Beyond Pizza Night: The Versatility of Savory Monkey Bread

This delightful frozen bread dough monkey bread is far more versatile than just a weeknight pizza alternative. Imagine serving it as a standout dish for a celebratory brunch, a comforting addition to holiday gatherings, or even as a special treat on Christmas morning! The secret lies in the quality of the dough: the Bridgford Parkerhouse-style roll dough bakes up beautifully, achieving a soft, fluffy texture that cradles the delicious fillings. Each layer of melted cheese, savory pepperoni, and vibrant vegetables melds together to create a pull-apart treat that’s simply perfect for sharing and brings smiles to everyone at the table.

Searching for a simple yet impressive appetizer that will genuinely wow your guests? Look no further than this pizza monkey bread recipe. Serve it alongside a warm bowl of marinara sauce for an extra dipping indulgence, or offer a side of garlic butter to elevate the flavors even further. It’s a delicious and creative twist on classic monkey bread recipes, transforming a sweet staple into a savory sensation. Whether it’s for a lively party, an elegant brunch, or just a relaxing family night in, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit and become a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Pizza Monkey Bread with Frozen Dough

This savory monkey bread isn’t just another dish; it’s a delightful experience that brings joy to every occasion. Here are several compelling reasons why this particular recipe will quickly become a household favorite:

• A Family Favorite and Kid-Friendly Delight: This monkey pizza bread recipe is an absolute winner with children of all ages. The interactive pull-apart nature makes it fun to eat, and the irresistible combination of gooey cheese, flavorful sauce, and savory pepperoni ensures that these rolls disappear in no time. It’s a fantastic way to get even the pickiest eaters excited about mealtime, offering a playful twist on a classic comfort food that everyone can enjoy.
• Perfect for Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinners: In our fast-paced lives, having a reliable meal that is both filling and delicious, yet incredibly quick to prepare, is invaluable. This recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s not just kid-approved; it’s mom-approved too! Because it uses frozen bread dough, you skip the lengthy process of kneading and proofing yeast, significantly cutting down on prep time. This makes it an ideal solution for those busy evenings when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• The Ultimate Comfort Food Experience: As the cooler seasons of fall and winter approach, there’s nothing quite like a warm, melty dish to provide comfort and coziness. This hot and cheesy pull-apart bread delivers that ultimate comfort food experience. Each warm, doughy piece, bursting with savory fillings, is like a comforting hug on a plate. It’s perfect for snuggling up indoors, making any evening feel a little more special and warm.
• Incredibly Versatile for Any Occasion: While it excels as a quick dinner, its pull-apart nature makes it an excellent choice for parties, game days, holiday brunches, or even a casual movie night. It’s designed to be shared, encouraging communal enjoyment and conversation. The ability to customize the fillings also adds to its versatility, allowing you to tailor it to specific tastes or dietary needs.
• Impressive Presentation, Minimal Effort: Despite its elaborate appearance, this dish requires minimal effort thanks to the frozen dough. You get all the visual appeal of a carefully crafted meal with the convenience of a semi-homemade solution. This makes it ideal for when you want to impress guests without the stress of complex cooking.

Essential Ingredients and Smart Substitutions for Your Pizza Monkey Bread

Crafting the perfect savory pizza monkey bread begins with selecting high-quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and some clever substitutions to suit your preferences:

