Oh my gosh, let me tell you about this Pepperoni & Mozzarella Monkey Bread! It’s such a fun twist on the classic recipe, and it’s been a hit in our house. My husband and I love it for movie nights or just a cozy weekend treat. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, which means more time for cuddles with our cat while waiting for it to bake!
Imagine pulling apart soft, warm pieces of bread that are ooey-gooey with melted mozzarella and loaded with zesty pepperoni. The smell of it baking will have everyone gathered around the kitchen, and you’ll find yourself diving in with no regrets. It’s not just a crowd-pleaser; it’s also perfect for kids (and adults!) who love pizza flavors. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks—they’re another family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Pepperoni & Mozzarella Monkey Bread
- Cheesy goodness with a generous amount of mozzarella and pepperoni in every bite.
- Perfectly buttery and garlicky flavor that elevates any gathering.
- Super easy to prep—just toss, layer, and bake!
- Fun to pull apart and share, making it great for parties or family game nights.
- Customizable with various toppings like olives, bell peppers, or other cheeses.
- Served warm with marinara sauce for the perfect dipping experience.
This monkey bread is a crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, making it an ideal choice for casual get-togethers or movie nights!
How to Make Pepperoni & Mozzarella Monkey Bread
This Pepperoni & Mozzarella Monkey Bread is a fun and indulgent dish that’s perfect for a movie night or a family get-together! It’s super easy to whip up and guaranteed to please the crowd, especially with that gooey cheese and savory pepperoni.
What You’ll Need:
- Refrigerated biscuits – 2 cans (16 oz each). I love using flaky biscuits as they create that perfect pull-apart texture.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese – 1 cup. Go for a good quality brand like Grande because it melts beautifully.
- Pepperoni slices – 1 cup. Feel free to use mini pepperoni for a cute twist!
- Marinara sauce – 1/2 cup, for dipping. I recommend Rao’s Homemade Marinara for its rich flavor.
- Butter – 1/4 cup, melted. It adds a lovely richness; unsalted is best.
- Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon, to give that aroma and flavor boost.
- Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon, for that classic Italian vibe.
- Red pepper flakes – 1/2 teaspoon (optional), if you like a little heat.
- Salt and pepper – to taste, for seasoning.
- Cooking spray – for greasing the pan so nothing sticks!
The Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give your bundt pan or round cake pan a nice spray with cooking spray.
- Pop open those biscuit cans! Separate the biscuits and cut each one into quarters—this makes them easier to handle and share.
- In a large bowl, toss the quartered biscuits with melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if you’re using them), salt, and pepper. Mix it all up until every piece is well-coated.
- Layer half of the biscuit mixture into your greased pan. Then sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the pepperoni slices on top.
- Add the remaining biscuit pieces over that layer, followed by the rest of the mozzarella cheese and pepperoni. It’s a cheesy, pepperoni-licious dream!
- Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. You can check with a toothpick to make sure the center is not doughy.
- Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes. Carefully invert the monkey bread onto a serving plate so all that cheesy goodness is on top!
- Serve it warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy every cheesy, pepperoni-filled bite!
This monkey bread is super customizable too—feel free to add other toppings like olives or bell peppers if you like. And if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; just reheat before serving. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic for this recipe, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a blend for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that some cheeses may melt differently than mozzarella, so adjust your expectations for texture.
What If I Don’t Have Refrigerated Biscuits?
No problem! You can use homemade biscuit dough or even pizza dough as a substitute. If using pizza dough, cut it into small pieces to ensure they bake through properly. Just remember to reduce the baking time, as thinner pieces will cook faster.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the monkey bread in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual pieces for about 30 seconds.
Can I Add More Veggies or Proteins?
Definitely! Feel free to add cooked vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition. You can also mix in cooked sausage or ham for a heartier dish. Just be sure to keep the total volume similar to maintain the right balance for baking.