Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread is a delicious, pull-apart treat perfect for sharing. Soft dinner rolls are coated in garlic butter, layered with mozzarella cheese, and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s an irresistible appetizer or snack that everyone will love.

A round white plate holds 15 golden-brown bread balls arranged in a flower shape. Each ball is thickly covered with melted white cheese, sprinkled with green herbs and bits of red pepper flakes. In the center of the plate is a white scalloped bowl filled with bright red marinara sauce. One bread ball is being pulled away by a woman's hand, stretching gooey, melted cheese between the separated piece and the rest of the bread. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a gray cloth casually placed nearby. 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 to add flavor and help create a crispy crust.
  3. Step 3: Spray your chosen pan (pizza stone, cast iron skillet, or baking sheet) with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange the butter-coated rolls in two close circular rows so they will rise upwards and bake evenly.
  4. Step 4: Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 2-3 hours, or 90 minutes in a warmer spot.
  5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the risen rolls, and add red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
  6. Step 6: Bake the monkey bread for 18-24 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid over-browning.
  7. Step 7: Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping and enjoy the cheesy, garlicky goodness.

Tips & Variations

  • Use fresh garlic for the best flavor and add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the butter for extra aroma.
  • Try swapping mozzarella for a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a sharper cheese taste.
  • If you prefer a milder bread, omit the red pepper flakes or serve them on the side.

Storage

Store leftover monkey bread covered tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

A round arrangement of 16 golden brown bread rolls forms the outer layer, each topped with a melted, white cheese layer sprinkled with green herbs and red pepper flakes, giving a slightly textured and dotted appearance. In the very center, a white scalloped bowl holds a smooth, deep red marinara sauce, creating a vivid contrast with the light-colored rolls. The whole dish sits on parchment paper over a dark round pan, placed on a white marbled surface with a light grey cloth partially visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh dough instead of frozen rolls?

Yes, fresh dough works great. Just shape into rolls and follow the same dipping and rising steps before baking.

Is it possible to make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the rolls dipped in garlic butter and arranged in the pan, then refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise before adding cheese and baking.

Print

Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe

This Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread is a deliciously irresistible pull-apart bread featuring soft Rhodes frozen dinner rolls dipped in garlicky butter, layered with gooey mozzarella cheese, and baked to golden perfection. It’s perfect for sharing and ideal served warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

  • Author: Felix
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 810 servings 1x
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Monkey Bread 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. Prepare the Garlic Butter: Begin by melting the salted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the minced garlic and Italian parsley (if using) to the butter and mix thoroughly to combine the flavors.
  2. Dip the Rolls: Take each frozen dinner roll and dip it into the prepared garlic butter, ensuring each roll is fully coated. This step enhances the flavor and helps develop a crisp, golden crust during baking.
  3. Arrange in a Circular Pattern: Lightly spray your chosen baking pan (such as a cast iron skillet or baking sheet) with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange the coated rolls in two concentric circular rows, placing them close enough so they will rise vertically and bake evenly, allowing the monkey bread to be easily pulled apart.
  4. Let the Rolls Rise: Cover the arranged rolls with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Place them in a warm spot and allow the dough to rise and double in size. This process takes approximately 2 to 3 hours at room temperature or about 90 minutes in a warmer environment.
  5. Add the Cheese: Once the rolls have fully risen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the entire surface of the rolls. Optionally, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for a subtle spicy kick.
  6. Bake Until Bubbly: Bake the monkey bread in the preheated oven for 18 to 24 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese has melted and become bubbly. Watch carefully to avoid over-browning.
  7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve the cheesy garlic pull-apart bread warm alongside a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • For best results, use frozen Rhodes dinner rolls straight from the freezer without thawing before dipping.
  • Feel free to substitute mozzarella with other cheeses like provolone or cheddar for different flavor profiles.
  • If you prefer less garlic, reduce cloves to 1 or 2 according to your taste.
  • The rising time may vary depending on your kitchen temperature; a warm environment speeds up the process.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy crust.

Keywords: Monkey Bread, Cheesy Garlic Bread, Pull Apart Bread, Appetizer, Party Snack, Side Dish, Easy Bread Recipe

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