Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread

Featured in: Gather & Share

This pull-apart bread is loaded with buttery garlic, fresh parsley, and a generous amount of Parmesan. It uses biscuit dough tossed in a savory garlic butter, layered with Parmesan and mozzarella (optional) for extra gooeyness. Baked to golden perfection in a Bundt or cake pan, each piece is infused with herbs and cheese, making it an ideal choice for sharing. Serve warm with a sprinkle of parsley or a side of marinara sauce. The approachable steps and quick prep time ensure delicious results for gatherings or as a crowd-pleasing side dish.

Updated on Thu, 23 Oct 2025 14:42:46 GMT
Golden Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread, a savory pull-apart with fragrant garlic butter. Pin
Golden Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread, a savory pull-apart with fragrant garlic butter. | kitchenprairie.com

This pull-apart Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread is the ultimate crowd-pleaser Here is the perfect answer to what to bring to a party or serve alongside pasta bowls It combines fluffy biscuit dough with buttery garlic plenty of fresh herbs and loads of nutty Parmesan I find it almost impossible not to steal a piece while it is still warm Everyone always flocks to the table as soon as it is served

The fresh garlic is my personal favorite here Every time my kitchen fills with the smell of garlic and butter it brings everyone in for a taste My kids once called this bread a fancy giant breadstick and now we all get a kick out of pulling it apart together

Ingredients

  • Refrigerated biscuit dough: about 480 grams using a good quality brand ensures a soft fluffy texture every time
  • Unsalted butter: 100 grams melted needed for rich flavor and helps coat each dough piece with seasonings
  • Garlic: 4 cloves finely minced the fresher the garlic the bigger the punch
  • Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped brightens the bread and adds a burst of color
  • Fresh chives: 1 tablespoon chopped optional but adds a little depth look for vibrant crisp chives
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper: use flaky salt and grind the pepper just before using for max aroma
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: 80 grams provides the signature savory note buy a wedge and grate it yourself for best flavor
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: 100 grams optional for extra gooeyness choose a block and shred it for better melt than pre-shredded

Instructions

Prepare the pan and oven:
Grease a ten cup Bundt pan or a nine inch cake pan with butter or nonstick spray Preheat your oven to one hundred eighty degrees Celsius or three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit This ensures the bread releases easily and bakes evenly
Prepare the dough:
Using a sharp knife cut each piece of biscuit dough into four even chunks Pull them apart to create bite size pieces that will fit together for the pull apart effect
Make the garlic herb butter:
Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan or microwave Stir in the finely minced garlic fresh parsley fresh chives optional salt and black pepper Taste and adjust seasoning the aroma should be rich and herby
Coat the dough:
Place all the dough chunks into a large mixing bowl Pour the garlic herb butter over top and use your hands or a spatula to toss and coat every piece until glistening
Add the Parmesan:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the dough in the bowl Give everything another thorough toss so the cheese and seasonings are distributed throughout for maximum flavor burst
Layer with mozzarella:
Arrange half of the coated dough in your prepared pan Then sprinkle half of the mozzarella over these pieces Repeat with the remaining dough and finish with the rest of the mozzarella on top
Bake to golden perfection:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for twenty eight to thirty two minutes The bread should rise pull apart easily and turn a beautiful golden brown color If using a Bundt pan check the lower parts for doneness
Cool and unmold:
Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for five to ten minutes This lets the structure finish setting Gently invert onto a serving plate so you do not lose any cheesy bits
Serve and enjoy:
Serve warm with extra fresh parsley on top if you like The bread pulls apart easily with hands or forks making it perfect for sharing
Buttery, herby Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread chunks glistening, ready for sharing and dipping. Pin
Buttery, herby Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread chunks glistening, ready for sharing and dipping. | kitchenprairie.com

Guests of all ages love tearing into this bread and it always disappears before anything else at gatherings I have brought this to school bake sales and even made mini monkey breads in muffin tins with great success

Storage Tips

To keep monkey bread soft cover leftovers tightly and store at room temperature for up to twenty four hours If keeping longer refrigerate and gently rewarm pieces in the oven wrapped in foil so they do not dry out For best texture eat within two days

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the refrigerated biscuit dough for pieces of pizza dough or even homemade bread dough Adjust baking time as needed For herbs feel free to use dried parsley or chives just use about half as much If mozzarella is not your thing increase the Parmesan or add a sprinkle of fontina for an extra cheesy melt

Serving Suggestions

Serve this bread as a snack at game nights family dinners or holiday buffets It pairs beautifully with soups hearty salads creamy pastas or even as an appetizer at potlucks For a fun twist offer a bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping

Cultural and Seasonal Notes

Monkey bread is classically American often appearing at breakfast brunch or festive tables This savory version is a playful spin on the sweet original It is especially popular in cooler months when fresh herbs and cheese provide warmth and comfort Try mixing in chopped roasted red peppers or sun dried tomatoes in the summer for color and flavor

Warm, cheesy Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread, baked golden brown, irresistibly savory and delicious. Pin
Warm, cheesy Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread, baked golden brown, irresistibly savory and delicious. | kitchenprairie.com

Careful layering and even cheese helps achieve that dramatic cheesy pull in every slice Serve warm for the best taste and texture

Recipe Questions & Answers

Can I use homemade dough instead of canned biscuit dough?

Yes, homemade pizza or bread dough works well for this dish. Adjust baking time if needed for your dough's thickness.

Is mozzarella cheese necessary for this bread?

Mozzarella is optional but adds gooeyness. The bread is flavorful with just Parmesan if preferred.

Which herbs can be used besides parsley and chives?

Basil, thyme, or oregano can be substituted. Use less if using dried herbs for a balanced flavor.

How do I serve this bread?

Serve warm as a pull-apart with extra parsley or marinara for dipping—perfect for sharing at the table.

Can leftovers be stored?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container, refrigerate, and reheat gently before serving for best texture.

Is this suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this dish is vegetarian. Double-check cheese and dough labels for added ingredients if using pre-packaged items.

Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread

Buttery bread with garlic, Parmesan, fresh herbs, baked into golden pull-apart bites for sharing.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
30 min
Complete duration
50 min


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Diet specifications Vegetarian

Components

Dough

01 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (about 17 oz total)

Garlic Butter

01 7 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
02 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
03 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
04 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
05 1/2 tsp salt
06 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Cheese

01 3 oz grated Parmesan cheese
02 3.5 oz shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra gooeyness)

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 10-cup Bundt pan or a 9-inch cake pan.

Phase 02

Quarter Dough Pieces: Cut each biscuit dough piece into four equal sections.

Phase 03

Combine Garlic Butter: In a large mixing bowl, blend melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chives, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Phase 04

Coat Dough Pieces: Add quartered dough pieces into the garlic butter mixture and toss until evenly coated.

Phase 05

Incorporate Parmesan: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the coated dough and toss again to distribute cheese throughout.

Phase 06

Layer Dough and Mozzarella: Arrange half the dough pieces in the prepared pan; sprinkle with half the mozzarella cheese if using. Place remaining dough on top and finish with the remaining mozzarella.

Phase 07

Bake: Transfer pan to oven and bake for 28–32 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.

Phase 08

Cool and Unmold: Allow bread to cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.

Phase 09

Serve: Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Necessary tools

  • Bundt pan or 9-inch cake pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Small saucepan
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and dairy ingredients.
  • Verify cheese and dough product labels for potential allergens if using store-bought items.

Nutrient content (each portion)

This data is offered as a general guide and isn't a substitute for professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 270
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Protein: 8 g