This Maple Bacon Monkey Bread is a tasty treat that’s sticky, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying! Soft dough balls are covered in crispy bacon and drizzled with maple syrup—what’s not to love?
Honestly, combining bacon and maple syrup feels like a hug for your taste buds. You can easily share (or not)! I love to serve it fresh out of the oven for a cozy breakfast or snack. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: The heart of this recipe! Canned dough is super convenient. If you prefer homemade, you can use your favorite biscuit recipe. Look for flakier dough for a delightful texture.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds great flavor. If you want a healthier option, turkey bacon works too. You can also use bacon bits for an easier option, though fresh cooked bacon is tastier.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup makes the dish sing! If you’re in a pinch, pancake syrup will do, but it won’t have that rich maple flavor. Agave syrup is another alternative for a similar sweetness.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content, but salted butter can add extra flavor. In a pinch, you could use coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Why is Layering so Important in Monkey Bread?
Layering the dough pieces and bacon creates the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each biscuit ball should be coated well in the sugar mix for even taste. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with half of the dough balls at the bottom in the pan.
- Evenly sprinkle half of the crispy bacon on top, so every piece gets that bacon flavor.
- Finish layering with the remaining dough and bacon, making sure it’s all well distributed.
This layering technique ensures that every bite is filled with sweetness and savory goodness!
Maple Bacon Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Monkey Bread:
- 3 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (or equivalent homemade dough), cut into 1-1.5 inch pieces
- 1 lb bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Maple Syrup Mixture:
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon salt (if using unsalted butter)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Maple Bacon Monkey Bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. After that, just let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. In total, you can enjoy this delightful dish in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, grease a bundt pan or cast iron skillet really well with butter or a non-stick spray to ensure your monkey bread comes out easily later.
2. Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture:
In a large plastic bag or bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This mixture is what will give your monkey bread its sweet, warm flavor!
3. Coat the Dough:
Take the dough pieces and toss or shake them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they’re fully coated. You want every piece to be sweet and tasty!
4. Layer the Dough and Bacon:
Now, layer half of the coated dough pieces into your prepared pan. After that, sprinkle half of the crispy chopped bacon evenly over the dough. Then, add the remaining dough pieces on top, followed by the rest of the bacon. This layering ensures every bite is packed with flavor!
5. Make the Maple Syrup Mixture:
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the maple syrup and (if using) salt. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat once it’s all combined and nice and warm.
6. Pour the Syrup Over the Layers:
Carefully pour the warm maple butter syrup evenly over the dough and bacon in the pan. This is where the magic happens!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s golden brown, cooked through, and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Let It Cool:
Once baked, remove the monkey bread from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Don’t rush this part; letting it sit will help it set up nicely.
9. Invert and Serve:
Carefully invert the monkey bread onto a serving platter. It should come out easily thanks to the greasing. Now, it’s time to dig in!
10. Enjoy!
Serve warm, and revel in the sticky, sweet, savory delights of your Maple Bacon Monkey Bread. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful snack! Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Store-Bought Bacon Bits Instead of Fresh Bacon?
Yes, you can! While fresh cooked bacon offers the best flavor and texture, store-bought bacon bits will work in a pinch. Just sprinkle them generously between the layers of dough for added savoriness!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can substitute the refrigerated biscuit dough with a gluten-free biscuit mix or homemade gluten-free dough. Just ensure your other ingredients, like the maple syrup, are also gluten-free for a complete dish!
Can I Prepare This Monkey Bread in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and layer it in the pan, then cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure it cooks evenly.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
