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)

Nothing quite fills the kitchen with cozy vibes like warm, gooey bread straight from the oven. My Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe is one of those magic dishes that turns simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece. It’s soft, buttery, and loaded with melty cheese, perfect for sharing or sneaking bites all by yourself.

A round white plate holds a ring of 12 golden-brown dough balls, each topped with melted white cheese sprinkled with green herbs and red chili flakes. In the middle of the plate is a small white scalloped bowl filled with thick red marinara sauce. A woman's hand is pulling one dough ball away from the ring, stretching the melted cheese in thin strands. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a light gray cloth and a small wooden cutting board nearby. 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

This recipe has stolen my heart—and my guests’—because it’s so simple to make yet feels extra special. The way the cheese melts into those soft, buttery rolls with a garlicky kick? It’s downright addictive. Plus, it’s perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to holiday gatherings.

Easy Prep: Using frozen Rhodes dinner rolls means you can pull this together quickly without fussing over homemade dough.
Flavor Explosion: The garlic butter coats every bite, and the mozzarella melts into cheesy pockets that keep things exciting.
Pull-Apart Fun: It’s designed for sharing—and trust me, everyone loves tearing off their own cheesy pieces!
Versatile Serving: Serve it as an appetizer, snack, or alongside a meal—either way, it's guaranteed to impress.

A round white plate holds a ring of 16 small golden bread balls, each topped with a layer of melted white cheese that has a slightly bubbly texture and is sprinkled with green herbs and red chili flakes. In the center of the ring is a white scalloped bowl filled with thick, red marinara sauce. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a crumpled gray cloth in the background on the upper left side and a round wooden object on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe lies in its simple ingredients that pack maximum flavor. Using frozen dinner rolls gives you tender bread every time, while the garlic-infused butter adds rich aroma and taste. Mozzarella cheese melts perfectly, creating gooey pockets of cheesy goodness.

Flat lay of twenty smooth, golden Rhodes frozen dinner rolls, a small white bowl of melted salted butter gleaming softly, three fresh garlic cloves with papery white skins, a small white bowl filled with vibrant green Italian parsley leaves, a small white bowl of bright red crushed red pepper flakes, and a small mound of freshly grated mozzarella cheese with soft, fluffy texture, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white ceramic surface, placed 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 rolls rise beautifully and stay super soft, making the ideal base for pull-apart bread.
Salted Butter: Melting it amplifies richness; make sure to get real butter for best flavor.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic gives just the right punch without overpowering.
Italian Parsley (optional): Adds a subtle herbal note that complements the garlic nicely.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A hint of heat you can dial up or down to suit your taste.
Mozzarella Cheese: Grated for quick melting and that ooey-gooey texture everyone craves.

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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

This recipe is a fantastic blank canvas. I often switch up the cheese blend or boost the herbiness depending on my mood or season. Don’t be afraid to experiment—you’ll find your favorite twist in no time.

Variation: I once swapped half the mozzarella for sharp cheddar and added some chopped fresh basil—friends went wild for the flavor combo!
Dietary Mods: Use dairy-free butter and cheese to make it vegan-friendly without losing the yum factor.
Spice Levels: Feel free to add more red pepper flakes or toss in some chopped jalapeños if you like heat.
Extra Add-ins: Toss in some cooked bacon bits or caramelized onions for a savory surprise.

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

Step 1: Whip Up That Garlic Butter

Start by melting the salted butter in a microwave-safe bowl—just 30 seconds usually does it. Stir in the minced garlic and, if you’re using, sprinkle in the Italian parsley. This mixture is at the heart of your flavors, so make sure the garlic is finely minced to evenly infuse the butter.

Step 2: Dip Each Roll in Garlic Butter

Take each frozen dinner roll and dip it fully into the garlic butter, coating every bit. I like to use tongs to keep my hands clean and to ensure each roll soaks up enough buttery goodness. This step creates the golden, crispy crust everyone loves.

Step 3: Arrange and Let Rise

Spray your baking vessel—cast iron skillet, pizza stone, or baking sheet—with non-stick spray. Arrange the rolls in two neat concentric circles, placing them close enough so they’ll rise up vertically without spreading out. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and tuck it somewhere warm. This step takes patience but trust me, letting them double in size (about 2-3 hours, or 90 mins in a warmer spot) is key to that fluffy texture.

Step 4: Cheese It Up and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once the rolls are puffed and doubled, sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over them, covering every roll. If you want a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes on top. Bake for 18-24 minutes until bubbly, golden, and just irresistible. Keep an eye on it so the cheese doesn’t burn.

Step 5: Serve Hot with Dipping Sauce

Serve your Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread warm with a side of rich marinara sauce. I’ve found this combo gets everyone diving in faster than you can say “pass the bread!”

Top Tip

After making this recipe numerous times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really take it from good to great. Keeping an eye on your oven, managing the butter-to-garlic ratio, and perfecting the roll arrangement make all the difference.

Butter & Garlic Ratio: Don’t skimp on the butter—it’s what creates that beautifully crispy crust and rich flavor, but be careful not to burn the garlic when melting.
Room Temperature Rolls: Plan ahead so rolls thaw completely before dipping; this helps absorb the garlic butter better.
Pan Choice Matters: I love using a cast iron skillet because it heats evenly and gives the bread a nice bottom crust.
Watch Baking Time: Because ovens vary, start checking around 18 minutes to avoid over-baking the cheese.

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe

Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra fresh chopped parsley on top right after baking—it adds a fresh color pop and a hint of brightness. Sometimes, a dash of extra red pepper flakes just amps up the excitement for spice lovers.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette or alongside a big bowl of homemade tomato soup. For bigger meals, think pasta dishes or a rustic stew—the bread soaks up every drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or parties, I’ve shaped the rolls into a wreath in a ring mold and topped it with herbs and cherry tomatoes before baking—looks stunning and makes a festive centerpiece. Also, serving it in a cast iron skillet right on the table adds rustic charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover monkey bread tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before storing it in the fridge. This keeps it soft and flavorful for up to three days. Just make sure to cool it completely before wrapping.

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, assemble and let the rolls rise, then cover tightly and freeze before baking. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual—freshly baked monkey bread anytime!

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I wrap pieces in foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes—this brings back that fresh-baked softness and melts the cheese nicely without drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh dough instead of frozen rolls?

Absolutely! Fresh dough works well here, just be sure to shape and cut it into bite-sized pieces before dipping in the garlic butter. The rise time might differ, so keep an eye on the dough doubling in size.

What’s the best pan for baking monkey bread?

I recommend a cast iron skillet or a pizza stone for even heat distribution and a crispy bottom crust. However, a non-stick baking sheet or round cake pan works just fine too.

Can I make this Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble and let the rolls rise, then refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before baking, or freeze as noted in the tips above for longer storage.

How do I prevent the bread from becoming soggy?

Melting the butter and evenly coating each roll helps create a crispy crust. Also, be sure to bake until the cheese is bubbling and golden but keep an eye on it to prevent over-baking, which can dry it out. Using a cast iron pan or pizza stone also supports a crispier bottom.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe has become my go-to comfort snack and party pleaser. It’s easy, forgiving, and so satisfying—plus, watching friends pull apart those cheesy, garlicky bites is pure joy. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do. Give it a try and see how quickly it disappears!