• Bridgford Parkerhouse Style Rolls Dough: This is the hero ingredient that makes this recipe incredibly simple and delicious. These pre-made frozen rolls eliminate the need for any complex dough preparation, offering a convenient shortcut without compromising on quality. Bridgford takes care of all the hard work, using quality non-GMO ingredients to produce soft, fluffy, and flavorful dough that bakes up beautifully every time. Their consistent quality ensures a perfect pull-apart texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter in this recipe is key to controlling the overall salt content of your dish. Pizza ingredients like pepperoni and cheese can be quite salty on their own, so unsalted butter allows you to adjust the seasoning precisely to your taste, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
• Pizza Sauce or Marinara: A good quality pizza sauce forms the flavorful foundation of this monkey bread. However, for an elevated taste experience, consider using a rich marinara sauce. You can even try our super quick homemade marinara sauce recipe for a fresher, more robust flavor that truly enhances the dish.
• Vegetables (Optional): Our recipe includes finely chopped onions, shredded carrots, and diced bell peppers to add a nutritional boost and a delightful layer of flavor and texture. These are entirely optional, so feel free to customize with your family’s favorite vegetables or omit them if preferred. Other excellent additions could include sliced black olives, mushrooms, or even finely chopped spinach. We’ll share a tip later on how to subtly incorporate veggies for picky eaters!
• Bridgford Pepperoni: We are big fans of Bridgford’s pepperoni slices for their excellent flavor and consistent quality. While pepperoni is a classic choice for pizza monkey bread, don’t hesitate to experiment! You can easily substitute it with other favorite pizza meats like salami, cooked sausage crumbles, or even pre-cooked chicken breast for a different twist. For a vegetarian option, simply load up on more cheese and veggies.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella, with its superior melting qualities and creamy texture, is highly recommended for the best results. However, if convenience is your priority, pre-shredded mozzarella cheese works perfectly well and will still provide that wonderful cheesy pull. A blend of mozzarella and provolone can also add an extra layer of flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: A good quality dried Italian seasoning blend brings all the classic pizza flavors together. If you prefer, you can create your own custom blend using dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, and parsley. This allows you to tailor the herb profile exactly to your liking, adding an aromatic depth to every bite.

Key Equipment for Your Pizza Monkey Bread Project

You won’t need a lot of specialized kitchen tools to bring this fantastic savory monkey bread to life. Here’s a short list of the essential equipment:

• 2-pound Loaf Pan (or alternatives): A standard 2-pound loaf pan is ideal for achieving the classic monkey bread shape. However, this recipe is highly adaptable. You can easily use a 9-inch square baking dish for a flatter, more casserole-like presentation, or even a 10-inch cast iron skillet for a rustic touch and excellent heat distribution that helps create a wonderfully crispy bottom. Choose what works best for your kitchen and presentation style.
• Non-stick Cooking Spray (or butter): Essential for preparing your baking dish. This ensures that your delicious pull-apart pizza bread doesn’t stick and can be easily removed and served, maintaining its beautiful shape. Butter or parchment paper can also be used for greasing.
• Sharp Kitchen Shears or Knife: You’ll need these to efficiently cut the frozen dough rolls into smaller, more manageable pieces, which is key to creating those delightful pull-apart layers.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Useful for tossing dough pieces with melted butter or sauce, ensuring even coating.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Irresistible Pizza Monkey Bread

Creating this delicious pizza monkey bread with frozen bread dough is a straightforward process. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfect, cheesy, pull-apart masterpiece:

1. Prepare Your Dough for Layering: Begin by thawing your Bridgford Parkerhouse-style rolls according to the package instructions. It’s crucial that they are thawed but still cold, making them easier to handle and cut. Once thawed, use sharp kitchen shears or a knife to cut each individual dough ball in half. This crucial step ensures you can create multiple delightful layers of all those delicious ingredients, leading to a more evenly distributed flavor and a truly “pull-apart” experience.




2. Finely Chop and (Optionally) Soften Your Veggies: For a truly kid-friendly pizza monkey bread where vegetables seamlessly blend in, aim to finely chop or shred your carrots and bell peppers. If you have particularly picky eaters, or if you prefer a softer texture, you can pre-soften the vegetables. Place the finely diced or shredded veggies in a microwave-safe dish with about 2 tablespoons of water. Cover the dish with a lid (or plastic wrap) and microwave on high for approximately 2 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.




After softening, simply stir the cooked veggies directly into your prepared pizza or marinara sauce. This brilliant method helps them disappear into the sauce, making it incredibly simple to encourage children to consume more vegetables without even noticing!




