This cheesy garlic monkey bread is a warm, soft, and irresistibly buttery pull-apart bread made from tender dinner rolls dipped in garlic butter and topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella. It bakes up golden on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and delivers cheesy, garlicky goodness in every bite. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or party favorite, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe gives you all the comfort of classic garlic bread but with a fun pull-apart twist. Using frozen dinner rolls keeps preparation simple, while fresh garlic, melted butter, and mozzarella create bold flavor and perfect texture. It’s ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, pasta night, or any time you want an easy, shareable bread that disappears fast.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
20 Rhodes frozen dinner rolls
6 to 8 tablespoons salted butter, melted
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian parsley (optional)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
Directions
Melt the salted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the minced garlic and dried parsley, if using.
Dip each frozen dinner roll completely in the garlic butter mixture, ensuring full coverage.
Spray your chosen pan (pizza stone, cast-iron skillet, or baking sheet) with non-stick spray. Arrange the coated rolls in a circular pattern, forming two close rows.
Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 2 to 3 hours (around 90 minutes in a warm location).
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the risen rolls generously with grated mozzarella cheese and add red pepper flakes if desired.
Bake for 18 to 24 minutes, until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Serve warm, optionally with marinara sauce for dipping.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes approximately 8 to 10 servings.
Prep time (including rise): 2 to 3 hours
Bake time: 18 to 24 minutes
Total time: About 2.5 to 3.5 hours
Variations
Use an Italian cheese blend for added depth of flavor.
Add a sprinkle of dried oregano or basil to the garlic butter for extra herbiness.
For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes.
Stuff small cubes of mozzarella inside the rolls before baking for pockets of melted cheese.
Use homemade dough instead of frozen rolls if you prefer from-scratch baking.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese softens again.
Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread chewy.
FAQs
How do I know when the monkey bread is fully baked?
The rolls should be golden on top, the cheese bubbly, and an outer roll should pull apart easily with a fluffy interior.
Can I use homemade dough instead of frozen dinner rolls?
Yes, any soft yeast roll dough works well as long as the rolls are portioned into similar sizes.
Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella?
Freshly shredded melts better, but pre-shredded can still be used if needed.
Can I assemble the bread ahead of time?
You can dip and arrange the rolls, then refrigerate before rising. Allow extra time for them to rise if chilled.
What type of pan works best?
A cast-iron skillet creates a crisp bottom, while a baking sheet allows more spread. A pizza stone offers even baking.
Can I make this recipe without garlic?
You can omit the garlic, though the flavor profile will change. Consider replacing it with herbs for added taste.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not unless you add the optional red pepper flakes. Adjust to your preference.
Can I freeze the baked monkey bread?
Freeze after baking and cooling. Reheat in the oven to restore texture.
What can I serve with this bread?
It pairs perfectly with pasta dishes, soups, salads, and grilled meats.
Can I use other cheeses?
Yes, cheddar, provolone, or a mixed Italian blend all work beautifully.
Conclusion
Cheesy garlic monkey bread transforms simple dinner rolls into a warm, gooey, pull-apart masterpiece that’s perfect for sharing. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it brings together buttery rolls, fragrant garlic, and melty cheese in a way that’s impossible to resist. Whether for weeknight dinners or entertaining, this recipe delivers every time.
Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread is a warm, buttery, pull-apart bread made with frozen dinner rolls, garlic butter, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or party snack.
Ingredients
20 Rhodes frozen dinner rolls
6 to 8 tablespoons salted butter, melted
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian parsley (optional)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in minced garlic and parsley, if using.
Dip each frozen dinner roll in the garlic butter mixture to coat fully.
Spray a pizza stone, cast-iron skillet, or baking sheet with non-stick spray. Arrange rolls in a circle, forming two close rows.
Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 2–3 hours (or around 90 minutes in a warm area).
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the risen rolls and add red pepper flakes, if using.
Bake for 18 to 24 minutes, until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve warm, optionally with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
Use freshly shredded mozzarella for best melt and texture.
Try Italian cheese blend or add dried oregano for extra flavor.
Stuff rolls with mozzarella cubes before baking for cheesy centers.
