Why You’ll Love Super Easy Cheesy Monkey Bread Recipe
This recipe is indulgently cheesy, simple to make, and perfect for parties, game nights, or casual dinners. It uses store‑bought pizza dough to keep prep short but still delivers big flavor and a fun pull‑apart experience everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack
1 cup shredded mozzarella
⅓ cup shredded Parmesan
⅓ cup cold unsalted butter
1 shallot, chopped
6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
¼ cup finely chopped parsley
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 pound cold pizza dough, cut into 1‑inch pieces
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
Marinara sauce and basil vinaigrette for serving
Directions
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Shred all cheeses and the butter using the large holes of a box grater. In a medium bowl, combine the cheeses, butter, shallot, garlic, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Transfer one‑third of the cheese mixture to a small bowl and set aside.
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Add the pizza dough pieces a few at a time to the remaining cheese mixture, tossing gently to coat them evenly.
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Lightly coat a medium cast‑iron skillet (or another oven‑safe baking pan) with nonstick spray. Arrange the coated dough pieces in an even layer in the skillet, and pour any leftover cheese mixture from the bowl over the top.
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Let the dough sit in a warm place until it begins to puff slightly, about 30–40 minutes.
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake until the top is lightly browned and the cheese is melted, about 18–22 minutes.
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Sprinkle the reserved cheese mixture over the bread and continue baking until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and oozing, about 10–15 minutes more.
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Serve hot with marinara sauce and basil vinaigrette.
Servings and timing
Servings: 8
Prep Time: ~45 minutes
Cook Time: ~28 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 13 minutes
Variations
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Use biscuit dough: Swap the pizza dough for canned biscuits for a slightly different texture.
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Add herbs: Mix in extra fresh basil or oregano for an aromatic twist.
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Spice it up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for extra heat.
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Dip options: Serve with garlic butter or marinara mixed with pesto as alternate dipping sauces.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 30–60 seconds.
FAQs
What is monkey bread?
Monkey bread is a pull‑apart bread made from small pieces of dough coated in flavorful mixtures and baked together so pieces can be torn off and eaten by hand.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble the coated dough in the skillet and refrigerate it covered until ready to bake, but let it come to room temperature first for best texture.
What should I serve with cheesy monkey bread?
It pairs well with marinara sauce, basil vinaigrette, or even ranch dressing for dipping.
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Yes, homemade pizza dough works fine, but ensure it’s cold and firm when you begin.
Can I add toppings?
Yes — things like cooked bacon bits, sliced olives, or sun‑dried tomatoes can be added for extra flavor.
Do I need a cast‑iron skillet?
No — any oven‑safe baking dish can be used if you don’t have cast iron.
How do I prevent the bread from being dense?
Ensure the dough pieces are well coated and allow them to rest before baking so they puff slightly.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes — use vegan cheese and dairy‑free butter substitutes with pizza dough that doesn’t contain dairy.
What’s the best cheese combination?
A mix of mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan creates great flavor and melt.
How to know when it’s done?
The top should be golden brown and the cheese melted and bubbly.
Conclusion
This Super Easy Cheesy Monkey Bread is a crowd‑pleasing appetizer that blends gooey cheese and soft dough for a fun pull‑apart experience. With flexible ingredients and simple steps, it’s great for entertaining or cozy nights in.
Super Easy Cheesy Monkey Bread
This Super Easy Cheesy Monkey Bread is a savory, pull-apart dish loaded with melted cheese, herbs, and buttery biscuit dough — perfect as a party appetizer or indulgent side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (16.3 oz each)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan with nonstick spray.
- Cut the biscuit dough into quarters.
- In a large bowl, combine the biscuit pieces, mozzarella, Parmesan, butter, parsley, chives, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Gently mix everything together so the dough pieces are evenly coated with cheese, herbs, and butter.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared bundt pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let the monkey bread cool for a few minutes, then invert onto a serving plate and serve warm.
Notes
- You can customize with your favorite cheeses or herbs.
- Best served warm right out of the oven.
- Pairs well with marinara sauce for dipping.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
