Pin 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
Pin 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
Pin 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.