This Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread is a fun and tasty treat! It’s made with soft dough pieces coated in buttery garlic and sprinkled with cheesy goodness. Perfect for sharing!
Honestly, what’s not to love about pulling apart warm, gooey bites of bread? I usually keep a napkin handy for the extra butter drips—it’s a messy, delicious adventure! 😄
Making this dish is super simple. Just mix, roll, and bake! It’s great for a snack or as a side dish for dinner. I can never resist seconds when it’s fresh out of the oven!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: Refrigerated biscuit dough is super convenient, but you can make your own if you prefer. A homemade dough gives you control over the ingredients. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free biscuit dough options at the store.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using olive oil or a buttery spread. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be a bit different.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is the best for this dish since it packs a punch. If you only have garlic powder, you can use 1 teaspoon as a substitute, although the flavor won’t be quite as strong.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a delicious nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano can be a great substitute. For a non-dairy option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
Herbs: Fresh parsley and chives brighten up the dish! If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs. Just use a smaller amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Do You Make Sure the Monkey Bread is Fluffy and Not Dense?
The key to achieving fluffy monkey bread is in how you handle the biscuit dough. Avoid overmixing when you toss the dough in the garlic butter and cheese. It’s okay to be gentle here; the more you handle the dough, the denser it can become.
- Ensure you cut the biscuits into even pieces. This helps them cook uniformly.
- Layer the coated dough lightly in the bundt pan. If packed too tightly, the bread won’t rise properly.
- Make sure not to skip the resting time after baking. Let it cool a bit to finish cooking through without becoming too wet.
Following these tips will help you create a lovely, fluffy Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread that’s sure to be a hit!
Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough or equivalent homemade dough
For the Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Mix-Ins:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15-20 minutes for prep and 30-35 minutes for baking. Let’s say about 1 hour in total to have this delicious Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important so that the bread bakes evenly. While that’s happening, grease your bundt pan or tube pan generously with butter or nonstick spray. You want it to come out easily!
2. Prepare the Biscuit Dough:
Open up the cans of biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. You can use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter for this—whatever you find easiest! Toss the pieces into a large mixing bowl. It’s time to make them flavorful!
3. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt your unsalted butter. Once it’s melted, stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let this simmer for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but make sure not to let it brown—no one wants burnt garlic!
4. Coat the Dough:
Pour that delicious garlic butter over your biscuit pieces in the mixing bowl. Toss it all together gently, making sure each piece is well coated. This is the key to getting the flavor throughout!
5. Add the Cheese and Herbs:
Now, add the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and chopped chives (if you’re using them) to the bowl as well. Toss again gently to mix everything together. You really want to spread that cheesy goodness around!
6. Arrange in the Pan:
Carefully arrange the coated dough pieces in your prepared bundt pan. Layer them as needed so they fit snugly. It’s okay if they’re a bit messy; that’s part of the fun!
7. Bake:
Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and when they’re golden brown and cooked through, it’s time to take them out!
8. Cool and Remove from the Pan:
Once baked, let the monkey bread cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes. This helps it firm up a bit. Then, run a knife around the edges to loosen it. Carefully invert the pan onto a serving plate. This part is always exciting to see the reveal!
9. Brush with Extra Butter (Optional):
If you want to get fancy, brush some additional melted garlic butter on top just before serving for that extra rich flavor. You can never have enough garlic, right?
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Dig in while it’s warm! Pull apart those soft, buttery, garlicky, cheesy pieces and enjoy every bite. This is perfect for sharing as an appetizer or a delightful side dish!
Enjoy your delicious Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread with family and friends! It’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Can I Use Frozen Biscuit Dough?
Yes, frozen biscuit dough can work, but make sure to thaw it completely before cutting and using it in this recipe. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or let it sit at room temperature for about an hour.
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute with a similar flavor profile. For a dairy-free option, try using nutritional yeast, which will give a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warm. This helps retain the texture compared to microwaving.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and coating mixture a few hours ahead and keep it in the fridge. Just bake before serving. However, it’s best to bake it right before you plan to enjoy it for optimal freshness!
