This Cheesy Pull-Apart Monkey Bread is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. With layers of buttery biscuit dough coated in garlic, herbs, and an abundance of gooey cheese, every bite is soft, golden, and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together around the table, eagerly pulling apart piece after piece until there’s nothing left but crumbs.
Not only is it ridiculously delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. Using store-bought biscuit dough means you can whip it up in no time, while the fresh garlic, parsley, and cheesy goodness elevate it into something truly irresistible. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, this monkey bread is guaranteed to steal the show at your next family dinner, holiday party, or game-day spread.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/4 cup melted butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan generously with butter or non-stick spray.
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Cut each biscuit into quarters and place them in a large mixing bowl.
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In a separate small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the biscuit pieces.
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Add shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses to the bowl and toss everything until well coated.
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Layer the biscuit mixture evenly into the bundt pan. Sprinkle any leftover cheese on top.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and bubbling with melted cheese.
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Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.
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Serve warm and pull apart pieces to enjoy.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Cheesy Pull-Apart Monkey Bread – The Ultimate Comfort Food
There are certain recipes that feel like a warm hug, the kind of dish you crave when you want to bring family and friends together around the table. Cheesy Pull-Apart Monkey Bread is exactly that kind of recipe. Soft, buttery layers of biscuit dough are smothered in garlic, herbs, and two kinds of cheese, then baked to golden perfection in a bundt pan. The result is a bubbling, gooey, savory bread that is as fun to eat as it is delicious.
Monkey bread has long been a classic in American kitchens, most often enjoyed as a sweet, sticky, cinnamon-laden breakfast treat. But this savory twist takes the concept in a whole new direction. Instead of sugar and glaze, this version leans into the irresistible combination of cheese, garlic, and herbs, making it perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or side dish.
A Quick Background on Monkey Bread
The origins of monkey bread date back several decades. Traditionally, it’s a Hungarian-inspired pastry known as “Arany Galuska” (golden dumplings), which made its way to the United States with Eastern European immigrants. Over time, it evolved into the gooey cinnamon-and-sugar breakfast bread that became popular in the mid-20th century.
The name “monkey bread” likely comes from the way it’s eaten, by pulling apart bite-sized chunks with your fingers, much like a monkey might nibble. It’s casual, fun, and perfect for sharing, which is why it’s so beloved at family gatherings, holidays, and brunch tables.
This savory cheesy version takes the best parts of monkey bread, the pull-apart texture, the communal eating, the golden crust and gives it a flavor profile that’s completely different yet equally comforting.
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Pull-Apart Monkey Bread
There are endless reasons this dish has become a favorite for so many home cooks. Here are just a few:
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It’s Easy to Make: Thanks to store-bought biscuit dough, you can throw this recipe together in minutes. No need for complicated bread-making techniques.
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Cheese Lovers’ Dream: With melted cheddar and Parmesan in every bite, this bread is unapologetically indulgent.
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Perfect for Sharing: Baked in a bundt pan, it creates a stunning centerpiece that’s meant to be pulled apart and enjoyed together.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you serve it as a party appetizer, holiday side dish, or gameday snack, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
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Customizable: You can tweak it to suit your taste, spice it up with chili flakes, make it herbaceous with rosemary, or even add bacon for an extra punch.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility. Once you’ve mastered the basic method, you can customize it endlessly. Here are some fun ideas:
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Cheese Swaps: Try mozzarella for an extra stretchy texture, Gruyère for a nutty richness, or pepper jack if you like a little kick.
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Herbs & Spices: Fresh rosemary, thyme, or chives add different aromatic notes. Smoked paprika or cayenne can boost the flavor profile.
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Add Protein: Crispy bacon bits, crumbled sausage, or diced ham make it heartier and perfect as a brunch dish.
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Make It Spicy: Add jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a fiery twist.
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Mini Versions: Instead of one large bundt pan, bake the mixture in muffin tins for individual servings, great for portion control or party platters.
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy Monkey Bread is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of meals. Here are some serving ideas to inspire you:
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Appetizer: Place it at the center of your table with small dipping bowls of marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic butter.
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Side Dish: Serve it alongside hearty pastas, soups, or roasted meats. It’s particularly amazing with lasagna, chili, or roasted chicken.
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Party Food: Ideal for game-day spreads, potlucks, and holiday buffets. It’s a dish that disappears quickly, so consider doubling the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd.
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Brunch Star: Pair it with eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit for a decadent weekend brunch.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If by some miracle you have leftovers, you’ll be happy to know that this monkey bread keeps well.
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Storage: Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: To revive that gooey, fresh-baked texture, warm the bread in a 325°F oven for 10-12 minutes. Microwaving is faster but may make the bread slightly chewy.
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Freezing: You can freeze baked monkey bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Reheat directly from frozen in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes.
Perfect Pairings
Cheesy Pull-Apart Monkey Bread is tasty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with the right dishes and drinks elevates the experience.
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Dipping Sauces: Marinara, Alfredo, buffalo sauce, or even a cheesy queso dip.
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Soups: Creamy tomato soup, broccoli cheddar, or minestrone make wonderful companions.
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Salads: A crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette provide freshness to balance the richness.
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Drinks: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, a light lager, or sparkling water with lemon all pair beautifully.
Occasions to Serve Cheesy Monkey Bread
Because it’s so shareable, this bread shines in social settings. Here are some occasions where it’s a guaranteed win:
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Game Day: Forget the chips and dip—this bread is the MVP of any sports party.
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Holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any festive gathering becomes better with a cheesy bread centerpiece.
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Family Dinners: Surprise your loved ones by swapping out traditional rolls for this pull-apart bread.
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Potlucks: Easy to transport, easy to serve, and impossible not to love.
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Movie Nights: Skip the popcorn and enjoy cheesy bread bites instead.
Conclusion
Cheesy Pull-Apart Monkey Bread is more than just a side dish, it’s an experience. From the moment it emerges from the oven, golden and bubbling with melted cheese, to the fun of pulling it apart piece by piece, it brings joy and comfort to every table. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday, a family dinner, or a casual get-together with friends, this recipe never fails to impress.
It’s simple, customizable, and outrageously delicious. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again, experimenting with new flavors and enjoying the smiles it brings. After all, food is about connection, and nothing connects people quite like sharing a warm, cheesy, pull-apart loaf of monkey bread.