Pepperoni Pesto Cheesy Monkey Bread Recipe

Ingredients

2 packages (16 ounce) pizza dough (premade, you can always make your own - see note below)
6 to 7 ounces pepperoni (small diced)
8 ounces fresh mozzarella (cut in 1/2" pieces (you can also use the small fresh mozzarella balls)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/4 to 1/3 cup pesto (basil)
Garnish
1 cup marinara sauce (warm)

Nutritional

Serving Size: 1 (187.1 g)
Calories 545.3
Total Fat - 28.4 g
Saturated Fat - 11.8 g
Cholesterol - 66.7 mg
Sodium - 1330.6 mg
Total Carbohydrate - 45.9 g
Dietary Fiber - 2.4 g
Sugars - 2.1 g
Protein - 24.7 g
Calcium - 321.9 mg
Iron - 3.4 mg
Vitamin C - 1.3 mg
Thiamin - 0.5 mg

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Note: Pizza dough - you can make your own, buy some from a local pizza shop, any brand from the dairy aisle; or, even a frozen brand. If frozen; simply follow package directions to thaw. Personally, I usually use the frozen brand; or, I get some from a local pizza shop.

Step 2

Pan ... Now, I use a bundt pan; you can also use a tube pan. Make sure to evenly coat the pan with a non-stick spray.

Step 3

Pesto and Balls ... Add the pesto to a wide bowl for dipping. For the Pizza Dough Balls - I like to take a knife or spoon, whichever works best for you; and, take about a heaping tablespoon of the dough - stuff one of the pieces of mozzarella into the dough; and, roll the dough around the cheese forming a ball. Try not to over work it ... it doesn't have to be perfect. Then, dip the ball into the pesto - just until lightly coated.

Step 4

Layers ... Place the dipped dough balls (about 1/3 of them) into the bottom of the pan, covering it well. Then, add some of the pepperoni and parmesan cheese; (about half each). Next, another 1/3 of the dough balls, the remaining pepperoni and parmesan; then, finish with the remaining dough balls.

Step 5

Bake ... In a 375 degree preheated oven, middle shelf; for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.

Step 6

Serve and ENJOY! ... Let it set covered with foil for 5 minutes; then, flip over/out on to a cutting board, and serve. Make sure to serve a bowl of warm marinara for dipping. Let everyone tear the pizza balls apart; and dig in. Truly addictive!

Step 7

Note: If you don't like pepperoni, you could always use diced ham; or, even do a vegetarian version with sauteed mushrooms, olives, or roasted red peppers. Use your imagination.