Are you looking for a great appetizer for the next game day? Or how about an appetizer the whole family is going to love? I promise everyone will thank you when you pull this delicious Pull-Apart Pizza Bread Recipe from the oven. It is fun to eat and so delicious.
What makes this the perfect party appetizer?
This is not your typical monkey bread type recipe, it is so much more! It is savory monkey bread. The moment you smell the smell of this bread and see the cheesy pull, you will love it just as much as we do.
Well, first of all, it is pizza. Who doesn't love pizza? It is a delicious blend of tender pizza dough, mozzarella cheese, and herbs. All coming together to form the perfect appetizer the entire family will love!
It is one of those simple recipes to make. This is a great recipe to make with your kids. It is simple to do for little hands and something they will feel proud of making.
This bread is a fun food to eat. There is something really satisfying about tearing off chunks of this bread!
Ingredients
- Pizza Dough- I am including my recipe below, but you can also buy it premade to save time. I have seen recipes that use biscuit dough, but trust me, those are not as good!
- Mozzarella cheese- It is best to grate own, it melts so much better. This takes several cups of mozzarella cheese. Don't worry, it will not be too much when it is baked with the dough and herbs.
- Parmesan cheese- it only takes a small amount of parmesan cheese, but it is worth it.
- Pepperoni- This is all my family likes to add in for meat. You could also do Canadian bacon or even Italian sausage. Also, know you can always add in any of your favorite pizza toppings. Those mini pepperoni slices would be great for this. I did not have any when I was photographing this, so I used the full size. I also used turkey pepperoni. It is a little lower in fat.
- Garlic powder, oregano, basil- you can use dried or fresh herbs. I used dried as that is what I had on hand. Fresh basil is a favorite herb of mine. You can also use Italian seasoning too. I will include those measurements in the recipe. If you like a little spice, which we do, you can also add in red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Olive oil- you could also use butter if you prefer, but I like the oil.
- Marinara sauce- This is used for a dipping sauce. You could also use garlic butter as well. My boys love that!
How To Make
Start by making your dough the day ahead if you can. I like to give my pizza dough a cool rise when possible. If you do not have the time, don't worry.
Form your dough into about 1 ½ inch balls. Place the balls and the other ingredients, minus the marinara, in a large bowl.
Gently mix with a rubber spatula until everything is well blended.
Spoon all of it evenly into a greased bundt pan. I like to use nonstick cooking spray, but you can also use softened butter if you prefer.
Cover and let this rise in a cool place until it is doubled. If you are using chilled dough, just know it will take a little longer.
Once it is doubled, remove the covering and bake until it is a beautiful golden brown color.
That is it, the pizza monkey bread is done! It really is one of those easy recipes that everyone loves.
Serve it warm with your heated pizza sauce (marinara). I like to serve the marinara in a small bowl beside the pull-apart pizza bread. Then, dip to your heart's delight while watching the big game!
Notes
The total time on making this recipe will depend on several things. If the dough is warm, it will take less time to rise. The same thing if your house is warm. The dough will rise more quickly.
I baked mine in a Nordicware bundt pan, but you can use any type you like. I have also heard a cast iron bundt pan is nice to use. Mine is cast aluminum.
This is one of those great recipes you can really customize. Add is your favorite toppings and make it with the pizza flavors you and your family love.
This isn't just good for watching the game on tv. Tired of just eating popcorn with your movie night? Add in this pull-apart pizza recipe.
FAQ
You sure don't. This dough can be made and baked on the same day.
How about a spicy oil? I love adding crushed red pepper, black pepper, and cayenne to a little olive oil. It is spicy and delicious for dipping. You could also use an alfredo too if you like.
No problem! This is just as easily baked in a 9x13 pan.
Other Appetizer Ideas
- Shrimp and Avocado Crostini
- Filet Crostini
- Marinated Mozzarella
- Roasted Tomato Caprese
- Broccoli Cheese Bites
Pizza Pull Apart Bread
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 21/2-3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Pizza ingredients
- 2 ½ cups grated mozzarella This is a variable depending on how much cheese you want. You can always add in more if you like it really cheesy!
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- ½-1 cup sliced pepperoni you could also use Canadian bacon, or even leave it vegetarian and add veggies to it
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon each- garlic powder, basil, and oregano You can also use 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning if you prefer and ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
- 2-4 cups marinara This is for dipping after.
Instructions
- Make sure to read all instructions through before starting.
- Combine all dough ingredients in a stand mixer with a dough hook, only add 2 ½ cups of flour, to begin with.
- Mix for about a minute on medium, and decide if you need more flour. If you do, only add in ½ cup at a time.
- Mix for 6 minutes on medium until the dough is smooth. Transfer to a greased bowl that is large enough the dough can double in. Cover and place in the fridge.
- If you are baking the same day, cover and let it rise until it is doubled. Then follow the steps below.
- On the day of baking, remove the dough from the fridge. Form into 1 ½-inch balls. They don't have to be perfectly shaped as they will change while they rise and bake.
- Add them to a large bowl, and mix in the grated mozzarella, parmesan, herbs, pepperoni, and olive oil. Mix gently with a rubber spatula so you don't break it up.
- Spray your pan with nonstick pan spray. This is important, as you do not want the bread to stick. Then scoop the mixture into the pan.
- Cover and let this rise in a warm place until is doubled. While it is rising, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- When it is ready, bake until it is golden brown on the top and pulls away slightly form the edges.
- Remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes in the pan. Then place a plate on top and flip it over. If it doesn't come out right away, flip it back over and carefully run a knife on the sides to loosen it.
- This is best served hot, but I can also tell you, if you don't finish it in one sitting, it is really good reheated in the next few days.
- Also, I like to heat the marinara for dipping. Hot bread, hot marinara work really weel together.
- Now, sit back and enjoy. You deserve it!