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Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe

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4 from 57 reviews

This Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread is a deliciously indulgent pull-apart bread made with frozen dinner rolls coated in garlic butter, layered with melted mozzarella cheese, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a shareable appetizer or comforting side, it’s easy to prepare and irresistibly flavorful.

Ingredients

Monkey Bread

  • 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: Melt the salted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the minced garlic and Italian parsley if using, then mix thoroughly to combine the flavors.
  2. Dip the Rolls: Take each frozen dinner roll and dip it fully into the prepared garlic butter, ensuring every roll is well coated to impart flavor and help create a crispy crust when baked.
  3. Arrange in a Circular Pattern: Spray your chosen pan such as a pizza stone, cast iron skillet, or baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Place the coated rolls in two concentric circular rows close to each other so that when they rise, they expand vertically, enabling easy pull-apart serving.
  4. Let the Rolls Rise: Cover the arranged rolls with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Leave them to rise in a warm place until they double in size, which typically takes about 2 to 3 hours, or roughly 90 minutes in a warmer environment.
  5. Add the Cheese: After the rolls have risen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Evenly sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the top of the rolls. If desired, sprinkle with red pepper flakes to add a touch of heat.
  6. Bake Until Bubbly: Bake the monkey bread for 18 to 24 minutes, or until the rolls turn golden brown and the cheese melts into a beautifully bubbly topping. Watch carefully to avoid excessive browning.
  7. Serve with Marinara Sauce: Allow the bread to cool slightly, then serve warm accompanied by marinara sauce for dipping, making for a perfect appetizer or snack.

Notes

  • You can substitute frozen dinner rolls with fresh rolls if preferred, adjusting the rise time accordingly.
  • For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like oregano or basil along with parsley to the garlic butter.
  • If you prefer a bit of spice, don’t omit the red pepper flakes; adjust quantity to taste.
  • Use a cast iron skillet or a deep baking dish to help the bread maintain its shape and enhance crust formation.
  • Make sure not to over-bake as the cheese can burn; baking times may slightly vary with different ovens.
  • Leftover monkey bread can be reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.