3. Assemble Your Cheesy Layers: Lightly grease your chosen baking pan (loaf pan, square dish, or cast iron skillet) with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Begin by dipping each half-dough ball into the melted butter, ensuring it’s lightly coated, then arrange about one-third of these dough pieces in a single layer at the bottom of the pan. Over this first layer, evenly distribute half of your chopped pepperoni, half of the prepared vegetables (if using), 1/2 cup of pizza sauce, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Repeat this layering process: another layer of butter-dipped dough, half of the mozzarella cheese cubes, the remaining vegetables, and another 1/2 cup of sauce. For the final top layer, use the remaining dough, tucking the rest of the cheese cubes between the dough pieces and sprinkling with the remaining pepperoni. Finally, pour the last 1/2 cup of sauce evenly over the top, ensuring everything is well-covered.
4. Allow for a Proper Rise: This is a crucial step for achieving that wonderfully fluffy texture. Once your dish is fully assembled, sprinkle the remaining dried Italian seasoning over the top. Then, cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Place the pan in a warm, dry location and let the dough rise at room temperature for about an hour. The dough balls will visibly expand, becoming light and airy. This rising period is essential for developing the dough’s texture before baking.




5. Bake to Golden, Bubbly Perfection: Once the dough has sufficiently risen (or come to room temperature if prepared ahead), remove the plastic wrap or towel. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Cover the top of your baking pan loosely with aluminum foil. This prevents the top from browning too quickly while the internal dough cooks through. Place the covered pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, carefully open the oven door and remove the foil. Close the oven door and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is wonderfully bubbly, melted, and golden brown, and the top of the loaf is perfectly golden. This two-stage baking ensures a thoroughly cooked, perfectly cheesy, and beautifully golden finish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pizza Monkey Bread

Why is my monkey bread doughy in the center?

If you find that your pizza monkey bread is doughy in the center after baking, it typically means it’s still slightly undercooked. Don’t worry, it’s an easy fix! Simply cover the top of the pan loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning, and return it to the oven. Continue baking in 5-10 minute intervals, checking until the center is fully cooked through and no longer doughy. A toothpick inserted into a central piece should come out clean, and the internal temperature should reach around 200-210°F (93-99°C).

Is it safe to thaw frozen rolls at room temperature?

Yes, Bridgford frozen roll dough is specifically designed to be safe to thaw at room temperature for rising purposes! Always refer to the package for complete and detailed directions to ensure optimal results. Alternatively, for a slower thaw, you can place the frozen rolls in your refrigerator overnight. This method often results in a more controlled rise and can be convenient for meal planning.

Can I add vegetables to pizza bread without cooking them first?

Absolutely! You can certainly add finely chopped or shredded vegetables directly to your pizza monkey bread without pre-cooking them. The heat of the oven during the baking process will cook the vegetables perfectly, making them tender and flavorful within the bread. For larger or harder vegetables, or if you prefer a very soft texture, a quick sauté or microwave steam (as described in the “How-To” section) can be beneficial, especially for picky eaters.

How do I store leftovers and can I reheat them?

Storing leftover pizza monkey bread is simple. Place any remaining portions in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, you have a few options: warm individual servings in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. For crispier edges and a revitalized texture, reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes. This will bring back some of that freshly baked quality.

Can I freeze this pizza monkey bread?

Yes, this dish is wonderfully suited for freezing, offering fantastic convenience! You have two main options:

• Freeze Before Baking: After assembling the entire monkey bread in its pan (before the final rise), cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1-2 months. When ready to bake, thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight, then allow it to come to room temperature before baking as you normally would.
• Freeze Leftovers: Any leftover baked pizza monkey bread can also be frozen. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1-2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.

