Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread is a fun and flavorful twist on a classic pull-apart bread. Soft dinner rolls are coated in garlicky butter, layered with gooey mozzarella, and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s perfect for sharing as an appetizer or a comforting snack.

A round arrangement of 16 small golden brown bread rolls forms a flower shape on a white marbled surface. Each roll is topped with a layer of melted white cheese sprinkled with green herbs and red chili flakes. The rolls are placed on white parchment paper over a dark baking tray. In the center, there is a white scalloped bowl filled with thick, vibrant red marinara sauce. One of the rolls is being pulled away by a woman's hand, showing long melted cheese strings stretching from the main group to the roll in the hand. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 20 Rhodes Frozen Dinner Rolls
  • 6 to 8 tablespoons salted butter, melted
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian parsley (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare the garlic butter by melting the salted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the minced garlic and Italian parsley if using.
  2. Step 2: Dip each frozen dinner roll into the garlic butter, making sure it is fully coated for maximum flavor and a crispy crust.
  3. Step 3: Spray your baking pan (such as a pizza stone, cast iron skillet, or baking sheet) with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange the coated rolls in two circular rows, placing them close together so they will rise upward.
  4. Step 4: Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let them rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about 2 to 3 hours or around 90 minutes in a hot spot.
  5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese generously over the risen rolls. Add red pepper flakes if you want a touch of spice.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 18 to 24 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese has melted and is bubbly. Watch carefully to avoid over-browning.
  7. Step 7: Serve the cheesy garlic monkey bread warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

  • Brush the rolls with extra garlic butter before baking for an even richer flavor.
  • Swap mozzarella for a blend of cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan for more complexity.
  • Add cooked bacon bits or sliced olives between rolls for added texture and taste.
  • If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount.

Storage

Store leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture soft but not soggy.

How to Serve

A round white plate holds 16 golden brown bread balls arranged neatly in a circle. Each bread ball is topped with a layer of melted white cheese sprinkled with green herbs and red flakes, giving it a textured look. In the center of the circle is a scalloped white bowl filled with thick, bright red marinara sauce. One bread ball is being pulled away by a woman's hand, showing long, stretchy strands of melted cheese connecting it to the rest. The whole setting is on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and bright background to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the rolls and let them rise in the baking pan, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before baking as instructed.

What can I use if I don’t have frozen dinner rolls?

Store-bought biscuit dough or homemade dinner rolls can be used as a substitute, though rising times may vary slightly.

Print

Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe

Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread is a delicious pull-apart bread made from soft frozen dinner rolls dipped in a flavorful garlic butter, layered with melted mozzarella cheese, and baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for sharing at gatherings and pairs wonderfully with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

  • Author: Naya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 810 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Bread

  • 20 Rhodes Frozen Dinner Rolls

Garlic Butter

  • 6 to 8 Tablespoons Salted Butter (melted)
  • 3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian Parsley (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)

Cheese

  • 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (grated)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Garlic Butter: Begin by melting the salted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the minced garlic and dried parsley (if using), then stir to combine the flavors thoroughly.
  2. Dip the Rolls: Take each frozen dinner roll and fully coat it by dipping in the prepared garlic butter. This step ensures the bread will have a flavorful, golden crust after baking.
  3. Arrange in a Circular Pattern: Spray a pizza stone, cast iron skillet, or baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Place the coated rolls in two concentric circular rows, close together but not touching, so they will rise vertically and bake evenly.
  4. Let the Rolls Rise: Cover the arranged rolls with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and set them in a warm spot. Allow them to rise until doubled in size, about 2-3 hours at room temperature or approximately 90 minutes in a warmer environment.
  5. Add the Cheese: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese generously over the risen rolls. If you like a little heat, add the red pepper flakes evenly on top.
  6. Bake Until Bubbly: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-24 minutes until the rolls turn golden brown and the cheese melts and bubbles. Watch carefully to prevent over-browning.
  7. Serve with Marinara Sauce: Remove from the oven and serve the warm, cheesy garlic monkey bread alongside a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy pulling apart the gooey, flavorful pieces!

Notes

  • For best results, allow the rolls enough time to rise fully; the warmer the environment, the faster they will rise.
  • Use a cast iron skillet or pizza stone to enhance crust development and even baking.
  • You can substitute mozzarella with other cheeses like cheddar or a cheese blend for variation.
  • Adding red pepper flakes is optional; omit or adjust for your preferred spice level.
  • Marinara sauce complements the dish but can be replaced with ranch dressing or garlic butter for different dipping options.

Keywords: Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread, pull apart bread, cheesy dinner rolls, garlic butter bread, party appetizer

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