When I hear monkey bread, I usually think sweet, but this savory Cheesy Monkey Bread is oozing with gooey cheddar and sprinkled with savory herbs. Each irresistible pull-apart piece promises a burst of cheesy goodness, making it the perfect crowd-pleasing snack or side dish for any occasion.
Easy & Cheesy
Ummm…if pizzeria cheesy bread and a can of biscuits got together, this would be the result. A cheesy, buttery, spicy, delicious hot skillet that is bubbling for attention.
Right out of the oven this bread was irresistible. It made my house smell just like the local pizza joint and I wasn’t even a little mad about it. The result reminds me a little of pull apart bread, but something about the little ball shaped pieces had me also thinking focaccia. What does it matter though – cheesy carbs cannot be bad!!
If you want something a little more herb, however, check out this Pesto Focaccia, or if you want something more neutral in flavor, try these Oat Flour Biscuits.
Recipe Inspiration
I originally developed this Cheesy Monkey Bread recipe as a St. Patrick’s Day recipe as a variation of a cheddar Irish Soda Bread, but with how delicious it is, I cannot resist only making it once a year as a holiday.
I’ve found I enjoy it as a starter served with salad, with pasta, with soup, etc. This makes a great holiday appetizer and is the perfect size for sharing. For a variety of occasions I have loved this bread!
Garlic Monkey Bread Ingredients
- Butter – We’ll melt it slightly and spread it over the top of our bread before baking.
- Flaky Layers Biscuits – I used biscuits instead of a crusty bread here for their pillowy texture that works great for pull-apart cheese bread.
- Cheese – We’ll use cheddar, monterey jack, and parmesan cheese. Triple threat!
- Garlic – Optional – to my garlic lovers, do not add more than 2 cloves minced. It’s too overpowering.
- Herbs and Spices – parsley, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and onion powder.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Substitutions and Variations
As Guy Ferri says, take it to flavor town!!! Lmao
- Switch up the cheeses: I think Sharp white cheddar, shredded gruyere, swiss, melty mozzarella cheese or even feta would be tasty!
- Add more fresh herbs: Chopped basil, oregano, thyme, chopped green onions or even mint.
- Add a spread: Mix pesto, hummus, or even a bacon jam into the butter before spreading onto the biscuits.
- Mix-ins: Feel free to add some mix-ins between the little balls of dough. Try olives, sun dried tomatoes, or bacon bits.
How to Make This Recipe
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Shred all of the cheeses, cut the butter into cubes to be semi-melted (spreadable), and mince garlic.
2. Use kitchen shears to cut each biscuit into quarters.
3. Place the dough pieces in a large bowl with all of the shredded cheese. Gently toss cheeses with the dough until each biscuit is coated.
4. In a separate small mixing bowl, semi-melt the butter, meaning most of it should be melted, but overall still have some form to it. Add the minced garlic, fresh parsley, and seasonings to the butter, stir together with a spoon.
5. Generously butter a cast iron skillet. Arrange the cheese covered biscuit ball pieces to cover the pan in an even layer. Spread the seasoned butter mixture evenly over the top.
6. Bake for 23-25 minutes or until biscuits are risen and golden brown. Allow to cool for a few minutes after removing skillet from the oven.
7. Serve warm! This savory monkey bread recipe is excellent on its own, but I think they’d be delicious dipped in ranch, marinara sauce, or something of your choice!
PRO TIPS
- I recommend shredding your own cheese through the large holes of a box grater. They usually add anti-caking ingredients into different cheese varieties, which prevents them from being great melting cheeses.
- Let the bread cool for a few minutes so the remaining butter can soak into the bread! It is SO tasty. I hover over this recipe and just inhale it. I can’t wait for you to try it.
Recipe FAQs
Store your cheesy monkey bread in an airtight container on the counter for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep it any longer, you’ll want to transfer it to the freezer. Wrap your bread tightly with plastic wrap then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy, let thaw at room temperature, then reheat in a 300°F oven for ~10 minutes if you’d like to enjoy it warm.
Yes! The entire bread can be prepped the night before. After brushing on the butter, add a layer of plastic wrap and place in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
The true origin of the name is unknown, but the way the bread is constructed with the individual pieces that are typically torn off and eaten with your hands, may resemble how a monkey might pick at its food.
This bread can also be made in a 8×8 square pan. You may need to bake for 2-3 extra minutes since the bread in a smaller pan will be slightly thicker with the dough balls stacked higher.
Serving suggestions
Serve your cheesy bread with a bowl of Fresh Tomato Tomato Soup or as a dipping vessel for this Pepperoni Pizza Dip. It would also make for pretty epic sandwich bread for this Turkey Apple Cheddar Sandwich or this Turkey Reuben, too.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating and comment in the recipe card below. Thanks for visiting!
Cheesy Monkey Bread
Equipment
- 12" cast iron skillet
- Kitchen shears
- cheese grater
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 stick butter, semi-melted
- 1 can flaky layers buttery biscuits, 16 oz
- 4 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz shredded monterey jack
- 1/4 cup shaved parmesan
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Shred all of the cheeses, cut the butter into cubes to be semi-melted (spreadable), and mince garlic.
- Use kitchen shears to cut each biscuit into quarters.
- Place the dough pieces in a large bowl with all of the shredded cheese. Gently toss cheeses with the dough until each biscuit is coated.
- In a separate small mixing bowl, semi-melt the butter, meaning most of it should be melted, but overall still have some form to it. Add the minced garlic, fresh parsley, and seasonings to the butter, stir together with a spoon.
- Generously butter a cast iron skillet. Arrange the cheese covered biscuit ball pieces to cover the pan in an even layer. Spread the seasoned butter mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake for 23-25 minutes or until biscuits are risen and golden brown. Allow to cool for a few minutes after removing skillet from the oven.
- Serve warm! This savory monkey bread recipe is excellent on its own, but I think they’d be delicious dipped in ranch, marinara sauce, or something of your choice!
Nutrition
Notes
Looking for this in MyFitnessPal?
If you’re using MyFitnessPal, search ‘A Paige Of Positivity’ and find Cheesy Monkey Bread calories and nutrition facts. Disclaimer: for most accurate macronutrients and caloric breakdown, it is recommended that you input each ingredient into your MyFitnessPal food diary.
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. It’s my passion to create dishes that can be shared with others. Tell me something you loved or just say hi!
made this as an appetizer and served with a garlic spread, holy cow did it go fast. It was perfectly fluffy and supper cheesy. just YUM
danggg this monkey bread is T A S T Y!! Incredible.
This appetizer is so delicious. I made it twice in a weekend. It’s the perfect for a big gathering or a family dinner. It was super easy to make and is a crowd favorite.