This Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread is a fun and tasty treat! Soft dough balls are coated in buttery garlic and sprinkled with cheese, making each bite a yummy explosion of flavor.
Perfect for sharing (or not 🍞😉), everyone gets to pull apart their own piece! I love serving this as an appetizer or side dish because it’s so easy to make and always a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit dough: Refrigerated biscuit dough is the base for this recipe. If you prefer making things from scratch, you can use homemade dough or even pizza dough for a different texture. Just ensure it’s soft enough to tear apart.
Butter: Unsalted butter is great for controlling salt levels, but you can use salted butter if that’s what you have. Just adjust the salt in other ingredients to taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for flavor. However, you can use garlic powder (1/2 to 1 teaspoon) in a pinch. Avoid canned garlic as it can taste different.
Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice salty flavor. You can swap it for Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. Vegan cheese works for a dairy-free option, just ensure it melts well!
Parsley: Fresh parsley is vibrant and adds color. If you don’t have it, dried parsley will do, but use less (about 1 tablespoon) since it’s more concentrated. You could also use basil for a different twist!
How Do I Melt Butter Without Burning the Garlic?
Melting butter correctly while adding garlic is crucial to keep its delicious flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Use low heat when melting butter so it doesn’t burn.
- Once the butter is almost melted, add the minced garlic.
- Stir often and cook for just 1-2 minutes. Look for a fragrant aroma — that’s when it’s perfect!
- If the garlic starts to brown, take it off the heat immediately. Burnt garlic can taste bitter and affect your monkey bread!
Following this technique will ensure your monkey bread is full of that lovely garlic flavor without any bitterness!
Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (about 16 oz total)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Time Needed:
This delightful Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll spend around 45 minutes, including cooling time before serving. Perfect for a quick snack or a delicious side!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease a bundt pan or a round cake pan generously with butter or non-stick spray to keep your monkey bread from sticking.
2. Cut the Biscuit Dough:
Open the biscuit dough cans and cut each biscuit into quarters. You can do this easily with kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, making small, bite-sized pieces that will be perfect for pulling apart later!
3. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once it’s melted, add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir this mixture and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but watch out! You don’t want to burn the garlic, so keep it on low heat!
4. Coat the Dough Pieces:
Add the quartered biscuit pieces into a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm garlic butter all over the dough pieces and toss gently with your hands or a spatula to ensure that every piece is coated well with the buttery goodness.
5. Add Cheese and Herbs:
Now, it’s time to add flavor! Sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese and half of the chopped parsley into the bowl with the dough. Toss the mixture again until evenly distributed.
6. Layer in the Pan:
Carefully layer the coated dough pieces into your prepared bundt pan, spreading them out evenly. Make sure there aren’t too many gaps to ensure even cooking!
7. Sprinkle Toppings:
Finish off your monkey bread by sprinkling the remaining Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top. This will create a delicious, cheesy crust as it bakes!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the bundt pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by poking a piece in the middle; it should be fluffy and cooked all the way through.
9. Cool and Invert:
Once baked, carefully remove the monkey bread from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps it firm up a bit!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
After cooling, carefully invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate. Give it a little shake to release it. Serve it warm, and enjoy pulling apart the cheesy, garlicky pieces — they’re sure to be a hit!
This recipe makes a flavorful, golden, pull-apart bread with crispy edges and a wonderfully soft, cheesy center. It’s perfect as a side for pasta or just as a tasty appetizer to share with friends and family. Enjoy your baking!
Can I Use Frozen Biscuit Dough?
Yes, you can use frozen biscuit dough, but make sure to thaw it completely before cutting. Leave it in the fridge overnight or let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before use for the best results.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, wrap it in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! You can customize this monkey bread by adding cooked bacon bits, chopped green onions, or even different types of cheese like mozzarella or cheddar for extra flavor. Just ensure not to overcrowd the dough pieces to allow them to bake evenly!
What Can I Serve With Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread?
This recipe pairs well with marinara sauce for dipping, a fresh salad, or as a side dish to pasta and meats. Feel free to get creative with your pairings!