Pizza Monkey Bread: A Fun Twist on a Classic Favorite

Introduction

Looking for a quick and easy appetizer or snack that will tantalize your taste buds? Look no further than Pizza Monkey Bread! This delicious dish combines the flavors of pizza with the fun and interactive nature of monkey bread. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for parties, game nights, or even a casual family dinner.

Ingredients

Dough

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water
2 tablespoons olive oil

Filling

1 cup marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup chopped pepperoni or your favorite pizza toppings
1/4 cup melted butter
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well. Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough comes together. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan or a deep cake pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 4: Shape the Monkey Bread

Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Divide the dough into small pieces, about the size of a golf ball. Take each piece and flatten it with your hands. Place about a teaspoon of marinara sauce, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings in the center of the dough round. Fold the dough over to cover the filling and pinch the edges to seal. Roll the dough into a ball. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling ingredients.

Step 5: Assemble the Monkey Bread

Arrange the filled dough balls in the greased pan, layering them on top of each other. Make sure to leave some space between the balls as they will expand while baking. Pour any remaining marinara sauce over the top of the dough balls and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

In a small bowl, mix melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Drizzle this mixture over the dough balls. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Carefully invert the pan onto a serving plate, allowing the bread to release. Serve warm and enjoy!

Variations

Pizza Monkey Bread is incredibly versatile, and you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:

Vegetarian Pizza Monkey Bread: Skip the pepperoni and add a variety of veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives.
Hawaiian Pizza Monkey Bread: Use chopped ham and pineapple as the filling for a tropical twist.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza Monkey Bread: Replace the marinara sauce with buffalo sauce and use cooked shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce as the filling.
Four Cheese Pizza Monkey Bread: Combine different types of cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, and Parmesan for a cheesy delight.

Tips

Make sure your yeast is fresh and active for the dough to rise properly.
If you don’t have time to make homemade dough, you can use store-bought pizza dough or even refrigerated biscuit dough as a shortcut.
Feel free to experiment with different pizza toppings and sauces to create your favorite flavor combinations.
For a crispier texture, brush the dough balls with olive oil before baking.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Conclusion

Pizza Monkey Bread is a delightful twist on traditional pizza that will surely impress your family and friends. With its gooey cheese, flavorful fillings, and pillowy dough, it’s a fun and delicious treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a tasty snack, this recipe is sure to satisfy your pizza cravings in a unique and exciting way. Give it a try and watch it disappear in no time!

FAQs

1. Can I freeze Pizza Monkey Bread?

Yes, you can freeze Pizza Monkey Bread. After it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in the oven until heated through.

2. Can I make Pizza Monkey Bread in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling in advance and assemble the bread just before baking. Simply refrigerate the dough and filling separately in airtight containers. When ready to bake, bring the dough and filling to room temperature, assemble, and proceed with the recipe as directed.

3. Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese or even a combination of cheeses. Mozzarella is the classic choice for pizza, but you can also try cheddar, provolone, or any other melting cheese you prefer.

4. Can I use a different pan instead of a bundt pan?

Yes, if you don’t have a bundt pan, you can use a deep cake pan, a casserole dish, or even a muffin tin. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as smaller pans may require less time to bake.