Pizza Monkey Bread

Tear-n-share bread, also called monkey bread, is a perfect party snack. And what better flavor to fill it with than pizza! Your party guests will have a hard time saying no to these pizza bites.

I love having some recipes in my repertoire that are fun and easy for kids to help make, and this one definitely fits the bill. It’s simple to put together and even more irresistible to eat.

Serve as a party snack, or make it a fun twist on family pizza night. Just be sure to make extra, as these will disappear fast!

Why is it called monkey bread? Because all those little monkeys will get their paws in there and tear into it! It’s also commonly called tear-and-share bread, but my kids always call it pizza monkey bread ’cause that’s just more fun.

Ingredients

The basic dough for pizza monkey bread is my dependable pizza dough recipe. One pizza dough recipe is enough for 2 of these monkey bread loaves.

Tip: Use the other half of the pizza dough to make a second pizza monkey bread loaf, or make it into a pizza or some calzones.

• Pizza dough. The dough is ready to use after it has risen for about an hour or has doubled in volume and is nicely domed on top.
• Pepperoni. You will need 24 slices of pepperoni. This could be the pre-sliced bulk version (the way I do it) or the kind you slice yourself. You could even try salami or prosciutto instead of pepperoni if you want to get a little more gourmet.
• Shredded mozzarella. You can go for the pre-shredded mozzarella to keep things simple, or buy a block of mozzarella and shred it yourself. You could use small blocks or balls of fresh mozzarella for a more gourmet version.
• Olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil, slightly warmed on the stovetop or microwave, to better absorb those delicious garlicky flavors. The oil and garlic brushed on the top of the finished bread will give it a golden glow when baking.
• Garlic. One finely minced clove of garlic, warmed with the olive oil.
• Parmesan cheese. 1/4 cup of grated parmesan for the top of the loaf lends an extra-comforting cheesy flavor.

Instructions

Before you start to work with the dough, get your baking pans ready. Line the bottom of an 8-inch round cake pan or spring form pan with parchment paper. You can cut a perfect circle by drawing a circle around the pan on the paper and cutting along the line.

Step 1 – Cut the dough. Take 1 pound of pizza dough, or half of the pizza dough recipe, and shape it into a roughly 6-inch square. Cut the square into four horizontal strips and three vertical strips to give you 12 more or less equal-sized pieces.

Step 2 – Form dough into balls. Shape each piece into a ball by tucking the edges under and pinching them underneath. Allow the balls to rest for about five minutes on the counter before working them in the next step.

Step 3 – Form dough into a disc. Press a dough ball into a flat disc about three inches in diameter. No need to use a rolling pin, just press the dough down with your fingers.

Step 4 – Fill. Place 1 pepperoni in the middle of the disc. Put 1 Tbsp of shredded mozzarella on top of the pepperoni, then put 1 more piece of pepperoni on top of that.

Step 5 – Close and repeat. Stretch the dough to cover the filling and pinch the edges together to form a good seal. Turn upside down so the messy edges are facing down, and place inside a prepared baking pan. Repeat with the remaining 11 dough balls.

Step 6 – Second rise (and preheat oven). Give the shaped rolls 45 minutes to 1 hour to rise. They won’t increase in volume dramatically, but they should puff up and squeeze together slightly in the pan. About 20 minutes before you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400°F.

Step 7 – Add toppings. Warm 1 Tbsp olive oil with minced garlic in the microwave for about 30 seconds, just long enough for the oil to start absorbing the garlic flavors. Brush onto the tops of the rolls with a pastry brush, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese.

Step 8 – Bake. Bake the pizza monkey bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until deeply golden-brown on top.

Step 9 – Serve. Allow monkey bread to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Serve with warm pizza sauce for dipping.

Thinking through timing

I find it helpful when baking bread to think about the recipe in terms of where each step will fit into the rhythm of my day.

When I’m making yeasted bread of any kind for dinner, including this pizza monkey bread, I mix up the dough right after lunch. That way, the dough has time to rise for an hour or two before I need to shape it and give it a second rise before baking.

Mid-afternoon, I’m ready to shape the monkey bread rolls. They get a second rise for another hour or so before baking for 30-35 minutes. So if I want dinner served at 6, shape the loaf at 4:00, into the oven at 5:20.

If you need to mix the dough the night before or in the morning before leaving the house, give it about 1/2 hour to rise before putting it in the refrigerator. Then take it out 1/2 hour before you plan to shape it before the second rise.

Leftovers

Leftovers will keep fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in a toaster oven for best results.