Save to Pinterest This Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread was the centerpiece of my last family get together one of those pull apart breads where buttery dough, garlic, and cheese come together irresistibly. It stands out as a crowd pleaser you can get on the table in under an hour. Whether you serve it as a cheesy appetizer or a savory side, you will want to make it part of every gathering.
The first time I made this bread, it vanished before I could even sit down. My family now calls it the disappearing bread and wants it at every movie night.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: gives you fluffy layers quickly look for dough with as few additives as possible
- Unsalted butter: adds richness and ensures you control the salt choose European style for extra creaminess
- Fresh garlic: delivers bite and aroma make sure cloves are firm with tight skin
- Fresh parsley and chives: brighten the bread with color and flavor use flat leaf parsley for best freshness
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: balance out the cheese and herbs taste your butter mixture before tossing
- Grated Parmesan cheese: gives that signature savory kick always buy a block and grate it yourself if you can
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: makes it extra gooey inside opt for whole milk mozzarella for meltability
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
- Grease your Bundt or cake pan generously to prevent sticking and set your oven to 180 Celsius or 350 Fahrenheit. This step ensures easy removal and a crisp buttery crust.
- Portion and Cut Dough:
- Open the biscuit cans and slice each biscuit into four equal pieces. Cutting evenly ensures consistent baking and texture throughout.
- Mix Garlic Butter:
- In a large bowl, melt the butter and stir in minced garlic, parsley, chives if you like, along with the salt and black pepper. Let it rest briefly so the herbs can release their flavors.
- Coat Dough in Butter:
- Toss the quartered dough pieces into the butter mixture. Turn gently until every piece is glossy and the herbs and garlic are stuck to the surface.
- Toss with Parmesan:
- Add grated Parmesan to the buttery dough. Toss again so cheese gets into every nook and will melt through all the layers.
- Layer in Pan with Mozzarella:
- Spread half the dough in your prepared pan then sprinkle a layer of mozzarella if you want gooey pockets. Repeat with remaining dough and cheese on top for a cheesy finish.
- Bake Until Golden:
- Place in the center of the oven. Bake for twenty eight to thirty two minutes until golden brown and you see bubbling cheese on top. The bread should feel set and spring back lightly.
- Cool and Release:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for five to ten minutes. Invert onto a plate while still warm so it comes out in one glorious piece. This step seals in moisture and makes serving easy.
- Serve Warm and Garnish:
- Finish with extra parsley for a fresh look. Serve while warm so the cheese is stretchy and the bread is soft inside.
Save to Pinterest The real magic here for me is the combination of garlic and fresh herbs mixing with warm butter. My youngest loves helping roll the dough in the cheesy mixture her favorite part is sneaking bits of cheese when she thinks I am not looking.
Storage Tips
Keep leftovers wrapped tightly and store in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a low oven to restore the soft texture. If you want to make this ahead for an event prepare everything up to baking and chill covered bake when ready to serve for fresh warm bread.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find biscuit dough use pizza dough or even crescent roll dough cut into pieces. Dried herbs work in a pinch just use half as much since dried herbs are more concentrated. For a dairy free twist swap in your favorite plant based butter and cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Pile up wedges of this bread alongside bowls of warm marinara sauce ranch or garlic butter for dipping. It is also a hit with classic soup or as a hearty side at Italian dinners. I have set it out at brunch with scrambled eggs too it disappears just as fast.
Cultural and Historical Context
Monkey bread is thought to have originated in mid century American kitchens as a sweet treat but this savory twist has become a popular addition to potlucks and game day spreads all across the country. It embodies the American love for sharing food that brings everyone to the table pulling apart a loaf one piece at a time.
Save to Pinterest This bread makes every occasion a little more special. Pull it apart and share the cheesy layers while they are warm.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use homemade dough?
Yes, substitute the refrigerated biscuit dough with pizza or bread dough for a fresher texture and flavor. Adjust baking time as needed.
- → Is mozzarella necessary?
Mozzarella is optional but adds extra gooeyness. Omitting it still creates a flavorful, cheesy bread.
- → What herbs work best?
Fresh parsley and chives add bright flavor. Dried herbs can be used at half the quantity for a similar result.
- → Can I prepare in advance?
You can assemble the bread in the pan ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for optimal warmth and freshness.
- → How do I serve it?
Best served warm as an appetizer or side. Try pairing with marinara sauce for dipping.
- → Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, it is vegetarian but contains dairy. Always check cheese ingredients for animal rennet if necessary.