Some days just call for warm, buttery bread you can pull apart with your fingers. This Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread is exactly that kind of feel-good magic. It’s trending big-time on Pinterest and TikTokand no wonder. It’s golden, gooey, sharable, and easy enough for a weeknight win.
Picture this: soft biscuit-style dough, melty mozzarella, fresh garlic, and herbs all baked into one giant, savory pull-apart ring. We’re turning pantry staples into something better than your favorite pizza rollsand with less effort. The heavenly aroma alone is worth baking it. Full recipe details below!
Growing up, we’d make garlic knots with my grandmother every Sunday. Her tiny kitchen smelled like butter, love, and laughter. This version? It channels that same cozy feeling, made to fit today’s busy scheduleswith one extra step that makes all the flavor difference. You’ll want to save this twist!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread
This recipe transforms simple kitchen staples into something absolutely crave-worthy. Here’s what makes it a standout:
Effortless Comfort: Pre-made Rhodes frozen dinner rolls make prep a breezeperfect for beginners or busy nights.
Cheesy Goodness: Gooey mozzarella makes this golden pull-apart bread impressively melty and satisfying.
Perfect for Sharing: Great as a party centerpiece, appetizer, or cozy side dish with soup or salad.
Nostalgic Flavors: Smells like a pizzeria, tastes like Sunday dinner comfort!
Ingredients and Simple Prep
You won’t need fancy ingredientseverything here is easy to find and affordable. Just gather the items below and let the oven do its magic.
Ingredient
Amount
Notes
Rhodes Frozen Dinner Rolls
20
Keep frozen until ready to coat and rise.
Salted Butter
6–8 Tbsp (melted)
Use more if you want extra richness and golden tops.
Minced Garlic
3 cloves
Use fresh garlic for bold flavor; jarred will work in a pinch.
Italian Parsley (optional)
1/2 tsp
Add just before serving for bright, fresh color.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
1/4 tsp
Add for a gentle heatadjust to your taste.
Grated Mozzarella Cheese
2 cups
Freshly grated melts best. Pre-shredded may be drier due to added starches.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Grab your bundt pan and let’s get baking! Here’s the breakdownfrom buttery prep to golden perfection:
Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and stir in minced garlic. Add parsley and red pepper flakes if using. Let it sit a few minutes to infuse flavor.
Coat the Rolls: Dip each frozen roll into the garlic butter mixture, coating all sides generously.
Arrange and Let Rise: Place coated rolls into a greased 10–12 cup bundt pan, spacing loosely. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm area until doubled in size (2 to 3 hours).
Cheese It Up: Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the risen dough, making sure it gets between and over the rolls for full coverage.
Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–24 minutes until the top is golden brown and cheese is bubbling. Check after 18 minutescover loosely with foil if browning too much.
Quick Reference Baking Timeline
Step
Time
Prep Garlic Butter & Dip Rolls
10 minutes
Rise Time
2–3 hours
Baking
18–24 minutes
Troubleshooting & Helpful Tweaks
Every kitchen is differenttroubleshooting tips can save your bake. Here’s how to handle common hiccups and creative upgrades.
Dough Not Rising? Be sure your kitchen is at least 70°F. You can place the covered pan in a turned-off oven with the light on to create a warm proofing environment.
Worried About Sticking? Grease your pan well with butter or cooking spray. A light dusting of flour can also help.
Want Extra Flavor? Add a dusting of shredded Parmesan over the mozzarella before baking for a salty finish.
Cheese and Herb Substitution Ideas
If You’re Out Of
Try This Instead
Mozzarella
Monterey Jack or Provolone
Italian Parsley
Fresh basil or oregano
Red Pepper Flakes
Cracked black pepper for a milder option
Serving and Storing Your Monkey Bread
This Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread is best served warm when the cheese is at peak gooeyness. Here’s how to store leftovers and keep that indulgent magic going.
Serving: Serve warm with a side of marinara, ranch dip, or alongside soups and hearty salads. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Leftovers: Allow bread to cool before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes, covered loosely with foil to preserve moisture. You can also microwave small portions for 20–30 seconds, though the crust will be softer.
Storage at a Glance
Method
Time
Room Temperature
Up to 1 day (covered)
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days
Freezer
Not recommended – may affect texture
Expert Insight: The Science Behind Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread
The richness of the cheese complements the umami and sharpness of fresh garlicboth enhanced by the baking process. The yeasty rolls create tiny air pockets, making each pull tender and satisfying. Not only is the taste comforting, but the act of pulling pieces apart engages communal dining and sensory delighta combo that explains why this recipe feels so nostalgic and joyful.
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The Journey to Perfect Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread
There were some cheesy flops and overbaked bottoms along the way, but every batch got better. I adjusted ratios, switched up baking pans, and finally landed on a method that delivers that soft interior and crisp golden outside. Now it’s my go-to when I want to impress with minimal fussand bring those Sunday memories back to life.
Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread brings that extra-special warmth to your table with simple, satisfying steps. From the savory garlic butter to that stretchy cheese layer, every piece is pure joy. You don’t need to be a kitchen pro to pull this offjust bring your appetite and let the oven work its fragrance magic.
Want to switch it up? Try swapping in Monterey Jack and a handful of Parmesan for added flavor depth. Heading to a party? Pack it in foil while still slightly warmit travels beautifully and rewarms like a dream. I picked up that trick from a neighbor who makes it for her game-day potluck every season.
Got a favorite variation? I’d love to hear how you made it your ownor if it reminded you of garlic bread memories growing up. Share your creations and let’s celebrate those simple, delicious wins together. This one’s guaranteed to become a family favorite!
Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread is a delicious Italian Monkey Bread that’s perfect as an appetizer or side dish. This Cheesy Bread Ring features soft Rhodes frozen dinner rolls dipped in garlic butter and topped with bubbling mozzarella cheese. Pull apart each piece to reveal gooey, cheesy, and garlicky goodness in every bite, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Prepare the Garlic Butter: Melt the salted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the minced garlic and Italian parsley (if using), then mix well.
Dip the Rolls: Dip each frozen dinner roll fully into the garlic butter to coat evenly.
Arrange in a Circular Pattern: Spray your pan with non-stick cooking spray. Place the rolls in two close circles to form a ring, ensuring they will rise upwards.
Let the Rolls Rise: Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 2-3 hours (or 90 minutes in a hotter environment).
Add the Cheese: Preheat oven to 350°F. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the risen rolls and optionally add red pepper flakes for a spicy touch.
Bake Until Bubbly: Bake for 18-24 minutes, until rolls are golden and cheese melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to avoid over-browning.
Serve Warm: Serve the cheesy garlic monkey bread warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
For best results, allow the rolls to fully rise before baking to ensure a soft interior. You can customize the cheese by adding Parmesan or cheddar. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat before serving.
