Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe

If you love warm, gooey, and flavorful snacks that bring people together, then this Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe is going to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine soft dinner rolls soaked in a rich garlic butter, baked in a golden crust with pockets of melted mozzarella, all perfectly seasoned to make every bite an explosion of comforting, cheesy heaven. This recipe is oh-so-easy to throw together yet delivers a crowd-pleasing masterpiece that’s perfect for game days, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing fancy here, just simple ingredients that come together to create a deeply satisfying flavor and an irresistible texture. Each element plays an essential role, from the buttery garlic coating to the stretchy mozzarella cheese that oozes out when you pull apart the rolls.

• 20 Rhodes Frozen Dinner Rolls: These frozen rolls thaw and rise beautifully to create the soft, pillowy base for your monkey bread.
• 6 to 8 Tablespoons Salted Butter (melted): Acts as the rich foundation for the garlic butter, making every bite decadently moist and flavorful.
• 3 Garlic Cloves (minced): Fresh garlic is a must for that robust and aromatic punch that defines this dish.
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian Parsley (optional): Adds an herbaceous note and lovely color contrast.
• 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Brings a subtle kick to spice things up a bit.
• 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (grated): The gooey, melty cheese that makes this monkey bread absolutely unforgettable.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter

Start by melting your salted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and Italian parsley if you’re using it. This garlicky butter mixture is going to infuse the dinner rolls with amazing flavor and give that irresistible golden crust as it bakes.

Step 2: Dip the Rolls

Take each frozen dinner roll and generously coat it in the garlic butter. Make sure every nook and cranny of the roll is covered. This step is everything because the butter seeps into the bread, making it tender inside but crunchy and flavorful on the outside.

Step 3: Arrange in a Circular Pattern

Choose your favorite baking pan, whether it’s a pizza stone, a cast iron skillet, or just a baking sheet. Spray it well with non-stick cooking spray. Then, place the coated rolls in two close rows arranged in a circular pattern. This close arrangement allows the rolls to rise upwards rather than outwards, which is essential for the perfect pull-apart effect.

Step 4: Let the Rolls Rise

Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and find a warm spot to let the rolls rise until doubled in size. This usually takes about 2 to 3 hours at room temperature, but if you have a warmer spot, it can be around 90 minutes. Patience here pays off with fluffy, airy rolls.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Once your rolls have doubled in size, preheat your oven to 350°F. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously all over the top. If you want an extra layer of flavor and a bit of heat, add a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes before baking.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly

Bake the monkey bread for about 18 to 24 minutes. You’re aiming for a golden brown crust on the rolls and bubbling, melty cheese on top. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t over-bake—there’s nothing better than perfectly melted mozzarella over soft, buttery bread.

Step 7: Serve with Marinara Sauce

Nothing completes the experience like dipping this cheesy garlic pull-apart bread into homemade or store-bought marinara sauce. The tangy tomato dip brings contrast and makes each bite even more delicious.

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top gives a burst of color and a subtle extra flavor dimension. You can also add a few extra red pepper flakes if you or your guests love a little spice.

Side Dishes

This bread is wonderful as a starter or snack, but pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad to balance the richness or a hearty soup like tomato basil or creamy mushroom. The combination feels like a complete comfort meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving it in a cast iron skillet or a bundt pan for a rustic and charming presentation that keeps the bread warm longer. You can also package portions in small mason jars for party favors or an on-the-go snack that impresses!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store best in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep the cheese from drying out, loosely cover with foil if you can, especially if you plan to reheat portions.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked monkey bread in a tightly sealed container or wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Warm leftover monkey bread in a preheated oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to prevent the cheese from burning but give it time to heat through and revive that fresh-baked softness.

FAQs

Can I use homemade rolls instead of frozen Rhodes dinner rolls?

Absolutely! While Rhodes rolls are convenient and consistent, homemade dough works perfectly too. Just make sure to follow your dough’s rising times and adjust as needed.

What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese?

Provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a mild cheddar would work nicely. Choose cheeses that melt well and complement the garlic butter flavors.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, using gluten-free dinner rolls will work, but be mindful that gluten-free dough tends to behave differently. You might need to adjust rising times and be gentle when handling the rolls.

Is there a way to make this less spicy?

Simply omit the red pepper flakes for a milder yet still deeply flavorful bread. The garlic and cheese will still shine beautifully.

How do I know when the monkey bread is done baking?

Look for a golden brown crust on the rolls and bubbly, melted cheese on top. The internal temperature of the bread should be around 190°F if you want to be precise.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe is one of those magical dishes that brings pure joy with every pull-apart bite. The combination of buttery garlic and oozing cheese on soft dinner rolls makes it perfect for sharing and celebrating simple pleasures. I promise once you make it, you’ll be coming back to this recipe again and again to delight friends and family with its warm, inviting goodness.

Print