This Easy Cheesy Monkey Bread is the perfect mix of soft dough and melted cheese, all pulled apart and ready to enjoy! It’s great for breakfast, snacks, or a fun dinner side.
I love how simple it is to make—just roll the dough in cheese and bake. Plus, who doesn’t love tearing off warm, cheesy bites? It’s a real crowd-pleaser! 🐒🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: The base of this monkey bread! I use refrigerated biscuit dough for easy prep. But, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can make homemade biscuit dough using flour, baking powder, and milk. Just keep an eye on the baking time!
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella gives that gooey texture. If you’re out, Monterey Jack or cheddar can work well, too. I personally love mixing different cheeses for added flavor!
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice salty bite to the mix. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano makes a tasty substitute. I’ve even used nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option!
Fresh Parsley: It brings a pop of color and freshness. If parsley isn’t available, try basil or even a pinch of dried herbs. I like adding a bit more for an extra herbal touch.
Garlic Powder: It’s a quick way to infuse flavor. If you prefer fresh, use minced garlic instead—just a clove or two will do!
How Do I Get My Monkey Bread Extra Flavorful?
Ensuring each piece of biscuit is coated well is key for maximum flavor. When combining the melted butter with seasonings, make sure to mix it thoroughly. You want each biscuit piece to soak up that garlicky goodness before baking!
- Preheat your oven first to get that nice golden crust.
- Once the biscuits are cut, toss them in the butter mixture and let them soak for a minute; that helps the flavors meld!
- Layer the coated biscuits with cheese and parsley gently so everything stays fluffy while baking.
Don’t forget to serve with your favorite dipping sauce. It adds an extra layer of fun to this cheesy treat! Enjoy your monkey bread creation!
How to Make Easy Cheesy Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Monkey Bread:
- 2 cans (7.5 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Dipping (Optional):
- Marinara or pesto sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. You can have this delicious cheesy monkey bread on your table in less than an hour, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or a fun get-together with friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, grab a cast-iron skillet or a round baking dish and grease it with some cooking spray or a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cut the Biscuit Dough:
Open those cans of refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. This means you’ll get small pieces to mix with the cheesy goodness! Place all the cut biscuit pieces into a large mixing bowl.
3. Make the Butter Mixture:
In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This is where the flavor comes in! Stir it all together until well combined.
4. Combine Biscuit and Butter:
Pour the buttery mixture over the biscuit pieces in the large bowl. Toss everything together until the dough is nicely coated in that delicious buttery goodness.
5. Add the Cheeses and Parsley:
Now, it’s time to add the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Gently mix everything together, being careful not to crush the biscuit pieces. You want to keep that fluffy texture!
6. Pour into the Skillet:
Transfer the mixture into the prepared skillet, spreading it out evenly. This will help it bake nicely and form that glorious monkey bread shape.
7. Bake It to Perfection:
Pop the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’re looking for a golden brown top and bubbly cheese. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the monkey bread cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to pull apart. Use your hands to break it into pieces, and serve warm.
9. Enjoy!
For extra fun, serve it with marinara or pesto sauce for dipping. Dig in and enjoy your cheesy treat!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are great choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or even a blend of Italian cheeses. Just be mindful that the flavor and texture may change slightly depending on your substitution.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Parsley?
No problem! If you don’t have fresh parsley on hand, you can use dried parsley or other fresh herbs like basil or oregano to add flavor. Just use about 1 tablespoon of dried herbs instead of 1/4 cup of fresh.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and cheese mixture ahead of time! Assemble everything in the skillet, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it into the oven; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a microwave-safe dish and microwave for about 30-45 seconds, or until warmed through. You can also put them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them up again.
