Name: Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 2 h 34 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 20 Rhodes Frozen Dinner Rolls; 6 to 8 tablespoons salted butter (melted); 3 garlic cloves (minced); 1/2 teaspoon Italian parsley (optional); 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 cups mozzarella cheese (grated)

There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of warm, cheesy bread fresh out of the oven. This Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe blends buttery garlic goodness with melted mozzarella, making it irresistibly pull-apart and perfect for sharing with friends and family.

A round white plate holds 13 small golden bread balls arranged in a ring around a white scalloped bowl filled with thick red marinara sauce. Each bread ball is topped with melted white cheese sprinkled with green herbs and small red flakes. The bread balls are soft and slightly browned on top. A woman's hand is pulling one cheese-covered bread ball from the ring, stretching melted cheese strands that connect it to the rest. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a gray cloth and a wooden board in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I first made this Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread on a cozy weekend afternoon, and it instantly became a favorite in my house. Its irresistible combination of soft rolls, garlic butter, and melty cheese is like a warm hug on a plate — trust me, everyone will ask for seconds!

Super Simple Preparation: Using frozen Rhodes dinner rolls makes this recipe foolproof and quick to assemble.
Flavor Explosion: The garlic butter and mozzarella combo delivers rich, savory flavors in every bite.
Perfect for Sharing: This pull-apart bread is great for parties, family dinners, or casual snacking.
Customize It Easily: You can tweak spices and cheese to suit your taste, making it truly your own.

A round tray holds 15 small golden brown bread balls arranged closely in a circular shape with a small white bowl of bright red marinara sauce in the center. Each bread ball is topped with melted white cheese and sprinkled with green herbs and red spice flakes. The tray is set on a dark wood surface with a light gray wrinkled cloth in the background, all placed on a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe comes down to a few simple ingredients that bring out amazing flavors and textures. Here’s why each one is essential for success and my tips on picking the best:

Flat lay of twenty soft frozen dinner rolls with smooth golden crust, a small white ceramic bowl of melted salted butter gleaming softly, three fresh garlic cloves with papery skins intact, a small white bowl filled with bright green dried Italian parsley flakes, a tiny white bowl sprinkled with vibrant red pepper flakes, and a modest mound of freshly grated creamy white mozzarella cheese on a simple white ceramic plate, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Rhodes Frozen Dinner Rolls: These are a lifesaver! Using frozen rolls means you skip making dough from scratch but still get that fluffy homemade texture.
Salted Butter: Melting the butter creates the perfect base for garlic to infuse throughout the bread, giving you that rich, savory coating.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic makes all the difference — minced so it disperses evenly and packs a punch.
Italian Parsley (optional): A little herb adds freshness and color, but don’t sweat it if you don’t have any on hand.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a subtle kick that wakes up the flavors nicely without overpowering the garlic and cheese.
Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey, melty mozzarella on top is everything — it bubbles up, browns just perfectly, and pulls apart beautifully.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing things up with this Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe depending on my mood or occasion. It’s so flexible—you can add herbs, swap cheeses, or even toss in extras to make it your own.

Variation: Once, I tossed in some cooked crispy bacon bits between the rolls before baking — absolute crowd-pleaser with a smokey twist.
Dietary Mods: For a lighter option, try part-skim mozzarella and cut back slightly on butter; it still tastes amazing.
Spice it Up: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme if you want to switch up the garlic butter flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe

Step 1: Melt and Mix Your Garlic Butter

Start by melting your salted butter in a microwave-safe bowl until it’s completely liquid. Then stir in the minced garlic and, if you’re using them, the dried parsley and red pepper flakes. This step really develops the flavor base, so be generous with the garlic — it should smell fragrant but not burnt.

Step 2: Dip Each Roll in the Garlic Butter

Take each frozen dinner roll and dip it fully into the garlic butter mixture, coating it well so every bite is packed with buttery, garlicky goodness. Trust me, this step is what makes the crust golden and flavorful.

