Name: Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 2 h 34 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 20 pieces 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 something so comforting about warm, cheesy bread that you can tear apart with your hands. This Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe combines soft, buttery rolls with the irresistible flavors of garlic and mozzarella, making it the perfect snack or appetizer to share.

A round plate holds 15 golden brown bread balls arranged in a flower shape with a small white bowl of red marinara sauce in the middle. Each bread ball is topped with melted white cheese sprinkled with green herbs and red pepper flakes. One bread ball at the front is being pulled away by a woman's hand, showing long white cheese strands stretching between the pulled bread and the rest. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a light cloth and 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’m absolutely hooked on this Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe because it brings together simple ingredients in such a cozy, shareable way. Every time I bake it, the house smells amazing, and everyone eagerly reaches for a warm pull-apart piece!

Golden and Gooey: The buttery garlic coats each roll, and the melted mozzarella creates pockets of cheesy goodness that are just dreamy.
Easy to Make: Using Rhodes frozen dinner rolls means you skip the hard work of dough-making but still get that fresh-baked magic.
Perfect for Sharing: Pulled apart by hand, it’s a hands-on recipe that brings people together around the table.
Customizable: You can easily add spice or herbs to suit your mood or occasion without complicating the process.

A round arrangement of 18 small golden-brown bread balls topped with melted white cheese and sprinkled with green herbs and red pepper flakes. The bread balls form a circle around a small white bowl filled with bright red marinara sauce in the center. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a gray cloth and wooden spoon in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe plays its part to create that perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the frozen dinner rolls making prep effortless to the garlic butter infusing rich aroma—these elements come together so well.

Flat lay of twenty soft frozen dinner rolls with smooth golden crusts, a small white ceramic bowl filled with melted salted butter glistening, three fresh whole garlic cloves with papery white skins, a few sprigs of bright green Italian parsley, a small white bowl holding vibrant red pepper flakes, and a mound of freshly grated mozzarella cheese with fluffy texture, 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: Using these saves so much time and still yields fluffy, tender rolls that bake up beautifully.
Salted Butter: Melted butter is essential for coating the rolls, adding richness, and helping the garlic flavor seep in.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic gives that zesty kick and mouthwatering aroma that makes this recipe stand out.
Italian Parsley (Optional): A subtle herbaceous touch that brightens the flavor and adds a bit of color.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For those who like a little heat, these add a nice warming contrast to the buttery cheese.
Mozzarella Cheese: Grated mozzarella melts perfectly to create gooey, cheesy pockets with a pleasant stretch every time you pull a piece apart.

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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 like to tweak this Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe depending on who’s coming over or the occasion. It’s so flexible that you can really make it your own with just a few simple swaps or additions.

Variation: I once added a sprinkle of fresh rosemary and swapped mozzarella for a mix of mozzarella and sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor, and it was a hit!
Spice it Up: If you like some kick, increasing the red pepper flakes or adding a dash of smoked paprika works beautifully without overpowering the garlic.
Make it Herbaceous: Fresh basil or thyme added after baking can give it a lovely fresh dimension.
Go Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free version, try small gluten-free dough balls or premade gluten-free dinner rolls, but bake carefully to adjust for texture differences.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture

Start by melting the salted butter in a microwave-safe bowl—about 6 to 8 tablespoons depending on how buttery you want it. Add minced garlic and dried Italian parsley if you’re using it. Mix well so every bite has that garlicky, flavorful punch. This step sets the foundation, so fresh garlic really makes a marked difference here.

Step 2: Coat and Arrange the Rolls

Dip each frozen Rhodes dinner roll fully into the garlic butter, making sure it’s generously coated. I find swirling the rolls around in the butter helps them soak up just enough without getting soggy. Then, spray your pan (I love using a cast iron skillet or pizza stone) with non-stick spray and arrange the rolls in two snug circular rows. When they rise and bake, they’ll stick together perfectly for that monkey bread pull-apart effect.

Step 3: Let the Rolls Rise

Cover your pan with a clean towel or plastic wrap and find a warm spot in your kitchen. The rolls need to double in size, usually around 2 to 3 hours — if your kitchen is warmer, it can be as quick as 90 minutes. Be patient here because the fluffier they get, the softer and lighter your monkey bread will be.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake

Once your rolls have risen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the top—don’t be shy! If you want a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top too. Bake for about 18 to 24 minutes until the rolls are golden and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and inviting. Keep an eye on it near the end to avoid over-browning.

Step 5: Serve It Warm and Gooey

Serve your Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread as soon as it’s out of the oven with a side of warm marinara sauce. It’s perfect for dipping and adds a vibrant twist to every cheesy bite.

Top Tip

From my experience, the magic in this Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe really happens during the rising and the butter coating. Paying close attention to these will help you consistently get that perfect fluffy, gooey bread every time.

Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh minced garlic melts into the butter, infusing the rolls with authentic flavor—powder won’t do the same.
Don’t Rush the Rise: Letting the rolls double gives you that soft, airy texture instead of dense bread.
Generous Butter Coating: Make sure every roll is well coated to get that crispy, golden crust and rich flavor.
Watch the Bake Time: Baking too long dries out the bread, so start checking around 18 minutes for a perfectly melty, golden finish.

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe

Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or even a dusting of parmesan for a little extra flair. A dash of chili flakes on top can add some color as well as a gentle kick.

Side Dishes

This monkey bread pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad, a bowl of homemade tomato soup, or even alongside pasta dishes. The marinara dipping sauce is a classic that always wins me over.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, for a family gathering, I served this in a cast iron skillet right out of the oven at the center of the table, surrounded by small bowls of different dipping sauces like garlic butter, ranch, and spicy marinara. It made a fun, interactive experience everyone enjoyed.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. It tastes great reheated slightly, but best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, wrap the cooled baked monkey bread tightly in foil and freeze for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven to bring back that softness and cheesy melt.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covered loosely with foil to keep moisture in. This revives the bread’s softness and keeps the cheese deliciously melty without drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh dough instead of frozen rolls?

Absolutely! You can use homemade or fresh dough, but the rising times and texture will vary. Using frozen rolls like Rhodes simplifies the process and guarantees consistent results, especially if you’re pressed for time.

How spicy is the recipe with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add just a gentle spicy note that complements the garlic and cheese without overwhelming the flavors. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste or omit them if you prefer no heat.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

You can try swapping the butter for a dairy-free alternative and using a plant-based cheese, but melting and texture might differ. The key garlicky and buttery flavor could change, so I recommend experimenting in a small batch first.

What’s the best pan to use for baking monkey bread?

I love using a cast iron skillet for even heat and a beautiful presentation, but a pizza stone or a round baking dish also works great. Just make sure it’s well-greased so the bread doesn’t stick.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort foods to whip up for friends and family. It’s one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table with smiles and full plates. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep it in your recipe rotation for game days, casual dinners, or any time you want something simple but special.