When I set down the plate of Pizza Monkey Bread this weekend for my husband and kids to try, they all stared at it before diving in. Soon, they were murmuring with glee in between big mouthfuls, remarking on how tasty it was. That's what Mama likes to hear!
I left shortly after to run to the store. When I returned, I was shocked … more than half of the loaf of monkey bread had disappeared! I think it's fair to say that they adored this version.
There are so many wonderful ways to transform the pull apart treat known as Monkey Bread into something new and special. For instance, Savory Parmesan Garlic Monkey Bread is perfect for serving with dinner in lieu of rolls. Meanwhile, my Sweet Whole Wheat Monkey Bread makes a delicious and decadent dessert that's simple to whip up.
What you'll need
- cooking oil spray
- flour (for dusting)
- 2 balls of pizza dough (from your grocer's deli or bakery area), chilled
- 16 ounces pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
1. Want more cheese? Mix the mozzarella with ½ cup grated parmesan and then use as directed above. 2. This can get a little messy for little hands, so be sure to have plates and napkins ready before serving.
Yield: 8 servings
How to make it
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
Turn the dough out onto a floured cutting board.
Tear off a piece of dough and roll it into a long log, about 1-inch in circumference. Keep making logs until all the dough has been used. Then, use a pizza cutter (or sharp knife) to cut the logs into 1-inch pieces (as pictured).
Use a little butter to grease the inside of a bundt cake pan (all over). Sprinkle flour in and shake the pan to coat it; it's best to do this over a bowl or the sink, as it can get a little messy.
Arrange the dough in the pan. Using one piece of dough at a time, dip each piece in the beaten egg and place it into the bundt cake pan. Once the first layer of dough is down, spoon some pizza sauce on top and sprinkle with cheese. Continue making one layer at a time, pausing to sprinkle salt between dough layers. Repeat until all the dough has been used.
Slide the pan into the oven and cook for 35 - 45 minutes, until dough is cooked through and a rich brown crust forms on top.
Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then loosen with a knife and turn over onto a plate.
Brush the cooked monkey bread with a little butter and sprinkle with additional salt before serving.
