Garlic Monkey Bread Made With Biscuits Recipe

Of all the recipes that have become legendary in my household, this is the one that gets requested the most. It doesn’t matter if it’s a bustling holiday get-together, a lazy Sunday watching football, or just a Tuesday night when we need a little something extra to go with our spaghetti dinner; this Garlic Monkey Bread Made With Biscuits is the undisputed champion of comfort food. The first time I made it, the aroma of garlic and butter-toasted herbs filled the house, and my family descended on the kitchen like a pack of wolves. Before the main course was even on the table, the entire Bundt ring of golden, cheesy, pull-apart goodness had vanished. All that remained was an empty plate, a few stray crumbs, and my son asking, “Can you make another one?” That’s when I knew I had a winner.

What makes this recipe so magical is its sheer simplicity. Thanks to the brilliant shortcut of using refrigerated biscuit dough, you get all the glory of homemade garlic bread without any of the work of kneading dough or waiting for it to rise. It’s a culinary magic trick that turns a humble can of biscuits into a show-stopping appetizer or side dish. Each little dough ball is dunked in a heavenly mixture of melted butter, potent garlic, and savory Italian herbs, then layered with generous amounts of salty, nutty Parmesan cheese. As it bakes, the pieces fuse together into a glorious, golden-brown wreath, with cheesy pockets and garlic-infused crevices just begging to be pulled apart. It’s interactive, it’s fun, and it is, without a doubt, one of the most delicious things you will ever pull out of your oven. Whether you serve it on its own or with a warm bowl of marinara for dipping, this cheesy garlic monkey bread is guaranteed to be a hit.

Ingredients

The beauty of this recipe lies in its short and accessible ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the final, irresistible product. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it works so well.

• 2 packages Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits, Southern Homestyle variety: This is the heart of our shortcut. Using refrigerated biscuit dough saves an immense amount of time and effort. The Pillsbury Grands! Southern Homestyle variety is particularly well-suited for this recipe because the biscuits are large, fluffy, and don’t have the distinct flaky layers that can sometimes separate awkwardly. They bake up with a wonderfully soft, bready texture that is perfect for soaking up the garlic butter. If you can’t find this specific variety, any large “homestyle” or “buttermilk” refrigerated biscuit will work as a great substitute. You’ll want to avoid the “flaky layers” type if possible for the best pull-apart texture.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick): Butter is the flavor vehicle here. It carries the garlic, herbs, and seasonings into every nook and cranny of the bread. Using unsalted butter is key because it allows you to control the total salt content of the dish, especially since the Parmesan cheese is already quite salty. When melted, it creates a luxurious bath for the biscuit pieces, ensuring they become golden and rich during baking. For the best flavor, opt for a quality brand of butter.
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: This is your one-stop shop for savory, aromatic flavor. A good Italian seasoning blend typically includes a mix of dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. It provides a complex herbal background that perfectly complements the garlic and cheese. If you don’t have a pre-made blend, you can easily make your own by mixing equal parts of these dried herbs.
• 3-6 cloves garlic, minced: This is where you get to be the master of your own garlic destiny. The recipe calls for 3 to 6 cloves, and this range is intentional. If you enjoy a pleasant, noticeable garlic flavor that complements the other ingredients, aim for 3-4 cloves. If you are a true garlic aficionado who believes there’s no such thing as too much garlic, feel free to use 5, 6, or even more cloves. The key is to mince it finely so the flavor distributes evenly throughout the butter without leaving you with large, pungent chunks. Freshly minced garlic will always provide the most vibrant and potent flavor compared to the pre-minced jarred variety.
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Parmesan is the secret weapon that elevates this from simple garlic bread to an unforgettable cheesy garlic monkey bread. Its salty, nutty flavor profile is the perfect counterpoint to the rich butter and savory herbs. For the absolute best results, buy a wedge of Parmesan cheese and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated with anti-caking agents like cellulose, which can prevent them from melting as smoothly. Freshly grated Parmesan will melt beautifully into the crevices, creating gooey, cheesy pockets throughout the bread.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional): While optional, fresh parsley adds a wonderful pop of vibrant green color and a touch of fresh, clean flavor that cuts through the richness of the butter and cheese. It’s the perfect finishing touch to make the dish look as amazing as it tastes.
• 1 cup marinara sauce (optional for dipping): Serving this garlic monkey bread with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping takes it to a whole new level. The bright, tangy tomato flavor of the marinara is the perfect companion to the savory, cheesy bread. You can use your favorite jarred brand or even a simple homemade sauce.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping pan of cheesy garlic monkey bread that will have everyone reaching for more.

