Dive into the world of savory delights with the Cheesy Pizza Monkey Bread – a fun, flavorful, and utterly irresistible take on combining the gooey goodness of pizza with the tear-and-share joy of monkey bread. This recipe is a perfect party pleaser, game day snack, or a novel dinner idea that’s sure to gather everyone around the table. Let’s embark on a culinary journey to create this masterpiece, which is as much a joy to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 5 1/2 to 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- For the Filling:
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup pepperoni, chopped (optional for vegetarians)
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- For the Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Assembly:
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water and sprinkle yeast on top. Wait for 10 minutes until frothy.
- Add 5 cups flour, salt, and olive oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms. Knead on a floured surface, adding more flour as needed, until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
2. Make the Sauce:
- Combine tomato sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a saucepan. Simmer for 10 minutes. Let cool.
3. Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix the shredded mozzarella, chopped pepperoni, diced bell peppers, sliced black olives, and Italian seasoning.
4. Assemble the Monkey Bread:
- Punch down the dough and divide it into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Flatten each ball, place a small amount of filling in the center, and wrap the dough around it, sealing it closed.
- Dip each stuffed dough ball in melted butter, then roll in a mix of Parmesan and garlic powder.
- Arrange the dough balls in a greased bundt pan, layering them evenly.
5. Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cover the bundt pan with foil and bake for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a plate.
6. Serve:
Serve the Cheesy Pizza Monkey Bread warm, with the homemade sauce on the side for dipping. This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the cheese is still gooey and the crust is perfectly crisp. Encourage your guests to pull apart the bread with their hands for a fun and interactive dining experience. The combination of flavors and textures, from the soft bread to the melty cheese and savory fillings, makes every bite a delightful adventure.
What to Avoid
- Overproofing the Dough: Ensure the dough doesn’t overproof, as this can lead to a dense texture. The perfect proofing time will result in a light, airy bread that complements the rich, savory fillings. Keep an eye on the dough during the rising process and check it regularly.
- Overfilling: Be careful not to overfill the dough balls to avoid leaks during baking. While it’s tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, too much can cause the dough to break open, leading to a mess in your oven and a less than perfect presentation. Find a balance that allows for a generous amount of filling while still being able to seal the dough around it securely.
- Skipping the Cooling Time: Allowing the bread to cool for a few minutes makes it easier to handle and helps maintain its shape when served. Cutting or pulling apart the bread too soon after baking can cause the cheese to ooze out excessively, making it less enjoyable to eat. A brief cooling period lets the cheese set slightly, ensuring that each pull-apart piece is perfectly coated.
- Ignoring Dough Consistency: The consistency of your dough is crucial for the perfect monkey bread. It should be soft and pliable but not too sticky. If the dough is too wet, add a bit more flour; if too dry, a splash of water. The right consistency ensures the dough wraps easily around the fillings and bakes into a tender, fluffy bread.
- Neglecting Oven Temperature: Baking at the correct temperature is vital. An oven that’s too hot can burn the outside of the bread before the inside is cooked, while an oven that’s too cool may result in a doughy texture. Use an oven thermometer to verify your oven’s temperature accuracy for the best results.
By paying attention to these details, you can ensure that your Cheesy Pizza Monkey Bread turns out perfectly every time. Whether you’re serving it at a party, as a snack, or as a unique dinner option, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, offering a delicious twist on traditional pizza flavors in a fun, shareable format. Enjoy the process of making it and the joy of sharing it with friends and family.
The Cheesy Pizza Monkey Bread is a testament to the magic of combining simple ingredients in innovative ways to create something spectacularly delicious. It’s a communal, hands-on eating experience that brings joy and comfort, one pull-apart piece at a time. Perfect for any gathering, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit, filling the room with warmth, laughter, and the irresistible aroma of baked cheese and garlic. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s make mealtime fun and interactive with this cheesy delight!
