Easy Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread: The Ultimate Savory Party Appetizer
When my best friend Danielle first asked me if I knew how to make monkey bread, I admit I was a little stumped. I thought she might be joking! A quick search, however, revealed that this delightful treat has been a beloved staple since the 1950s. While its whimsical name remains a mystery to me, one thing is perfectly clear: monkey bread, whether sweet or savory, is absolutely delicious. I’m equally happy with a classic cinnamon-sugar version or a more adventurous cheesy, garlicky, herbed creation. And today, we’re diving headfirst into the latter!
This Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread recipe is an absolute game-changer. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requires minimal effort, and delivers maximum flavor. Imagine warm, soft biscuit pieces, coated in an aromatic garlic-butter sauce, generously layered with gooey melted cheddar cheese and fragrant oregano. Each pull-apart bite is a burst of savory goodness that will have everyone reaching for more. It’s the ideal appetizer for parties, potlucks, family gatherings, or even a cozy night in. Get ready to impress your guests with this simple yet spectacular dish that’s bound to become a new favorite!
The Irresistible Allure of Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread
Monkey bread has earned its popularity for a good reason: it’s fun to eat and incredibly satisfying. While the sweet variations often steal the spotlight, the savory side of monkey bread is equally, if not more, captivating. This cheesy garlic rendition elevates the humble biscuit to an extraordinary level. It combines the comfort of warm bread with the pungent aroma of fresh garlic, the rich depth of melted cheese, and the earthy notes of oregano. It’s essentially a pull-apart garlic bread but with an added layer of indulgence and a playful twist.
What makes this specific savory monkey bread recipe stand out is its simplicity. Using canned buttermilk biscuits drastically cuts down on prep time, making it accessible even for novice bakers. The magic happens when these biscuit pieces are tossed in a fragrant garlic-butter mixture and layered with cheese in a bundt pan. As it bakes, the flavors meld together, creating a golden-brown, cheesy crust on the outside and tender, flavorful bites on the inside. It’s a dish that demands to be shared and is guaranteed to disappear quickly from any table.
Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread
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Ingredients
- 2 cans of Pillsbury buttermilk biscuits (standard size, 8-count each)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (freshly grated is best!)
- 3 ounces salted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the start.
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Prepare your bundt pan by generously spraying it with cooking spray or greasing it with butter. This crucial step prevents the monkey bread from sticking and ensures an easy release after baking.
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Open the cans of buttermilk biscuits and cut each biscuit into four equal quarters. This creates the perfect bite-sized pieces for your pull-apart bread.
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In a small saucepan, melt the salted butter over low heat. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and dried oregano. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, then remove from heat. This creates your savory garlic-herb butter coating.
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Prepare your cheese. While pre-shredded cheese works in a pinch, grating your own cheddar cheese ensures a creamier melt and superior flavor.
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Sprinkle a good portion of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the bottom and sides of the prepared bundt pan. This will create a delicious cheesy crust.
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Place half of the quartered biscuit pieces into the bundt pan. Drizzle generously with half of the garlic-butter sauce, ensuring each piece is coated. Sprinkle another layer of cheddar cheese over the biscuits. Repeat this process with the remaining biscuits, garlic-butter sauce, and cheese, creating layers of flavor.
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Cover the bundt pan loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to crisp up and brown. Serve immediately while warm and gooey!
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Why This Savory Monkey Bread Will Be Your Go-To Appetizer
There are countless reasons why this Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread is destined to become a beloved recipe in your collection. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. With pre-made biscuit dough, you skip all the fuss of making dough from scratch, making this a perfect last-minute option for unexpected guests or when you simply don’t have much time. The prep work is minimal – just a few cuts, a quick sauce, and layering.
Secondly, the flavor profile is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of pungent garlic, fragrant oregano, and sharp cheddar cheese baked into soft, buttery biscuit pieces is simply irresistible. It hits all the right savory notes, making it a delicious alternative to traditional sweet monkey bread. Plus, its pull-apart nature makes it an interactive and fun dish, encouraging everyone to get their hands in and enjoy. It’s truly the ultimate party appetizer or a fantastic side dish for almost any meal.
