monkey Bread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the Monkey Bread up to the point of baking, then wrap the pan tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked Monkey Bread to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Reheating: To restore the warm, fresh-baked texture, simply place the Monkey Bread in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.

❓ FAQs

Can I make the Pizza Monkey Bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making in advance. You can prepare the Monkey Bread up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed. Alternatively, you can fully bake the Monkey Bread, allow it to cool, and then freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the oven.

Can I use different pizza toppings?

Yes, you can easily customize the Pizza Monkey Bread to suit your taste preferences. Instead of pepperoni, you can use cooked Italian sausage, diced ham, or even vegetarian toppings like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives. Just be sure to adjust the quantities of the toppings to maintain the overall balance of flavors.

Is there a gluten-free or low-carb version of this recipe?

To make a gluten-free or low-carb version of the Pizza Monkey Bread, you can replace the canned biscuits with low-carb or gluten-free biscuit alternatives. Look for options made with almond flour, coconut flour, or cauliflower-based doughs. These substitutions will allow you to enjoy the same delicious flavors while accommodating dietary restrictions.

Why is my Monkey Bread coming out dry or dense?

If your Monkey Bread is turning out dry or dense, there are a few common issues to address. First, make sure you’re not overcrowding the pan with too many biscuit pieces, as this can prevent even cooking. Secondly, be sure to thoroughly coat the biscuit pieces in the butter-herb mixture to ensure they remain moist and flavorful during baking. Finally, keep a close eye on the oven and avoid overbaking, as this can also lead to a dry, dense texture.

Can I add additional toppings or mix-ins to the Monkey Bread?

Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily add your favorite pizza toppings, such as diced peppers, mushrooms, or onions, to the biscuit mixture. You can also incorporate a layer of mini pepperoni slices or chopped olives for extra flavor. Just be mindful of not overstuffing the pan, as that can affect the overall cooking time and texture.

Conclusion

These Pizza Monkey Bread bites represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a game day snack, a party appetizer, or a cozy family dinner, they’re sure to impress with their irresistible combination of cheesy, savory goodness. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Pizza Monkey Bread bites demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the baking process. So, gather your friends and family, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate pizza-inspired comfort food.