1. Preparation is Key:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350° F (175° C). This is a crucial first step, as placing the dough in a properly heated oven ensures it starts cooking immediately, leading to a light, fluffy texture rather than a dense, greasy one. Next, prepare your pan. A standard 10- or 12-cup Bundt pan is the classic choice for monkey bread because its central tube promotes even air circulation, helping the center cook through at the same rate as the edges. Lightly but thoroughly spray the inside of the pan with non-stick cooking spray, making sure to get into all the grooves and the central cone. This will be your best defense against the bread sticking when it’s time to invert it.

2. Biscuit Breakdown:
Open the two packages of Pillsbury Grands! biscuits and separate the individual biscuits. Place them on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter (which works surprisingly well!), cut each biscuit into four equal pieces, or quarters. Once all the biscuits are quartered, take each small piece and gently roll it between the palms of your hands to form a rough ball. Don’t worry about making them perfectly spherical; the rustic, slightly uneven shapes add to the charm of the finished dish. This is a great step to get kids involved in the kitchen.

3. The Flavor Bath:
Place the stick of unsalted butter into a medium-sized, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 45-60 seconds, or until the butter is completely melted. Alternatively, you can melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat on the stovetop. Once the butter is melted, add the Italian seasoning and your desired amount of finely minced garlic directly into the warm butter. Stir well to combine. Allowing the herbs and garlic to sit in the warm butter for a minute or two helps to “bloom” their flavors, making them more aromatic and potent.

4. Dunk and Drop:
Now for the fun part. Set up your assembly line: the bowl of biscuit balls, the bowl of garlic butter, and your prepared Bundt pan. Working with one biscuit ball at a time, drop it into the garlic butter mixture. I find that using two forks makes this process clean and easy—one to drop the ball in and roll it around, and the other to lift it out, allowing any excess butter to drip back into the bowl. Thoroughly coat each ball in the buttery mixture and then place it in the prepared Bundt pan in a single, even layer.

5. Layering for Cheesy Perfection:
Once you have a complete layer of butter-coated dough balls covering the bottom of the pan, stop and sprinkle a portion of your grated Parmesan cheese over the top. About a third of the cheese is a good amount for the first layer. This layering technique is what creates the incredible pockets of melted cheese throughout the bread, rather than just having a cheesy crust. Continue the process of dunking the dough balls in butter and arranging them in the pan, adding another sprinkle of cheese after each layer is complete. Pile them on top of each other until all the dough balls have been used. Pour any remaining garlic butter from the bowl evenly over the top of the dough in the pan, and finish with a final, generous sprinkle of the remaining Parmesan cheese.

6. Baking to Golden Glory:
Carefully place the Bundt pan on the center rack of your preheated 350° F oven. Bake, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is a deep golden brown, and the bread feels set when you gently press on it. If you’re unsure, you can insert a wooden skewer into the thickest part of the bread; it should come out clean, with no wet dough attached.

7. The Grand Finale: The Flip:
Remove the pan from the oven using oven mitts and place it on a heat-proof surface or cooling rack. Let the monkey bread rest in the pan for about 5-10 minutes. This is a critical step! It allows the bread to set up slightly and the melted cheese to firm up just enough, which will help it release from the pan in one beautiful piece. To invert, place a large serving plate or platter upside down over the top of the Bundt pan. With oven mitts on, grasp both the plate and the pan firmly and, in one swift, confident motion, flip them over. Lift the Bundt pan away. If you greased the pan well, it should slide right off, revealing the stunning garlic monkey bread. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color, and if desired, place a small ramekin of warm marinara sauce in the center for dipping. Serve immediately while it’s warm and gooey.

Nutrition Facts

Please note that these nutritional values are an estimate and can vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used (biscuits, butter, cheese) and the exact serving size.

• Servings: 8
• Calories per serving (approximate): 380-420 kcal

This is a rich and indulgent dish, best enjoyed as a special treat for an appetizer or a side dish to share with family and friends.

Preparation Time

This recipe is beloved for how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

In just 40 minutes from start to finish, you can have a warm, delicious, and impressive-looking dish ready to serve. The majority of the time is hands-off while the bread bakes in the oven, filling your home with an incredible aroma.

