The Best Cheesy Monkey Bread Recipe
Nothing unites a table quite like cheesy monkey bread—buttery, golden, melty, and irresistibly pull-apart. This savory spin on the classic sweet treat turns refrigerator biscuits, fresh herbs, and shredded cheese into a showstopping snack or side dish. Whether you’re entertaining, looking for a new potluck favorite, or craving something special with soup or salad, this recipe combines ease and indulgence for unbeatable crowd appeal.
What is Cheesy Monkey Bread?
Traditional monkey bread is a pull-apart pastry made with biscuit dough, usually dusted with cinnamon-sugar and drenched in buttery caramel. However, savory monkey bread swaps out the sweets for cheese, herbs, and sometimes spices, transforming it into a fluffy, cheesy, shareable bread that’s perfect for any meal from brunch to dinner. This variation keeps the fun pull-apart format but infuses every morsel with creamy cheese and fresh parsley, making each bite a delight.
Ingredients for Cheesy Monkey Bread
Gather these simple ingredients to make your cheesy monkey bread:
- 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) salted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- Three 7.5-ounce cans buttermilk biscuits (not the flaky kind), cold
- 8 ounces dill havarti cheese, shredded (or use your favorite cheese)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
Tip: Cold biscuits make it easy to cut and handle. Dill havarti provides creaminess and a subtle tang, but cheddar, monterey jack, or mozzarella are great alternatives.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Use some of the melted butter to generously brush a 14-cup tube or Bundt pan (avoid pans with removable bottoms to prevent leakage).
- Cut the Biscuits: Open the cans of cold buttermilk biscuits and cut each biscuit into quarters. This creates the bite-sized pieces that will form your pull-apart layers.
- Toss Cheese and Herbs: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cheese and chopped parsley. Mix so the herbs are evenly distributed through the cheese.
- First Layer: Arrange half of the biscuit pieces in an even layer at the bottom of your pan, covering most or all of the bottom.
- Add Butter and Cheese: Drizzle half of the remaining melted butter over the biscuit layer. Sprinkle half of the cheese-herb mixture over the top.
- Second Layer: Layer the remaining biscuit pieces over the first cheese and butter layer. Drizzle with the rest of the melted butter and sprinkle with the remaining cheese mixture.
- Bake: Place the filled pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the bread is puffed, deeply golden, and melted cheese is bubbling along the crust. A toothpick inserted should come out dry—it will be cheesy, but no raw dough.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan on a rack for 10–15 minutes. Invert onto the rack while still warm, then re-invert onto a cutting board or platter so the cheese faces up. Serve warm for best texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This cheesy monkey bread is best enjoyed straight from the oven, when the cheese is gooey and the biscuits are tender. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy or pair it:
- Serve as the star at brunches or breakfast-for-dinner occasions
- Pair alongside hearty soups or chili for a comforting meal
- Bring to potlucks, parties, or game day gatherings for guaranteed crowd-pleasing
- Offer with marinara sauce, ranch, or garlic butter for dipping
- Customize with your choice of cheeses or a sprinkle of chili flakes for added kick
Cheesy Monkey Bread: Recipe Tips and Variations
- Choosing Cheese: Dill havarti is smooth and melts beautifully, but feel free to mix in other varieties like cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for extra flavor or different melting textures.
- Herb Swaps: Fresh parsley brightens the bread, but chives or basil add subtle twists.
- Mix-Ins: Try adding cooked and crumbled bacon, caramelized onions, or roasted garlic between layers for more complexity.
- Mini Monkey Bread: For individualized portions, use a muffin tin and bake shorter—about 10–15 minutes, checking for doneness.
- No Bundt Pan? Any tube pan works, or try any deep baking dish, adjusting bake times as needed so the center cooks through.
Can You Make Cheesy Monkey Bread Ahead of Time?
Cheesy monkey bread is at its best fresh-baked and served warm, but you can prepare the pan, cover, and refrigerate up to 6 hours in advance. Let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before baking as directed. Leftovers should be wrapped well and can be reheated in a low oven; avoid microwaving, as bread can turn rubbery.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Storage: Store leftover monkey bread tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate and reheat gently.
- Reheating: Warm in a low oven (about 300°F) for 8–12 minutes until the bread is hot throughout and the cheese is remelted. Avoid high heat to prevent drying out.
FAQs About Cheesy Monkey Bread
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What kind of pan should I use?
A 14-cup tube or Bundt pan is ideal for even baking and a dramatic presentation. Avoid pans with removable bottoms as the butter may leak. Muffin tins work for mini versions, but adjust bake time accordingly.
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Can I use homemade biscuit dough?
Absolutely! While canned buttermilk biscuits are super convenient, a soft, rich homemade biscuit dough works well—just ensure it’s not too sticky to handle and can be portioned into bite-sized pieces.
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Can I freeze monkey bread?
Yes. After baking and cooling, wrap well and freeze for up to two months. Let thaw at room temperature, then reheat gently in the oven until warm and gooey.
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Should I refrigerate leftovers?
It’s not required for short-term storage (up to 2 days) if tightly wrapped, but refrigeration helps extend freshness. Always reheat before serving to restore texture.
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What else can I add to make it my own?
Consider stirring in roasted garlic, jalapeños, chopped green onions, or even bacon between layers. Sprinkling everything bagel seasoning on top gives extra flavor and crunch.
Cheesy Monkey Bread vs. Classic Monkey Bread
| Type | Primary Flavors | Main Add-ins | Served Best As |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheesy Monkey Bread | Savory, buttery, herby, tangy (cheese) | Havarti or cheddar, fresh herbs | Side, snack, appetizer |
| Classic Monkey Bread | Sweet, cinnamon, caramel | Cinnamon, sugar, butter, sometimes nuts | Breakfast, brunch, dessert |
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is monkey bread kid-friendly?
A: Yes, both sweet and savory monkey bread are typically beloved by kids because the bread is soft, flavorful, and easy to pull apart.
Q: Can I substitute other herbs?
A: Absolutely. Try chopped chives, basil, oregano, or thyme for different tastes or colorful flecks.
Q: How do I keep the bread from sticking to the pan?
A: Use plenty of butter to coat the pan. Avoid pans with removable bottoms unless they seal very tightly.
Q: What if I don’t have parsley?
A: The dish will still be delicious. Substitute another fresh herb or omit entirely if needed—there’s plenty of flavor from the cheese and butter alone.
See Also: More Bread Recipe Inspiration
- Corn Muffins with Honey Butter: Sweet, tender muffins that pair perfectly with BBQ or chili.
- Pull-Apart Garlic-Herb Biscuits: Another savory standout with a classic garlic twist.
- Hot Cross Buns: A spiced, fruity yeast bread—ideal for holidays.
- Strawberry Sweet Rolls: A berry-glazed treat for breakfast or afternoon tea.
- Panzanella Salad: Not bread, but a bread-based salad perfect for summer garden gatherings.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy monkey bread is as fun to make as it is to eat, transforming just a handful of ingredients into the ultimate savory treat. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with mix-ins and cheeses, you’ll have an irresistible side or snack for every occasion. Serve it warm, watch it disappear, and prepare to be asked for the recipe again and again.
