This golden-baked Savory Monkey Bread is a flavorful pull-apart treat layered with garlic butter, cheddar cheese, fresh parsley, slivered almonds, and poppy or sesame seeds. With its crisp, cheesy crust and soft, fluffy center, every bite is rich with texture and taste. Perfect as a brunch side, a party appetizer, or a cozy snack, this crowd-pleasing bread offers a delicious twist on a sweet classic—transforming it into a savory masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This savory version of monkey bread is the perfect combination of comfort and creativity. It’s incredibly easy to prepare thanks to refrigerated biscuit dough, and the layering of garlic butter, herbs, cheese, nuts, and seeds creates a depth of flavor that’s both familiar and exciting. Each piece pulls away with gooey cheese, a touch of crunch, and aromatic notes of garlic and parsley. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something hearty, this dish is both satisfying and shareable.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- refrigerated biscuit dough
- unsalted butter, melted
- garlic, minced
- shredded cheddar cheese
- fresh parsley, finely chopped
- slivered almonds
- poppy seeds or sesame seeds (or a mix)
- salt
- black pepper
- crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a bundt or round baking pan.
- Cut the biscuit dough into quarters and place the pieces in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes.
- Pour the garlic butter over the biscuit pieces and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
- Divide the coated dough into three portions. Layer one portion in the bottom of the pan.
- Sprinkle with some of the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped parsley, slivered almonds, and seeds.
- Repeat the layering process two more times with the remaining dough and toppings.
- Press the layers down lightly to help compact the dough and create an even bake.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully inverting onto a serving plate, or serve directly from the pan if preferred.
Servings and timing
Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Calories per serving: 290 kcal
Variations
- Cheese Blend: Mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different cheese pull and flavor.
- Nut-Free Option: Omit almonds for allergy-friendly bread or replace with sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Herb Substitution: Use basil, thyme, or chives in place of parsley for a different herbal profile.
- Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños for added heat.
- Mini Muffin Version: Use a muffin tin for individual servings—great for portion control and party platters.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until heated through. You may also microwave individual pieces for about 30 seconds, though the texture is best preserved in the oven. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but reheats well for snacking or lunch the next day.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bread a few hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results.
Can I use homemade biscuit dough?
Absolutely. Homemade dough will work well, just be sure to use a similar quantity to the canned version.
What’s the best pan to use?
A bundt pan creates the traditional monkey bread shape and allows even baking, but a round cake pan or deep pie dish also works.
Can I freeze it?
It’s best served fresh, but you can freeze fully baked and cooled monkey bread. Reheat in the oven to serve.
Are the almonds necessary?
No, they can be omitted or replaced with another crunchy element like chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds.
Can I add cooked bacon or sausage?
Yes, adding small bits of cooked bacon or sausage will enhance the savory flavor and make it heartier.
How do I keep the bread from sticking to the pan?
Grease the pan thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray, making sure to get into all the grooves if using a bundt pan.
What other cheeses work well?
Parmesan, Gruyère, or pepper jack all pair beautifully for a unique twist on the flavor.
Is this good served cold?
While it can be eaten at room temperature, it’s best enjoyed warm when the cheese is melty and the texture is soft and fluffy.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free biscuit dough if available and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Conclusion
Savory Monkey Bread is a deliciously inventive take on a beloved classic, turning a typically sweet treat into a rich, garlicky, cheesy pull-apart loaf. With its crunchy topping and soft center, this bread is ideal for sharing at gatherings or serving as a hearty side. Quick to assemble and endlessly customizable, it’s the kind of recipe that keeps everyone reaching for “just one more piece.”
Print
Savory Monkey Bread
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Savory Monkey Bread is the ultimate pull-apart delight—packed with layers of garlicky butter, cheddar cheese, fresh parsley, crunchy slivered almonds, and nutty poppy or sesame seeds. Golden on the outside and pillowy-soft inside, it’s a showstopping appetizer, brunch side, or comforting snack for any gathering.
Ingredients
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2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (16 oz total)
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
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1/4 cup slivered almonds
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2 tbsp poppy seeds or sesame seeds (or both)
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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Optional: 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a bundt or round baking pan.
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Cut biscuit dough into quarters and place in a large mixing bowl.
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In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Pour the seasoned garlic butter over the biscuit dough pieces and toss to coat thoroughly.
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Divide the dough into three portions. Begin layering the first third in the pan.
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Sprinkle with cheddar cheese, parsley, slivered almonds, and seeds.
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Repeat layering with the remaining dough and toppings, pressing down gently between layers.
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Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown, puffed, and cooked through.
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Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate, or serve directly from the pan for a rustic look.
Notes
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For a sharper flavor, use aged cheddar or add grated Parmesan.
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Swap almonds for chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds for a different crunch.
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This bread pairs well with warm marinara or ranch for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
