Cheesy Pepperoni Monkey Bread

Category: Finger Foods and Party Snacks

This Pizza Monkey Bread combines the beloved flavors of pepperoni pizza in a fun, pull-apart format. Quartered biscuit dough is tossed with pepperoni, mozzarella, parmesan, and Italian seasonings, then baked in a bundt pan until golden brown.

The result is a shareable, finger-food version of pizza that's perfect for gatherings. Each bite delivers cheesy, savory goodness with a hint of garlic and herbs. Serve warm with marinara sauce for the ultimate dipping experience.

Fatiha
By Fatiha Fatiha
Last updated Sat, 11 Oct 2025 21:42:34 GMT
A pepperoni pizza monkey bread is on a wooden cutting board. Pin
A pepperoni pizza monkey bread is on a wooden cutting board. | zestplate.com

This pepperoni pizza monkey bread transforms ordinary refrigerated biscuits into an irresistible pull-apart feast that combines all your favorite pizza flavors in a fun, shareable form. The cheesy, pepperoni-studded bites emerge from the bundt pan with a golden exterior while remaining soft and pillowy inside.

I first made this for my nephew's birthday party when I needed something quick that would feed a crowd. The kids demolished it in minutes and now it's requested at every family gathering we have.

  • Refrigerated biscuits: provide the perfect pillowy texture and save tremendous time compared to making dough from scratch
  • Pepperoni slices: deliver that classic pizza flavor look for ones with natural casing for better texture
  • Mozzarella cheese: creates those irresistible cheese pulls essential for authentic pizza vibes
  • Parmesan cheese: adds a nutty depth that elevates the overall flavor profile
  • Italian seasoning: infuses every bite with authentic herbs without having to measure multiple spices
  • Melted butter: helps everything stick together and creates a golden brown exterior
  • Garlic powder and garlic salt: provide that aromatic pizza parlor scent throughout the bread

How To Make Pizza Monkey Bread Pepperoni

Prepare the Pan:
Preheat your oven to 175°C and thoroughly coat a bundt pan with nonstick spray making sure to get into every crevice to prevent sticking. The bundt shape creates the perfect ratio of crispy exterior to soft interior pieces.
Prep the Ingredients:
Quarter each biscuit into bite sized pieces which ensures they cook evenly and create the pull apart texture. Halve the pepperoni slices so they distribute more evenly throughout the bread. Measure out your cheeses and seasonings so assembly moves quickly.
Create the Mixture:
In a large bowl combine all ingredients and gently toss with clean hands until every biscuit piece is coated in butter and seasonings and pepperoni and cheese are evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing which can make the dough tough.
Fill the Bundt Pan:
Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan pressing down lightly to eliminate large air gaps but not compacting it too firmly. Distribute pepperoni and cheese pieces evenly throughout for consistent flavor in every pull.
Bake to Perfection:
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center reads 190°F on an instant read thermometer. Cover with foil during the final 10 minutes if browning too quickly to protect the exterior while ensuring the center cooks fully.
Rest and Unmold:
Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes which helps the bread set and release more easily. Place your serving plate upside down over the bundt pan then carefully flip everything over. Gently lift the pan allowing gravity to help release the bread in one beautiful piece.

The Italian seasoning is truly the star ingredient here blending oregano basil thyme and other Mediterranean herbs that make this taste authentically like pizza. My grandmother would always say good Italian seasoning is the secret to making anything taste homemade even when using shortcuts like canned biscuits.

Storage Tips

This monkey bread stays fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat warm individual portions in the microwave for 20 seconds or place the entire bread in a 300°F oven covered with foil for 10 minutes until heated through.

A pizza monkey bread with pepperoni on top.
A pizza monkey bread with pepperoni on top. | zestplate.com

Make It Your Own

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Try using different meats like cooked sausage chopped ham or bacon bits. Vegetable lovers can add diced bell peppers olives or mushrooms. For a spicier version mix in diced jalapeños or add more red pepper flakes. You can even experiment with different cheese combinations try provolone cheddar or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own this monkey bread truly shines when paired with warm marinara sauce for dipping. For a complete meal serve alongside a simple green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette. At parties place the monkey bread in the center of the table and let guests pull off pieces creating an interactive dining experience that encourages conversation and sharing.

A bowl of pepperoni pizza monkey bread.
A bowl of pepperoni pizza monkey bread. | zestplate.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use homemade dough instead of canned biscuits?

Yes, you can substitute with homemade pizza dough or bread dough. Just ensure it's cut into similar-sized pieces and may require adjusting the bake time slightly to ensure it's fully cooked through.

→ What other toppings can I add to this monkey bread?

You can customize with other pizza favorites like cooked Italian sausage, diced bell peppers, black olives, or different cheese varieties such as cheddar or provolone. Just ensure additional vegetables are pre-cooked to remove excess moisture.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the ingredients and assemble in the bundt pan up to 24 hours ahead, then refrigerate covered. Allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. The fully baked bread is best served fresh but can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.

→ What if I don't have a bundt pan?

A regular loaf pan or cake pan will work as alternatives, though the cooking time may need adjustment. The bundt pan creates a nice presentation with more crispy edges, but other deep baking dishes can produce similarly delicious results.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or warm the entire bread in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until heated through.

→ Can this be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze the fully baked and cooled bread for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven until warm throughout, about 15-20 minutes.

Pizza Monkey Bread Pepperoni

Pull-apart bread loaded with pepperoni, mozzarella, and Italian herbs, baked until golden and served with marinara for dipping.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
40 min
Total Duration
55 min
By Fatiha: Fatiha


Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Output: 8 Servings (1 bundt pan)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Dough Base

01 900 grams refrigerated canned biscuits, cut into quarters

→ Cheese & Meat

02 170 grams pepperoni, sliced and halved
03 200 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded
04 50 grams parmesan cheese, grated

→ Seasonings

05 80 milliliters unsalted butter, melted
06 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
07 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
08 0.25 teaspoon garlic salt
09 Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)

→ Garnish & Accompaniment

10 Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
11 Marinara sauce, for serving

Directions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 175°C. Generously coat a bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

Step 02

Quarter the biscuit dough and halve each pepperoni slice. Set aside measured cheeses and seasonings.

Step 03

In a large bowl, combine biscuit pieces, pepperoni, mozzarella, parmesan, Italian seasoning, melted butter, garlic powder, and garlic salt. Add red pepper flakes if desired. Toss until evenly coated.

Step 04

Transfer the prepared mixture to the greased bundt pan, distributing the mixture evenly.

Step 05

Bake for 35–40 minutes. Cover with foil in the last 10 minutes to prevent over-browning.

Step 06

Allow to cool briefly, then carefully invert the bundt pan onto a large serving plate to release the bread.

Step 07

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

  1. This pull-apart bread combines classic pizza flavors in a fun, shareable format that's perfect for parties or game day gatherings.

Required Equipment

  • Bundt pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Aluminum foil
  • Serving plate

Allergen Information

Review each component for possible allergens and consult a health professional when concerned.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains gluten
  • May contain soy (check biscuit ingredients)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These figures serve as estimates and are not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Fat: 18.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28.5 g
  • Protein: 12.6 g