The Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Butter Herb Monkey Bread

If there is one universal language of comfort food, it is warm, soft bread dripping with garlic butter and melted cheese. This Cheesy Garlic Butter Herb Monkey Bread is not just a side dish; it is a showstopper. Imagine the texture of soft, pillowy dough that you can pull apart with your fingers, revealing strings of gooey mozzarella and the savory punch of fresh garlic and herbs. Baked to a deep golden brown in a bundt pan, this savory ring is the centerpiece your dinner table has been begging for.

Often, when we hear “Monkey Bread,” our minds drift to the sweet version—cinnamon, sugar, and caramel. But today, we are taking a savory turn. This recipe creates a masterpiece that sits somewhere between a garlic knot and a deep-dish pizza crust. It is incredibly versatile, perfect for game day spreads, holiday dinners, or just a Tuesday night when you need a hug in food form. The best part? It looks like an artisan bakery creation, but with a few smart shortcuts, it comes together in your home kitchen with minimal fuss.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through exactly how to achieve that ultra-glossy, golden crust, how to ensure the center is fully cooked without burning the outside, and the best cheese combinations for that majestic “cheese pull.” Get your bundt pan ready—your kitchen is about to smell like an Italian bakery.

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Why This Recipe Works

This recipe balances convenience with gourmet flavor. By utilizing high-quality refrigerated biscuit dough (or homemade pizza dough if you prefer), we cut the prep time significantly, allowing us to focus on the flavor profile—the garlic butter emulsion and the cheese blend.

The structure of monkey bread—many small balls of dough packed together—increases the surface area. This means every single bite is coated in the garlic-herb butter and cheese, unlike a standard loaf where the flavor is only on the crust. The bundt pan shape also ensures heat distributes evenly through the center, helping the dough rise high and fluffy.

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Ingredients Overview

To make this crave-worthy bread, you will need the following simple ingredients. Don’t skimp on quality here; since the list is short, fresh ingredients make a huge difference.

• Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: 2 cans (16.3 oz each) of “Grand” style flaky biscuits. These provide the perfect fluffy interior and crispy exterior.
• Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), melted. This forms the base of our “liquid gold” glaze.
• Garlic: 4-5 cloves, fresh and minced. While powder works in a pinch, fresh garlic provides that spicy, aromatic bite that cuts through the rich butter.
• Fresh Herbs: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish. You can also mix in cilantro, rosemary, or basil depending on your flavor preference.
• Mozzarella Cheese: 1.5 cups, shredded. Use low-moisture mozzarella for the best melt without making the bread soggy.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated. This adds a salty, nutty kick and helps create a crispy crust on top.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Mixing oil with butter raises the smoke point and adds a fruity depth.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Phase 1: Preparation

1. Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is crucial—too hot and the outside burns before the inside cooks; too cool and the dough won’t rise properly. Grease a standard Bundt pan heavily with butter or non-stick spray. Be thorough, getting into every groove and the center tube to ensure the bread releases easily later.

2. Prepare the Dough:
Open the cans of biscuits. Cut each round biscuit into quarters. You should end up with small, bite-sized triangles of dough. Roll them briefly in your palms to form rough balls (they don’t need to be perfect).

Phase 2: The Flavor Coating

3. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. This mixture should be fragrant and glossy.

4. Toss the Dough:
You have two options here. You can dip each dough ball individually (time-consuming but precise) or, the easier method: pour half the butter mixture over the dough balls in a large bowl and toss gently until every piece is coated.

Phase 3: Assembly

5. Layering:
Place half of the coated dough balls into the prepared Bundt pan. Scatter half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese over this layer. Add the remaining dough balls on top, followed by the remaining cheese.

6. The Final Glaze:
Pour whatever remaining garlic butter mixture is left in the bowl over the top of the assembled ring. This will seep down into the cracks as it bakes, marinating the bread.

Phase 4: Baking and Serving

7. Bake:
Bake for 30–40 minutes. The top should be a deep golden brown and bubbling. Tip: If the top is browning too quickly but the center still feels squishy, tent the pan loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

8. Cool and Flip:
Let the bread cool in the pan for exactly 10 minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly so the structure holds. Place a large plate or cutting board over the pan and carefully invert it to release the bread. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and serve warm.

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Expert Tips for the Perfect Pull-Apart Bread

• Don’t Rush the Cool Down: Flipping the pan immediately out of the oven is a recipe for disaster; the bread may fall apart. The 10-minute rest is mandatory.
• Check for Doneness: The trickiest part of monkey bread is the center. Insert a skewer into the middle of the ring; if it comes out with gummy dough, it needs more time.
• Herb Variations: Try adding dried Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a “pizza” style kick.
• Cheese Choices: While mozzarella is classic, try Provolone for a sharper taste or Pepper Jack for some heat.

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Common Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble the bread in the pan, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours before baking. Let the pan sit on the counter for 20 minutes to take the chill off before putting it in the oven.

Can I use homemade dough?
Absolutely. Use your favorite pizza dough recipe or a soft yeast dinner roll dough. You will need about 2 pounds of dough total.

What should I serve this with?
This bread is fantastic on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a warm bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. It is also the perfect side dish for spaghetti bolognese, lasagna, or a hearty steak dinner.

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Storing and Reheating

If you manage to have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. This brings back the softness of the interior and the crispness of the crust. Microwaving is quicker but may make the bread chewy.

This Savory Garlic Cheese Monkey Bread is more than just carbs and cheese; it’s a communal dining experience. Placing this hot, steaming ring in the center of the table and watching family and friends tear off chunks is a joy in itself. Happy baking!