This fun and tasty Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread is made with fluffy dough balls coated in garlic butter and sprinkled with cheesy Parmesan. It’s perfect for sharing! 🥳
When I make this, I can’t resist sneaking a piece or two before it even hits the table! It’s so easy to tear apart and enjoy, you’ll want to make it every week.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: The dough is the base of this monkey bread. You can use buttermilk biscuits for a classic flavor, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try crescent roll dough or even homemade dough!
Unsalted Butter: I prefer unsalted butter to control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, use coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, which works well too.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor! If you’re short on fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch; just increase the amount slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: I love freshly grated Parmesan for its bold taste. If you need a substitute, Pecorino Romano provides a similar flavor. Nutritional yeast is great for a dairy-free option!
Fresh Parsley: It adds freshness. For the best substitute, use dried parsley, but reduce the amount since it’s more concentrated.
How Do You Make Sure the Monkey Bread is Moist and Flavorful?
To achieve moist and flavorful monkey bread, the key lies in the garlic butter preparation. By melting the butter and cooking the garlic just enough to release its aroma, you enhance the flavor without burning it.
- Make sure to coat each dough ball well in the garlic butter before tossing with cheese.
- Don’t skimp on the butter and cheese mix; it’s where so much of the flavor comes from!
- Layer the dough balls loosely in the bundt pan so they can expand and create a light and fluffy texture.
- Using freshly grated ingredients whenever possible will elevate the dish; always try to use fresh garlic and cheese!
With these tips and tricks, your Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread will turn out deliciously every time! Can’t wait for you to try this yummy recipe!
Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough (like buttermilk biscuits)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon salt (preferably coarse or flaky)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30-35 minutes to bake. Overall, set aside about 50 minutes, including cooling time. It’s quick enough for a cozy night in or for impressing guests at a gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready when your monkey bread is all assembled. While that’s happening, grease your bundt pan or tube pan well with butter or a non-stick spray, making for easy release later.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Open the cans of biscuit dough, taking out the biscuits and separating them. Using a knife or kitchen shears, cut each biscuit into quarters to create small dough balls—this is what makes the pulling apart fun!
3. Create the Garlic Butter:
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and garlic powder. Cook this for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant (but be careful not to let it brown), then remove it from the heat. This garlic butter is going to give your bread its fabulous flavor.
4. Assemble the Monkey Bread:
Now, dip each biscuit quarter into the warm garlic butter, making sure they soak up that yummy goodness. After dipping, toss the buttered pieces in a bowl with grated Parmesan cheese and parsley, so every piece gets a nice coating.
5. Layer in the Pan:
Arrange the coated dough pieces in your prepared bundt pan. Place them evenly all around, stacking slightly to fill the pan nicely. Just think of it like building a cheesy biscuit tower!
6. Add the Rest of the Garlic Butter:
Pour any leftover garlic butter over the dough balls in the pan. For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle the top with additional Parmesan, salt, pepper, and those optional crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
7. Bake:
Pop the bundt pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You want it to be golden brown and cooked through. Check by gently bouncing the pan; it should feel set and spring back!
8. Cool and Serve:
Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. To release it from the mold, run a butter knife around the edges. Then, carefully invert it onto a serving plate—watch the cheesy goodness spill out!
9. Garnish and Enjoy:
Sprinkle some extra chopped parsley and flaky salt on top for that lovely finish. Serve warm and enjoy tearing apart those soft, cheesy garlic pieces with friends and family!
This easy Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread is just perfect for parties, snacks, or as a tempting side dish for any meal. The combination of cheesy, crispy tops with tender buttery bread is absolutely addictive!
Can I Use Frozen Biscuit Dough for This Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen biscuits, but make sure to thaw them completely before cutting them into quarters. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge for best results.
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan cheese on hand, Pecorino Romano works well as an alternative due to its similar salty and nutty flavor. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor too!
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 them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. Just reheat in the oven or microwave before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your monkey bread by adding cooked bacon, herbs like rosemary, or even bits of cooked Italian sausage. Spinach and cheese can also work beautifully for a different flavor twist!