Step 3: Arrange Rolls in a Circular Pattern

Spray your baking pan, whether it’s a cast iron skillet, pizza stone, or baking sheet, and arrange the dipped rolls in two close concentric circles. The idea is to have them snug so that as they rise, they will puff upward and bake perfectly connected but still easy to pull apart.

Step 4: Let the Rolls Rise Until Puffy

Cover the pan with a clean towel or plastic wrap, then set it somewhere warm to let the rolls double in size. Depending on your kitchen’s temperature, this usually takes 2 to 3 hours—hot kitchens speed this up to about 90 minutes. This slow rise is key for that soft, fluffy texture inside.

Step 5: Add Mozzarella and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have puffed up, generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella all over. If you like a little extra heat, scatter some red pepper flakes on top. Bake for 18-24 minutes until golden brown and bubbly—the cheese should be deliciously melted and slightly golden on top.

Step 6: Serve Warm with Marinara Sauce

Let your monkey bread cool just enough so it’s easy to handle, then serve warm alongside a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. This combo elevates the garlic and cheese, adding a nice tangy contrast that my family absolutely adores.

Top Tip

Making this Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe for the first time, I quickly learned that patience with the rising step makes all the difference. Don’t rush those rolls—letting them puff properly is the secret to soft insides and that signature pull-apart texture.

Butter Infusion: Use good quality salted butter for a richer flavor; fresh garlic crushed just before mixing gives the best aroma.
Even Coating: Make sure each roll is fully coated in garlic butter to get a golden, flavorful crust on every bite.
Pan Choice: A cast iron skillet works wonderfully here for even heat distribution, but a baking sheet is totally fine too.
Watch Your Bake Time: Keep an eye so the cheese bubbles but doesn’t burn; every oven is slightly different.

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe

Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh parsley or basil on top right before serving. It brightens the look and adds a fresh herbal note that balances the rich cheese and garlic. A light dusting of parmesan cheese can add an extra cheesy touch too!

Side Dishes

This cheesy garlic pull-apart bread partners perfectly with a fresh green salad or a bowl of hearty tomato soup. For a more filling meal, try it alongside pasta dishes or grilled chicken — it’s such a versatile crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or parties, I’ve shaped this monkey bread in fun bundt pans or pressed it into mini muffin tins so everyone gets their own cheesy garlic pull-apart bite. Arranging it rustic-style on a wooden board with dipping sauces around makes a beautiful and inviting display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover monkey bread tightly wrapped in foil or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. It maintains its softness pretty well when you keep it sealed from air.

Freezing

I often freeze unbaked, assembled rolls (dipped and arranged) by wrapping the pan tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, I let them thaw and rise fully before baking. This way, you can enjoy fresh cheesy garlic monkey bread anytime without all the prep.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftover pieces in a preheated 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes to refresh that crisp outside and melty cheese inside. Microwaving can make it chewy, so oven reheating is my go-to for keeping that fresh-baked texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh dough instead of frozen Rhodes rolls?

Absolutely! Fresh homemade or store-bought dough will work well — just adjust rising times accordingly since frozen rolls come pre-proofed to some degree.

What if I don’t like spicy food?

No problem! You can simply omit the red pepper flakes or use milder seasoning options. The garlic butter and cheese alone make this bread delicious without any heat.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the rolls dipped in garlic butter, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Just let them rise to room temperature before baking and adding the cheese.

What’s the best way to enjoy leftovers?

Leftovers taste best reheated in the oven to restore the melted cheese and crispy crust. Pair with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce for an easy snack or appetizer.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe has become my go-to for cozy nights and casual get-togethers. Its simple ingredients transform into something truly special and shareable. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy that warm, cheesy pull-apart magic as much as I do. Nothing beats gathering around with loved ones and digging into this comforting, delicious bread—trust me, it’s worth every bite!