A Fun and Flavorful Twist on Traditional Bread
Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This savory, pull-apart bread is made with refrigerated biscuit dough, coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, and generously sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and herbs. It’s baked to golden perfection, creating a warm, gooey, and flavorful treat that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a fun appetizer, or simply craving a delicious and comforting snack, this monkey bread recipe is sure to be a hit. It’s a fun and interactive dish that’s just as enjoyable to make as it is to eat!
A Recipe That Brings People Together
I first encountered monkey bread at a neighborhood potluck. It was this beautiful, golden-brown, pull-apart masterpiece, and the aroma of garlic and butter was simply intoxicating. I was instantly drawn to it, and after one bite, I was hooked. It was savory, cheesy, garlicky, and incredibly satisfying. I knew I had to learn how to make it myself. Since then, this Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread has become a staple at my own gatherings. It’s a dish that sparks conversation, encourages sharing, and always disappears quickly. There’s something truly special about watching people pull off pieces of warm, cheesy bread and seeing the smiles on their faces.
Ingredient Insights: Simple Ingredients, Extraordinary Flavor
The magic of this recipe lies in the combination of simple, readily available ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: The foundation of our monkey bread.
- Convenience: Using pre-made refrigerated biscuit dough makes this recipe incredibly easy and quick.
- Brand: Pillsbury Grands! are a popular choice, but any brand of refrigerated biscuits will work.
- Size: You’ll need two 16.3 oz cans for this recipe.
- Unsalted Butter: Forms the base of our flavorful garlic butter sauce.
- Melted: The butter is melted to easily coat the biscuit pieces.
- Why Unsalted: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe.
- Garlic: A key ingredient that provides the signature savory flavor.
- Freshly Minced: Freshly minced garlic is always best for maximum flavor.
- Quantity: This recipe uses 4 cloves, but you can adjust it to your preference.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty, and umami-rich flavor.
- Freshly Grated: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a wedge is highly recommended for its superior flavor and texture.
- Alternatives: You can use pre-grated Parmesan, but it may not melt as smoothly. Pecorino Romano is a great substitute.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Chopped: Finely chopped parsley is mixed with the biscuit pieces and sprinkled on top before baking.
- Dried Oregano: Complements the garlic and Parmesan with its warm, slightly peppery flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the garlic flavor and ensures every bite is seasoned to perfection.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance the flavors and enhance the overall taste.
Essential Equipment: Tools for Monkey Bread Mastery
- Bundt Pan: The classic choice for baking monkey bread, creating its signature shape and ensuring even baking.
- Size: A standard 10-12 cup Bundt pan is ideal.
- Non-Stick: A non-stick Bundt pan is recommended for easy release.
- Small Bowl: For mixing the melted butter and seasonings.
- Large Bowl: For combining the biscuit pieces with the butter mixture and cheese.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Knife or Kitchen Shears: For cutting the biscuit dough into quarters.
- Pastry Brush (Optional): For brushing the Bundt pan with butter.