How to Serve

This Garlic Monkey Bread is wonderfully versatile. Here are some of the best ways to serve it to maximize its delicious potential:

• The Ultimate Party Appetizer: This is its primary calling. Place the full ring of monkey bread on a large platter and let guests go to town pulling off pieces. It’s an interactive and social food that’s perfect for:
  • Game days
  • Holiday gatherings
  • Potlucks and picnics
  • Casual get-togethers with friends
• A Perfect Side Dish: Move over, boring dinner rolls! This cheesy garlic monkey bread is the ultimate side dish to complement a variety of meals. It pairs exceptionally well with:
  • Italian Dinners: Serve it alongside spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, chicken alfredo, or baked ziti to sop up any extra sauce.
  • Soups and Stews: A chunk of this bread is perfect for dipping into a hearty bowl of tomato soup, chili, or beef stew.
  • Roasted Meats: It’s a fantastic accompaniment to roasted chicken, pork loin, or a simple steak dinner.
• With a Variety of Dips: While marinara is the classic choice, don’t be afraid to get creative with your dipping sauces. Set up a “dip bar” with small bowls of different options, such as:
  • Warm Marinara Sauce
  • Creamy Ranch Dressing
  • Garlic Alfredo Sauce
  • Pesto
  • Leftover Garlic Butter from the recipe

Additional Tips

Want to take your garlic monkey bread to the next level? Here are five tips for customization and perfect execution every time.

1. Embrace Cheese Variations: While Parmesan is fantastic for its nutty, salty flavor, you can create an even more decadent cheesy garlic monkey bread by using a blend of cheeses. After layering the dough balls, sprinkle in a mix of Parmesan and low-moisture, shredded mozzarella. The mozzarella will provide that epic, gooey “cheese pull” that everyone loves. A little sharp cheddar or a spicy pepper jack can also add exciting new dimensions of flavor.
2. Make it a Meal: Transform this side dish into a more substantial snack or light meal by adding some protein. In between the layers of dough balls, tuck in some mini pepperonis, cooked and crumbled Italian sausage, or even chopped bacon. This turns it into a pizza-style monkey bread that’s a meal in itself.
3. Kick Up the Heat: For those who like a little spice, it’s easy to add a kick to this recipe. Simply add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the melted butter mixture along with the garlic and Italian seasoning. You could also add finely diced jalapeños between the layers for pockets of heat.
4. The Don’t-Overbake Rule: The line between perfectly golden and disappointingly dry can be thin. Ovens vary, so start checking your monkey bread at the 25-minute mark. The top should be a rich golden brown, not dark brown. Overbaking will result in a tough, dry crust and a less tender interior. The goal is a soft, pillowy bread that’s cooked all the way through.
5. The Secret to a Clean Release: The most nerve-wracking part of making monkey bread is the flip. To ensure it comes out perfectly, be generous with your non-stick spray. Secondly, the 5-10 minute rest period after it comes out of the oven is non-negotiable. This allows steam to build up inside the pan, which helps loosen the bread. If it feels stuck after you flip it, don’t panic. Let it sit upside down on the plate for another few minutes, and gravity will usually do the trick. A few gentle taps on the top of the pan can also help encourage it to release.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about making this easy garlic monkey bread.

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you have two options for making it ahead.

• Option 1 (Assemble and Refrigerate): You can fully assemble the monkey bread in the Bundt pan, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let it come to room temperature, then bake as directed. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
• Option 2 (Bake and Reheat): You can bake the bread completely, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container. To reheat, place it on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. The air fryer also works great for reheating individual portions.

2. What can I use if I don’t have a Bundt pan?
No Bundt pan? No problem! While the Bundt pan gives it the classic ring shape and helps it cook evenly, you can absolutely make this recipe in other baking dishes. A 9×13 inch casserole dish, a 10-inch cast-iron skillet, or two 9-inch round cake pans or pie plates will work. Keep in mind that baking times may vary. A shallower pan like a 9×13 dish might cook faster (start checking around 20-25 minutes), while a deeper dish might take a little longer.

3. My monkey bread came out doughy in the middle. What went wrong?
This is a common issue and usually stems from one of a few things. It could be that your oven temperature isn’t accurate, so it’s a good idea to use an oven thermometer to check. It could also be that it simply wasn’t baked long enough. The top can brown before the center is cooked, especially in a dark-colored pan. To prevent this, if the top is getting too dark but the center is still doughy, you can loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This will slow down the browning on top while allowing the inside to finish cooking.

4. Can I use homemade pizza dough or bread dough instead of canned biscuits?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite recipe for pizza dough or a simple yeast bread dough, you can use it as a substitute. You’ll need about 1.5 to 2 pounds of dough. The process is the same: divide the dough into small pieces, roll them into balls, and proceed with the recipe. The texture will be slightly different—likely a bit chewier and less “fluffy” than the biscuits—but it will still be incredibly delicious.

5. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
On the rare occasion that you have leftovers, storing them is easy. Allow the monkey bread to cool completely, then either wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The best way to reheat it is in the oven or a toaster oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warm. Microwaving will work in a pinch, but it can make the bread a bit tough, so the oven method is highly recommended for restoring that fresh-baked texture.

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