As the oven warms up, the familiar scent of melted butter and garlic invades the kitchen, instantly transporting me to cozy gatherings and laughter-filled nights with friends. Allow me to introduce you to my beloved Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread, an easy appetizer that transforms simple refrigerated biscuit dough into a thrilling crowd-pleaser. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish brings a shared experience to the table, inviting everyone to pull apart cheesy, buttery bites drizzled in a rich garlic butter blend. Whether it’s a game night or a casual family dinner, this delightful creation promises to impress and satisfy without any fuss. Ready to discover a recipe that combines flavor and fun in every bite? Let’s dive in!
Why is Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread a Must-Try?
Cheesy Goodness: Each pull-apart piece is loaded with rich garlic butter and melted Parmesan, making every bite a savory delight.
Easy Preparation: Utilizing refrigerated biscuit dough means you can whip this up in under an hour—perfect for those busy evenings!
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: This dish is great for gatherings, transforming any occasion into a fun, shared experience that guests will love.
Versatile Flavor: Feel free to customize with additional ingredients, like mozzarella or crispy bacon bits, for an added twist.
Dipping Delights: Serve with your favorite marinara or ranch dressing for an interactive dining experience that invites everyone to dig in!
Once you try this delightful treat, you’ll find it hard to resist making it a regular at your table. Plus, if you enjoy easy appetizers, check out my Garlic Parmesan Chicken.
Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread Ingredients
For the Dough
• Refrigerated Biscuit Dough – This serves as the base for our monkey bread, providing a fluffy, tender texture. Substitution: Feel free to use homemade biscuit dough for a fresher taste!
For the Garlic Butter
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture to the dish; essential for that indulgent flavor. Substitution: Salted butter can work, but remember to reduce added salt.
• Garlic (fresh, minced) – Delivers that signature garlicky aroma that makes this bread irresistible. Fresh garlic is key for maximum flavor!
• Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs that enriches the overall taste; if you’re out, substitute with oregano or basil.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional) – Introduces a hint of heat to the flavor profile; skip it for a milder option.
For the Topping
• Grated Parmesan Cheese – This cheesy goodness forms a delicious crust and enhances the flavor of each bite. Romano cheese can be substituted for a sharper taste.
• Fresh Parsley (chopped) – Adds a touch of color and freshness as a garnish. Consider thyme or chives if you want an alternative.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Essential in balancing and enhancing the flavors; adjust according to your taste.
With these ingredients in hand, you’re just a few simple steps away from creating the ultimate Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread that’s sure to impress your loved ones!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, generously grease a bundt pan with cooking spray or softened butter to ensure your Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread releases easily after baking. This step is crucial for a smooth serving experience!
Step 2: Prep the Biscuits
Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and carefully separate the biscuits. Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut each biscuit into four equal pieces. This creates bite-sized morsels that will be perfectly coated in the flavorful garlic butter, ready to become the star of your appetizer table.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small saucepan, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add in the freshly minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture together for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and bubbly, then remove from heat to allow the garlic flavors to infuse the butter.
Step 4: Coat the Biscuit Pieces
Pour the warm garlic butter mixture over the cut biscuit pieces in a large mixing bowl. Using your hands or a spatula, gently toss the biscuit pieces to ensure they are evenly coated in the rich garlic butter. Allow the coated pieces to sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 5: Layer with Cheese
Sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese into the bowl with biscuit pieces and toss to combine. Now, take half of the coated biscuit mixture and layer it in the prepared bundt pan. Add a generous sprinkle of remaining Parmesan cheese on top before adding the second half of the biscuit mixture and finishing with the rest of the cheese.
Step 6: Bake
Place the bundt pan into the preheated oven and bake your Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the top should turn a lovely golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, indicating that the biscuits are fully cooked.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Once baked to perfection, remove the bundt pan from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully invert the pan onto a serving plate to release your delicious Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color, and serve warm, perhaps with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping!
Expert Tips for Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread
- Even Coating: Make sure to coat all biscuit pieces thoroughly with garlic butter. This maximizes the flavor for the ultimate garlic Parmesan experience.
- Rest Time: Allow the coated biscuit pieces to sit for about 10 minutes before baking. This helps enhance the flavor absorption for a tastier end result.
- Baking Watch: Keep an eye on your monkey bread during the last few minutes of baking to avoid over-browning or burning the top.
- Cooling Tip: Let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes to ease the inversion process. This prevents the bread from crumbling and losing its beautiful shape.
- Storage Advice: If you have leftovers, store them tightly covered at room temperature for up to two days; reheat in the oven for best results!
What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread?
Imagine a cozy gathering filled with laughter and the enticing aroma of garlic wafting through the air as friends and family gather around to enjoy something deliciously shared.
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Creamy Tomato Soup: The rich and tangy flavors complement the buttery bread perfectly, making for a comforting pairing. Imagine dipping warm pieces of monkey bread into a steaming bowl of soup for a delightful experience!
