Are you craving pizza but don't want the fuss of making individual pies? Then get ready to meet your new favorite easy recipe: Pizza Monkey Bread! This fun and delicious twist on classic monkey bread combines the cheesy, savory goodness of pizza with the pull-apart convenience of a monkey bread. It's perfect for a quick dinner, a game-day snack, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. This recipe is guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults, making it a fantastic addition to your homemade cooking repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf (1 pound) refrigerated bread dough
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or your favorite pizza toppings!)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Get Started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan generously with olive oil. This ensures easy removal of your delicious pizza monkey bread later.
Prepare the Dough: Unroll the bread dough onto a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into 1-inch cubes. This step might seem a little time-consuming, but it's worth it for that perfect pull-apart texture.
Assemble the Pizza: In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the bread cubes are evenly coated with the seasoning. This adds fantastic flavor to every bite!
Layer the Goodness: Begin layering the seasoned bread cubes in the prepared baking pan. Don't worry about making it perfect; a rustic look adds to its charm. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the pepperoni over the bread cubes.
Sauce it Up: Spread half of the pizza sauce evenly over the cheese and pepperoni layer. Then, add another layer of bread cubes, followed by the remaining mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and pizza sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it towards the end; ovens can vary.
Cool & Serve: Let the pizza monkey bread cool slightly in the pan before serving. This allows the cheese to set and makes it easier to handle. Enjoy this warm, cheesy, and utterly delicious pull-apart pizza bread!
Tips & Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Veggie Delight: Substitute your favorite vegetables for the pepperoni, such as sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
- Meat Lovers: Add different types of sausage, bacon, or ham along with or instead of pepperoni.
- Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, cheddar, or a blend of your favorites.
- Make it Ahead: You can assemble the pizza monkey bread the night before and bake it in the morning for a convenient breakfast or brunch option.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
This will vary depending on the ingredients used. This is an estimate based on using a standard loaf of bread dough and the ingredients listed above.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: 12-15g
- Protein: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This quick dinner idea is perfect for busy weeknights. It's also a great way to use up leftover pizza toppings. Try this recipe today and see how easy it is to make a delicious and satisfying meal for your family and friends! This easy and healthy meal is sure to become a new family favorite, bringing delicious dishes to your table with minimal effort. You'll wonder why you didn't try this best recipe sooner!