Cheesy Pull Apart Monkey Bread has a magical way of bringing people together, and I’ve loved making it for years! I remember the first time I tried this savory pull apart monkey bread at a friend’s potluck; the aroma of garlic and warm, gooey cheese was absolutely intoxicating. Watching everyone’s faces light up as they pulled apart the soft, buttery pieces made me realize this wasn’t just food, it was an experience. It’s my go-to for a reason, offering an easy pull apart cheese bread that’s perfect for any gathering. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Pull Apart Monkey Bread
- Unbeatable Flavor: It’s bursting with garlic, herbs, and a triple cheese blend that’s incredibly savory.
- Super Quick Prep: With just 10 minutes of prep, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore the fun, interactive way of pulling apart the warm, cheesy goodness.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- Party Perfect: This cheesy pull apart appetizer is guaranteed to be a hit at any party or gathering.
- Easy to Master: Even if you’re new to baking, this pull apart cheese bread recipe is straightforward and forgiving.
- Versatile Side: It pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or as a standalone snack.
Ingredients for Cheesy Pull Apart Monkey Bread
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making this incredible monkey bread with cheese. You’ll need two cans of refrigerated biscuit dough – the kind you find in the dairy aisle. These form the soft, fluffy base for our cheesy creation. I always opt for the flaky layers, but any biscuit dough will work. Next, we’ve got the star of the show: a generous amount of cheese! I’m using 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese for that classic gooey melt and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for a sharp, salty kick that really elevates this pull apart cheese bread recipe. For the flavor base, we’ll melt 1/4 cup butter and mix it with 2 cloves garlic, minced, 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. A pinch of salt and black pepper, and optionally 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a little warmth, ties it all together perfectly.
How to Make Cheesy Pull Apart Monkey Bread
- Step 1: Let’s get this cheesy garlic pull apart bread started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, generously grease a bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray. This is crucial for easy release later!
- Step 2: Open up those cans of biscuit dough. I like to cut each biscuit into quarters – think bite-sized pieces. Toss these dough pieces into a large mixing bowl. They’ll puff up beautifully as they bake.
- Step 3: In a separate, smaller bowl, it’s time to create our flavor magic. Melt the 1/4 cup butter. Stir in the 2 cloves minced garlic, 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. This mixture is what will make your savory pull apart monkey bread smell amazing.
- Step 4: Pour that glorious, garlicky butter mixture over the biscuit pieces in the large bowl.
- Step 5: Now for the best part – the cheese! Add your 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl. Gently toss everything with your hands or a spatula until all the biscuit pieces are nicely coated in butter and cheese.
- Step 6: Carefully layer the coated biscuit mixture evenly into your prepared bundt pan. Try to distribute the cheese and biscuit pieces so you get that perfect pull-apart texture throughout.
- Step 7: Sprinkle any leftover cheese you might have on top of the mixture in the bundt pan. This ensures a beautiful, cheesy crust.
- Step 8: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the entire cheesy pull apart monkey bread is golden brown and you can see the cheese bubbling invitingly around the edges. The aroma will be incredible!
- Step 9: Once baked, carefully remove the bundt pan from the oven. Let it rest for about 5 minutes – this helps it set slightly. Then, place a serving plate over the top of the bundt pan and confidently invert it.
- Step 10: Gently lift the bundt pan away, revealing your gorgeous, golden, and bubbly cheesy pull apart bread. Serve warm and let everyone dig in and pull apart the delicious, cheesy pieces!
Pro Tips for the Best Savory Pull Apart Monkey Bread
Want to elevate your cheesy pull apart bread game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make this savory monkey bread recipe even more amazing.
- For an extra punch of flavor in your cheesy pull apart appetizer, try brushing the bundt pan with garlic-infused butter before adding the dough.
- Don’t overwork the dough when tossing it with the butter and cheese mixture. Gentle handling keeps the biscuits tender and fluffy.
- Make sure your cheese is at room temperature; it melts more evenly and coats the dough better.
- If you want to add some fresh herbs like chives or rosemary, chop them finely and mix them in with the parsley for a lovely aroma.
What’s the secret to perfect cheesy pull apart bread?
The secret to perfect cheesy pull apart bread lies in the combination of good quality cheese that melts well and not over-baking. This ensures you get that delightful gooey center in every bite of your easy pull apart cheese bread. For more baking tips, check out these tips for making homemade bread.
Can I make pull apart dinner rolls cheese ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover the bundt pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven cold.
How do I avoid common mistakes with the best cheesy pull apart recipe?