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread
- Fresh Garlic is Key: While garlic powder can work in a pinch, fresh minced garlic provides a much more robust and aromatic flavor to your butter sauce.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting smoothly. For the best gooey, cheesy results, take a few extra minutes to grate a block of cheddar cheese yourself.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure the biscuit pieces are relatively evenly distributed in the bundt pan. This allows for even cooking and ensures every piece gets adequately coated in the garlic butter and cheese.
- Cover During Baking: Covering the bundt pan with foil for the initial baking period helps the biscuits cook through without burning the top or sides. Removing it later allows for that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Serve Immediately: This monkey bread is best enjoyed hot out of the oven when the cheese is perfectly melted and the biscuits are soft and warm.
Delicious Variations & Customizations
This savory monkey bread recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for many delicious twists:
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with other melting cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a blend of Italian cheeses. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking can add a delightful salty crust.
- Add More Herbs: Instead of or in addition to oregano, try fresh or dried basil, thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for different aromatic notes. Fresh parsley or chives can be added after baking for a fresh finish.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the garlic butter will add a subtle kick.
- Meat Lovers: Mix in cooked and crumbled bacon bits, mini pepperoni, or finely diced ham with the biscuit pieces for a heartier version.
- Veggies: Sautéed finely diced onions, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes could be incorporated into the layers for added flavor and texture.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle some everything bagel seasoning on top before baking for a unique, savory crust.
Serving Suggestions for Your Savory Monkey Bread
This Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread is fantastic on its own, but here are some ideas to make it even better:
- The Ultimate Appetizer: Place it in the center of a platter and let everyone pull off their own cheesy, garlicky pieces.
- Side Dish: It makes an excellent side for Italian meals, roasted chicken, soups, or stews.
- Dipping Delight: Serve with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping, or even a creamy ranch or garlic aioli.
- Breakfast/Brunch: Yes, even for breakfast! Pair it with scrambled eggs and a strong cup of coffee for a savory start to your day.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
While this easy cheesy garlic monkey bread is definitely best enjoyed fresh and warm from the oven, you might find yourself with leftovers. Here’s how to handle them:
- Storage: Allow the monkey bread to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. It will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: For the best results, reheat in the oven. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the monkey bread (loosely covered with foil) on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is soft again. You can also microwave individual portions for about 20-30 seconds, but this might make the bread a little chewier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about making Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread:
Q: Can I use homemade biscuit dough?
A: Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade biscuit recipe, feel free to use it. Just make sure the dough is cut into similar-sized pieces before tossing with the butter mixture and cheese.
Q: What if I don’t have a bundt pan?
A: You can use a 9×13 inch baking dish. Simply layer the biscuit pieces and cheese mixture in the dish. The baking time might be slightly less, so keep an eye on it. The shape will be different, but the taste will be just as good!
Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
A: You can do some prep work ahead. You can mince the garlic and grate the cheese a day in advance. You can also cut the biscuits into quarters and store them in an airtight container in the fridge overnight. Assemble and bake just before serving for the freshest results.
Q: My monkey bread stuck to the pan, what went wrong?
A: This usually happens if the pan wasn’t sufficiently greased. Ensure you use plenty of cooking spray or butter, especially getting into all the crevices of a bundt pan. Silicone bundt pans can also be a great non-stick option.
Q: How do I know when it’s fully cooked?
A: The monkey bread should be golden brown on top and the biscuits should be cooked through. You can gently pull a piece from the center to check for doneness. It should be fluffy and not doughy.
There you have it – a phenomenal recipe for Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread that’s guaranteed to be a hit. It’s comforting, easy, and incredibly satisfying, proving that savory monkey bread deserves just as much love as its sweet counterpart. Whether you’re hosting a big party or simply craving a delicious snack, this recipe will deliver. So go ahead, give it a try, and prepare to be amazed by this delightful pull-apart bread!
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