Name: Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 cans (16 ounces each) refrigerated biscuit dough or pizza dough, cut into small pieces; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 package (6 ounces) pepperoni slices, cut into halves or quarters; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

If you love the chewy goodness of pizza and the shareable fun of monkey bread, then this Pizza Monkey Bread recipe is going to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine golden, buttery pockets packed with mozzarella, pepperoni, and aromatic Italian spices, all baked together into a gooey, pull-apart masterpiece. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just craving a snack that hits all the right savory notes, this Pizza Monkey Bread is a showstopper that keeps everyone reaching for more.

Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role in creating the perfect Pizza Monkey Bread. From the tender biscuit dough that gives it fluff and structure, to the flavorful cheeses and spices that make each bite irresistible, the combination is simple yet powerful.

Biscuit dough or pizza dough: Using refrigerated biscuit dough makes preparation easy and keeps the texture soft and pillowy, but pizza dough can be used for a chewier bite.
Mozzarella cheese: Two cups of shredded mozzarella add that iconic melty stretch and creamy richness.
Parmesan cheese: A half cup of grated Parmesan brings a sharp, savory kick that deepens flavor complexity.
Pepperoni slices: Pepperoni cut into halves or quarters ensures every piece has meaty, spicy bursts throughout.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter coats each dough piece, contributing moistness and that classic monkey bread shine.
Olive oil: Added to the butter for subtle richness and helps blend those garlic and herbs smoothly.
Garlic cloves: Three cloves minced to infuse a punch of aromatic warmth into the butter mixture.
Italian seasoning: A teaspoon of this blends fragrant herbs like oregano and basil, highlighting the pizza flavors.
Garlic and onion powder: Half a teaspoon each to round out the savory profile without overpowering.
Red pepper flakes (optional): A quarter teaspoon adds a gentle heat that can be skipped or doubled depending on your spice tolerance.

How to Make Pizza Monkey Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter

Start by melting the unsalted butter and mixing it with olive oil in a small bowl. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine. This fragrant butter mixture will be the magic that coats the dough pieces and infuses every bite with flavor.

Step 2: Cut and Toss the Dough

Open your biscuit dough cans and cut each biscuit into halves or quarters, depending on the size you want your pull-apart pieces to be. For pizza dough, roll it out and cut into bite-sized chunks. Place the dough pieces into a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Coat Dough Pieces

Pour the garlic herb butter mixture over the dough pieces and gently toss them until everything is evenly coated. This step ensures every pocket of dough will be moist, buttery, and packed with savory flavor.

Step 4: Layer Cheese and Pepperoni

In a greased bundt pan or a deep round baking dish, start layering the coated dough chunks with shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and pepperoni slices. Alternate layers so every bite offers a balance of gooey cheese and spicy pepperoni surrounded by buttery dough.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the assembled Pizza Monkey Bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown, the cheese is bubbling, and the aroma fills your kitchen with pure happiness.

How to Serve Pizza Monkey Bread

Garnishes

For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or oregano over the top right after baking. This adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese and buttery dough. For extra indulgence, drizzle a little marinara sauce on the side for dipping or spoon some over the top.

Side Dishes

Pair your Pizza Monkey Bread with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or serve alongside some roasted veggies to balance the richness. It also complements a bowl of tomato soup perfectly, making for a cozy, comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive party, place the monkey bread on a large platter and surround it with small bowls of various dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or spicy marinara aioli. You can also bake in individual muffin tins for mini-sized Pizza Monkey Bread bites, ideal for grab-and-go snacking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Pizza Monkey Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping it covered maintains the soft texture and prevents drying out, so each bite stays as indulgent as the first.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked assembled Pizza Monkey Bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to one month. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed. This is a fantastic option for prepping ahead for busy days or unexpected guests.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the dough regains its softness and the cheese melts again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the dough chewy instead of tender and fluffy.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free dough for Pizza Monkey Bread?

Absolutely! You can substitute gluten-free biscuit or pizza dough to accommodate dietary needs just keep an eye on the baking time, as gluten-free doughs sometimes require slight adjustments.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the pepperoni and add extra veggies like sliced olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms to keep the pizza flavors vibrant and hearty.

Can I prepare Pizza Monkey Bread in advance?

Definitely. You can assemble it the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Then bake it fresh the next day for the best texture and flavor.

How spicy is the red pepper flakes addition?

The quarter teaspoon adds just a mild warmth that most people enjoy, but you can adjust the quantity or leave it out entirely if you prefer no heat.

What’s the best pan to use for baking Pizza Monkey Bread?

A bundt pan works wonderfully because it shapes the bread into a fun ring, but any deep, oven-safe round dish will work just as well to hold all the layers.

Final Thoughts

Pizza Monkey Bread is truly a delightful twist on classic flavors that turns pizza night into a hands-on, crowd-pleasing celebration. Its gooey cheese, spicy pepperoni, and buttery layers make every bite a little party. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it vanish from your table in no time—your friends and family will thank you!

Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 13 reviews

Pizza Monkey Bread is a fun, pull-apart appetizer perfect for sharing. Made with refrigerated biscuit or pizza dough, layers of mozzarella, Parmesan, pepperoni, and flavorful seasonings come together baked in butter and olive oil for a cheesy, savory treat that’s easy to prepare and impossible to resist.

Author: Nora
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

2 cans (16 ounces each) refrigerated biscuit dough or pizza dough, cut into small pieces

Cheese & Meat

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 package (6 ounces) pepperoni slices, cut into halves or quarters

Seasoned Butter Mixture

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

Instructions

Prepare the seasoned butter mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
Prepare the dough pieces: Cut the refrigerated biscuit or pizza dough into bite-sized pieces if not already pre-cut. Place the dough pieces in a large mixing bowl.
Coat dough in seasoned butter: Pour about half of the seasoned butter mixture over the dough pieces, tossing them gently with clean hands or a spoon to coat evenly.
Layer dough, cheese, and pepperoni: Grease a bundt pan or deep oven-safe dish with butter or non-stick spray. Place a layer of coated dough balls in the bottom, sprinkle some mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and scatter some pepperoni pieces. Repeat layering until all dough, cheese, and pepperoni are used, finishing with cheese on top.
Drizzle remaining seasoned butter: Pour the remaining seasoned butter mixture over the layered dough and toppings to ensure flavor and crispiness.
Bake until golden and bubbly: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled monkey bread for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cool slightly and serve: Remove from oven and allow the monkey bread to cool for 5 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Serve warm for a delicious pull-apart appetizer or snack.

Notes

Substitute biscuit dough with pre-made pizza dough for a chewier texture.
Add extra veggies like chopped bell peppers or olives between layers for variation.
Serve with marinara or ranch dipping sauce for an extra flavor punch.
Use gloves when tossing dough in seasoned butter to keep hands clean and evenly coat pieces.
Store leftovers tightly covered and reheat in the oven for best texture.