A common mistake is over-baking, which can make the biscuits dry. Keep an eye on it and pull it out when it’s golden and bubbly. Also, ensure you grease your bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking, which is key for this pull apart cheese bread recipe. For more baking advice, consider these easy biscuit recipes.
Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Bread for Parties
This cheesy pull apart bread is such a versatile dish, perfect for almost any gathering! As a standout cheesy pull apart appetizer, it’s fantastic served warm right out of the oven. For a more substantial meal, consider pairing it with a hearty soup like tomato bisque or a fresh, crisp green salad. It also makes an amazing side for barbecues or potlucks, especially alongside grilled chicken or pulled pork. Honestly, it’s so good, guests will be reaching for piece after piece straight from the serving platter!
Nutrition Facts for Cheesy Pull Apart Monkey Bread
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information for one serving of this delightful cheesy pull apart bread. It’s a rich and satisfying treat, perfect as an appetizer or side dish.
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in this cheesy pull apart bread recipe.
How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Pull Apart Bread with Herbs
Even though this cheesy pull apart bread is usually gobbled up in minutes, you might find yourself with leftovers! For the best quality, make sure to let your savory monkey bread recipe cool down completely before storing. Once cool, transfer any remaining cheesy pull apart appetizer to an airtight container. You can keep it at room temperature for a few hours, but for longer storage, pop it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh and delicious for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep this goodness for longer, you can freeze it! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and it should be good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat it. For a quick warm-up, microwave it for about 30-60 seconds. For that freshly baked texture, though, I recommend reheating it in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10-12 minutes until it’s warm and gooey again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Cheese Pull Apart Bread
Can I make this garlic cheese pull apart bread with different cheeses?
Absolutely! While cheddar and Parmesan are fantastic, feel free to experiment. Monterey Jack, Gruyere, mozzarella for extra stretch, or even a spicy pepper jack would be delicious in this homemade cheesy pull apart bread. Just ensure you use cheeses that melt well for that signature gooeyness.
What makes this garlic cheese pull apart bread so good?
It’s the perfect harmony of flavors and textures! The soft, buttery biscuit dough, infused with garlic and herbs, combined with the melty, savory cheese creates an irresistible combination. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Can I add other ingredients to my homemade cheesy pull apart bread?
Yes, you can customize it endlessly! Consider adding finely chopped chives, a pinch of onion powder for extra savoriness, or even some cooked bacon bits or jalapeños for a spicy kick. These additions can really make your garlic cheese pull apart bread unique.
How do I get the best pull-apart texture in my garlic cheese pull apart bread?
The key is to ensure the biscuit pieces are evenly coated in the butter and cheese mixture before layering them into the pan. This helps them bake together just enough to create those delightful, pull-apart strands.
Variations of Cheesy Cheesy Pull Apart Bread You Can Try
This cheesy pull apart bread is incredibly versatile, and I love how easy it is to switch things up! You can tailor this recipe to fit different tastes or even dietary needs. Here are a few fun variations to try:
- Spicy Jalapeño Popper: For a kick, mix in finely diced jalapeños and a bit of cream cheese with the shredded cheddar. This variation follows the standard cheesy pull apart bread instructions, but with added heat and creaminess.
- Herb Garden Delight: Amp up the fresh herbs! Add chopped chives, rosemary, or thyme along with the parsley. The cheesy pull apart bread instructions remain the same, but the aroma is even more incredible.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free biscuit dough. The baking time might vary slightly, so keep an eye on it until golden brown, following the general cheesy pull apart bread instructions.
- Garlic Butter Parmesan Rolls: Skip the cheddar and double up on Parmesan, adding extra garlic powder to the butter mixture. This creates a wonderfully savory, garlicky pull apart bread perfect for any meal. Try these garlic parmesan chicken pasta skillet for another garlicky delight.
Cheesy Pull Apart Monkey Bread: 2 Amazing Twists
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Pull-Apart Monkey Bread is a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish. It features soft, buttery biscuit dough coated in garlic, herbs, and plenty of gooey cheese, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a bundt pan generously with butter or non-stick spray.
- Cut each biscuit into quarters and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour this mixture over the biscuit pieces.
- Add shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses to the bowl and toss everything until well coated.
- Layer the biscuit mixture evenly into the bundt pan.
- Sprinkle any leftover cheese on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and bubbling with melted cheese.
- Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.
- Serve warm and pull apart pieces to enjoy.
Notes
- This cheesy pull apart bread is best served warm.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in a 325°F oven for 10-12 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310 kcal