Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread

This pull-apart pepperoni pizza monkey bread is the ultimate crowd-pleasing party appetizer, loaded with gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and rich garlic butter.

Why This Recipe Works:

• Blooming the garlic and oregano in warm butter releases oil-soluble flavor compounds, distributing savory notes evenly throughout the bread.
• Cutting the biscuits into quarters increases the surface area, allowing the protein matrix to set quickly and prevent a gummy center.
• Layering the pepperoni and mozzarella rather than mixing them randomly ensures pockets of gooey cheese and crispy meat in every bite.

I still remember the exact Friday night in 2018 when my old cheap bundt pan leaked butter all over the bottom of my oven, filling the kitchen with a thick, acrid smoke that set off the alarms and woke up the neighbors.

I was standing there in my pajamas, frantically waving a kitchen towel with aching arms, trying to save a soggy, half-baked ring of dough that was supposed to be my triumph.

The problem with most pull-apart breads is uneven heat distribution; canned biscuit dough is dense, and when you pack it tightly into a cold metal pan, the outer edges overcook before the center even begins to lose its raw, gummy texture.

The physics of this is actually incredibly simple.

By cutting the dough into smaller pieces and coating them in warm garlic butter, we create barriers that allow steam to circulate, preventing that dreaded raw center.

It is hands down the easiest way to feed a hungry crowd without losing your sanity.

If you love pull-apart finger foods, you should also try my Pillsbury Biscuit Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs.

They share a similar buttery, garlic-infused base that makes them absolutely irresistible to guests, especially when served alongside crispy pepperoni pizza roll breadsticks for the ultimate game-day spread.

Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread

• Publisher Storied Skillet
• Cuisine American
• Category Appetizer, Snack
• Prep Time 15 minutes
• Cook Time 30 minutes
• Servings 8
• Calories 380 calories
• Rating 4.8 1352
• Tags pizza monkey bread, pull apart bread, pepperoni pizza, party appetizer, easy baking

Ingredients

• 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated flaky layers biscuits
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
• 1 1/2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup mini pepperoni slices
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed (for dipping)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 10-inch Bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray or melted butter.
2. Open the biscuit cans and cut each of the 16 biscuits into four equal quarters using a sharp knife or kitchen shears.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Diamond Crystal kosher salt.
4. Toss the biscuit pieces in the butter mixture, using your hands to gently coat each piece thoroughly without squishing the dough.
5. Layer one-third of the buttered biscuit pieces into the bottom of the prepared Bundt pan, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella, pepperoni, and Parmesan.
6. Repeat the layering process twice more, ending with a final layer of cheese and pepperoni on top.
7. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes until the top is deeply golden brown and the center is fully baked through.
8. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving platter and serve warm with marinara sauce.

Notes

• We highly recommend Diamond Crystal kosher salt; if using Morton's kosher salt or fine table salt, cut the volume by half (use 1/2 teaspoon) to avoid over-salting.
• Low-moisture mozzarella is crucial here because fresh mozzarella releases too much water during baking, which ruins the protein matrix of the dough and leaves you with a soggy mess.
• Keep a close eye on the oven during the last 10 minutes of baking; if the top cheese layer starts to brown too quickly, tent the Bundt pan loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
• After a day in the fridge, the butter will solidify and the biscuits will lose their airy texture, but a quick 15-second zap in the microwave completely revives the gooey cheese.
• Avoid using lightweight, dark-coated bundt pans which absorb heat too rapidly and burn the exterior before the interior is done; a heavy cast-aluminum pan is best.

Serving Suggestions

This pull-apart bread is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven when the cheese is at its maximum stretchiness. Serve it alongside these delicious additions to make it a complete party spread:

• Warm marinara sauce or pizza sauce for dipping
• A side of crispy cheesy garlic cruffins for the ultimate carb feast
• A fresh, crisp green salad with Italian vinaigrette to cut through the richness
• A platter of Pizza Grilled Cheese triangles for a fun, kid-friendly pizza party
• Extra grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes on the side for sprinkling

Storage and Reheating

Let's be completely honest here: leftovers are rare.

But if you do find yourself with a few stray pieces, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Never use the microwave if you want to keep that crispy exterior.

Instead, place the leftover monkey bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes, which allows the butter to melt back into the dough and crisps up the pepperoni edges perfectly.

Your toaster oven works beautifully for this too.

Ingredient Substitutes

If you need to swap things out based on what is in your pantry, here are the easiest substitutions that won't ruin the recipe:

1. Biscuit Dough: You can use homemade pizza dough cut into 1-inch balls, though you may need to increase the bake time by 5 minutes.
2. Pepperoni: Cooked crumbled Italian sausage, chopped ham, or even finely diced bell peppers work wonderfully as a vegetarian option.
3. Garlic Powder: If you prefer fresh garlic, grate 3 cloves into the warm butter, but be careful not to let them burn.
4. Mozzarella: Provolone or Monterey Jack make excellent melty substitutes if you run out of mozzarella.

There is something incredibly satisfying about watching your friends gather around a warm platter, pulling off piece after piece of buttery, cheesy goodness. Bake this for your next gathering, keep an eye on that oven, and enjoy every single gooey bite!