This Pull-Apart Pizza Bread is undoubtedly one of those dishes that quickly warms the entire house. I cooked it for the first time last weekend after my sister insisted, “You have to try this—it disappears in minutes!” She wasn’t lying. Everyone was reaching for another piece before the opening credits had finished when I cooked it for a laid-back family movie night. My family member who typically says they “aren’t that hungry” was unable to resist taking one more corny taste.
The simplicity of this recipe is what I adore most about it. Spending hours in the kitchen or rolling out pizza dough are not necessary. Bite-sized pieces of dough are simply layered..
Anti-Inflammatory Pull-Apart Pizza Bread (Pizza Monkey Bread)
Description
This Anti-Inflammatory Pull-Apart Pizza Bread is a healthier twist on the classic cheesy party favorite. Instead of refined dough and processed ingredients, this version uses whole-grain or sourdough bread, extra-virgin olive oil, antioxidant-rich herbs, colorful vegetables, and nitrate-free turkey or chicken pepperoni (optional). Every bite is cheesy, flavorful, and easy to pull apart, making it perfect for family dinners, game nights, or holiday gatherings.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 1 large loaf whole-grain sourdough or whole-wheat artisan bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Pizza Filling
- 1 cup low-sodium pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms
- ¼ cup chopped spinach
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
- ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- ½ cup nitrate-free turkey pepperoni or grilled chicken (optional)
Topping
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a bundt pan or tube pan with olive oil.
Step 2: Season the Bread
In a large bowl combine:
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Oregano
- Basil
- Turmeric
- Smoked paprika
- Black pepper
Add bread cubes and toss until evenly coated.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Layer into the pan:
- Bread cubes
- Pizza sauce
- Mozzarella
- Vegetables
- Turkey pepperoni (if using)
Repeat until all ingredients are used.
Finish with Parmesan and remaining mozzarella.
Step 4: Bake
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Allow to cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
Sprinkle with parsley and Italian seasoning.
Serve warm.
Why It’s Anti-Inflammatory
This healthier pizza bread contains ingredients known to support an anti-inflammatory eating pattern:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Rich in heart-healthy polyphenols.
- Turmeric – Contains curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory compound.
- Garlic & Onion – Packed with beneficial sulfur compounds.
- Bell Peppers & Spinach – High in vitamins A and C plus antioxidants.
- Whole-Grain Bread – Provides fiber to support gut health.
- Herbs – Oregano and basil contain natural antioxidants.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Marinara dipping sauce
- Greek yogurt ranch dip
- Fresh basil pesto
- Mixed green salad
- Tomato cucumber salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Minestrone soup
- Grilled chicken
- Sparkling lemon water
Delicious Variations
Mediterranean
- Feta cheese
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Spinach
- Artichokes
- Kalamata olives
Veggie Supreme
- Broccoli
- Zucchini
- Mushrooms
- Bell peppers
- Spinach
Chicken Pesto
- Grilled chicken
- Basil pesto
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
Buffalo Chicken
- Shredded chicken
- Buffalo sauce
- Light mozzarella
- Greek yogurt drizzle
Vegan
- Plant-based cheese
- Dairy-free pesto
- Mushrooms
- Spinach
- Chickpeas
Gluten-Free
Use certified gluten-free bread and gluten-free pizza sauce.
Storage
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze individual portions for 2 months.
Reheat:
- Oven: 350°F for 10 minutes
- Air fryer: 4–5 minutes
- Microwave: 1 minute
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 295
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Calcium: 260mg
- Vitamin C: 22% DV
- Iron: 10% DV
Nutrition will vary depending on the bread, cheese, and toppings used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the bread up to 24 hours in advance, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Can I use biscuit dough instead of bread?
Yes, but whole-grain bread offers more fiber and is generally a healthier choice.
What cheese melts best?
Part-skim mozzarella provides the classic stretch, while adding a little Parmesan enhances flavor.
Can I make it without meat?
Absolutely. Load it with vegetables, beans, or plant-based protein for a satisfying vegetarian version.
Can I cook it in an air fryer?
If your air fryer is large enough for a bundt-style pan, cook at 320°F (160°C) for about 18–22 minutes, checking for doneness.
What dipping sauces pair well?
Marinara, pesto, garlic yogurt sauce, or a homemade avocado-herb dip are all excellent choices.
Final Thoughts
This Anti-Inflammatory Pull-Apart Pizza Bread transforms a classic comfort food into a more wholesome, nutrient-rich dish without sacrificing cheesy, pizza-inspired flavor. By using whole-grain bread, antioxidant-rich herbs, colorful vegetables, extra-virgin olive oil, and lean protein, it delivers satisfying pull-apart bites that are perfect for entertaining or weeknight meals. Enjoy it fresh from the oven with your favorite healthy dip and customize it with seasonal vegetables or proteins to make it your own.