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Fresh Caesar Salad: The crunchy romaine and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy bread, balancing richness with crispness. A simple Caesar salad is the perfect accompaniment that elevates the entire meal.
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Spicy Marinara Sauce: Using this nearly universal favorite, you’ll add an extra layer of flavor with a zesty dip. The bold spices enhance the garlic Parmesan taste, inviting everyone to dig in for more.
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Garlic Butter Shrimp: For an all-garlic playground, serve buttery garlic shrimp alongside. This seafood dish echoes the flavors of the monkey bread and offers a delightful twist to the appetizer spread.
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Bubbly Prosecco: A light and bubbly drink like Prosecco provides a refreshing effervescence that cuts through the richness of the monkey bread, making every bite even more enjoyable.
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Chocolate Fondue: For dessert, end the meal on a sweet note with creamy chocolate fondue. The combination of warm monkey bread and rich chocolate allows for an interactive and indulgent finish.
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Zesty Lemonade: A tangy lemonade offers a bright counterbalance to the savory dish, cleansing the palate with every sip. This refreshing drink is perfect for a warm evening near the grill.
These pairings create a well-rounded, delightful experience that will leave you and your guests eagerly reaching for more.
Make Ahead Options
Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its cheesy goodness with minimal last-minute fuss! You can prepare the biscuit pieces and garlic butter mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cut the biscuits and toss them in the garlic butter, then refrigerate the coated mixture in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, layer the mixture with Parmesan cheese in the bundt pan and let it sit at room temperature while your oven preheats. This step ensures the bread will bake evenly, giving you that just-out-of-the-oven quality. Come serving time, just pop it in the oven, and you’ll have a delightful snack ready in no time!
Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread to suit your taste and occasion!
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Cheesy Explosion: Add mozzarella cheese in between layers for extra gooeyness that stretches with every pull.
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Bacon Delight: Incorporate crispy bacon bits for a delightful crunch and rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the garlic.
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Herb Twist: Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to elevate the flavor profile and add a fragrant aroma.
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in cayenne pepper or swap red pepper flakes for a spicier version that adds delightful heat.
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Sweet and Savory: Try mixing in some sautéed onions or caramelized garlic for a uniquely sweet yet savory twist.
Inviting friends over for a cozy gathering? Pair this monkey bread with some zesty marinara sauce or cooling ranch dressing for dipping joy. If you’re interested in exploring other delicious bread options, check out my mouthwatering Chocolate Zucchini Bread or the irresistible Cream Cheese Bread for delightful variations!
How to Store and Freeze Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread
Room Temperature: Keep leftover monkey bread tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain its soft, fluffy texture.
Fridge: For longer storage, place it in an airtight container in the fridge where it will last about 3–4 days. Reheating in the oven helps restore its original texture.
Freezer: If you want to store it for an extended period, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy your Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty once again.
Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best refrigerated biscuit dough?
Absolutely! When choosing refrigerated biscuit dough, look for packages that are fresh and free from dents or tears. The dough should be soft to the touch without any visible dark spots. If you can find it, I highly recommend opting for brands that tout “flaky” or “buttermilk” for added flavor and texture!
How should I store leftover Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread?
Very! Leftover monkey bread can be stored tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want it to last a bit longer, move it to an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Just remember, reheating in the oven yields the best results for softening the bread again!
Can I freeze Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread?
Certainly! To freeze your monkey bread, start by wrapping individual pieces in plastic wrap tightly—this prevents freezer burn. Place these wrapped pieces in a freezer bag, and they’ll be good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
What can I do if my monkey bread is too dense or gummy?
Oh no, that can happen sometimes! If your monkey bread turns out dense or gummy, it can often be due to overmixing the biscuit pieces or underbaking them. Be sure to toss the biscuit pieces gently in the garlic butter for an even coat—no vigorous mixing! Additionally, if your oven temperature is off, that could lead to insufficient baking. Use an oven thermometer for accurate readings if needed!
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of with this recipe?
Definitely! If you’re cooking for guests, keep in mind that this Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread contains gluten and dairy, which can be concerns for those with allergies or intolerances. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free biscuit dough, and consider dairy-free alternatives like vegan butter and plant-based cheese to suit various diets. Always double-check labels to ensure safety!
Can pets eat Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread?
While your furry friends might be intrigued by the smell, it’s important to keep this treat away from them! Garlic can be toxic to dogs and cats in large amounts, so as much as your pets may beg for a taste, it’s best to stick with their diet. Always consult with your vet if you’re unsure about any ingredients.
Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread: Irresistibly Soft & Cheesy Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan.
- Open the refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into four pieces.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan and mix in the garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the garlic butter over the biscuit pieces and toss gently to coat.
- Layer half the biscuit mixture in the bundt pan, sprinkle with Parmesan, and add the rest of the mixture and cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, invert onto a plate, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
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