More Easy Pizza Recipes to Elevate Your Meal

If you loved this twist on pizza night, explore more of our easy and delicious pizza-inspired recipes that are perfect for any occasion:

• Quick Neapolitan Pizza Dough Recipe
• Effortless Bisquick Pizza Crust
• Flavorful Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough Recipe
• Simple Pizza Using Frozen Dough

Full Recipe: Savory Pizza Monkey Bread with Frozen Dough

Author: Renae Gerhardstein

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars from 28 votes

Summary: Kick off the back-to-school season or elevate any gathering with this fun and flavorful pizza monkey bread, made easily with frozen bread dough! This savory pull-apart dish is the perfect crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Course:

Entree

Cuisine:

American

Servings:

8

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cook Time:

35 minutes

Rise Time:

30 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour 25 minutes

Calories:

459 kcal

Equipment

• 2-pound loaf pan (or 9-inch square baking dish, or 10-inch cast iron skillet)
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Sharp kitchen shears or knife
• Large mixing bowl

Ingredients

• 25 ounces Bridgford Parkerhouse style rolls, thawed but still cold
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (4 Tbsp = 2 oz = 1/2 stick)
• 1 ½ cups pizza sauce or marinara sauce
• ½ small carrot, peeled and finely chopped, divided (optional)
• ¼ bell pepper, cleaned and finely chopped, divided (optional)
• 24 slices Bridgford pepperoni, cut into fourths (optional)
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or other dried seasoning of choice

Instructions

1. Follow package instructions for thawing frozen rolls; ensure they are thawed but still cold when you start.
2. Prepare your chosen baking pan (loaf pan, square dish, or skillet) by greasing it thoroughly with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
3. Using sharp kitchen shears or a knife, cut each thawed dough roll into 2 equal-sized pieces. Lightly dip each small dough ball into the melted butter and arrange approximately one-third of these pieces in a single layer at the bottom of your prepared pan.
4. Evenly distribute half of the cut pepperoni pieces over the dough layer. Sprinkle half of the finely chopped carrots and bell pepper (if using) over the pepperoni, followed by 1/2 cup of pizza or marinara sauce. Finish this layer with a pinch of Italian seasoning.
5. For the second layer, dip about half of the remaining dough balls in melted butter and arrange them in a single layer over the ingredients already in the pan. Place half of the mozzarella cheese cubes on top of this dough layer, then sprinkle the remaining carrots and bell pepper over them, followed by another 1/2 cup of sauce.
6. For the final top layer, repeat the process with the remaining butter-dipped dough balls. Arrange them in the pan, then tuck the remaining cheese cubes between the dough pieces, along with the remaining pepperoni slices. Pour the last 1/2 cup of sauce evenly over the entire top layer.
7. Sprinkle the remaining dried Italian seasoning evenly over the top of your unbaked monkey bread loaf. Cover the pan loosely with a kitchen towel or a sheet of plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, dry location for approximately 30 minutes.
   *Make-Ahead Tip: If you prefer to prepare this dish in advance, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 to 10 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let it come to room temperature before proceeding.
8. Once the dough has risen (or reached room temperature if made ahead), remove the plastic wrap or towel. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Cover the top of the pan loosely with aluminum foil.
9. Place the covered pan of pull-apart rolls in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes. After this time, carefully open the oven door and remove the foil from the pan. Close the oven door and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden, and the top of the loaf has achieved a beautiful golden-brown color. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes & Tips for Success

• Make-Ahead Instructions: To prepare this savory monkey bread in advance, cover the assembled pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 to 10 hours. Before baking, remove from the fridge and allow the dough to reach room temperature.
• Freezing Instructions: This dish freezes beautifully, either before baking or as leftovers. If freezing before baking, thaw in the refrigerator before following the baking steps.
• Recipe Variations:
  • Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables. Olives, minced garlic, artichoke hearts, fresh basil, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes are all excellent additions. You can finely chop them or even blend them into the sauce to “hide” them for picky eaters.
  • Choose Your Protein: While pepperoni is classic, consider other pre-cooked options like shredded chicken breast, browned sausage, salami, or prosciutto for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and load up on extra veggies and cheese.
  • Sauce Experimentation: Don’t limit yourself to red sauce! BBQ sauce, a creamy white sauce (like our Bechamel Cheese Sauce), or a simple garlic olive oil base can completely transform this dish.
• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover pizza monkey bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warm, or in an oven/air fryer for crispier edges.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 459 kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 1193mg | Potassium: 199mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1323 IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 158mg | Iron: 2mg