Name: Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 2 h 34 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 20 rolls 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)

Imagine warm, buttery garlic bread with a cheesy twist that’s fun to pull apart and share—that’s exactly what this Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe delivers. It’s irresistibly soft on the inside with golden, garlicky edges and melted mozzarella in every bite. You’ll want to make it again and again!

A round white plate holds a ring of 16 small golden bread rolls topped with melted white cheese and sprinkled green herbs, arranged in a flower shape. In the center, a white scalloped bowl is filled with thick red marinara sauce. A woman's hand is pulling one bread roll from the ring, stretching melted cheese strings between the roll and the rest. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a wooden coaster and a light gray cloth 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

I’m always on the lookout for cozy comfort food that’s easy to make but feels special enough to impress guests or just treat yourself on a weeknight. This Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe hits all those marks: it’s simple yet packed with flavors that make your kitchen smell like heaven.

Pull-Apart Fun: Each bite is a little cheese-stretched, savory piece that’s perfect for sharing or sneaking a few extra pieces when no one’s looking.
No-Fuss Prep: Using Rhodes frozen dinner rolls means you skip the long rise time for dough and still get fluffy, fresh-tasting bread.
Garlic-Butter Goodness: The garlicky butter soak ensures every bite is bursting with rich, savory flavor that’s just right—not overpowering.
Melty Mozzarella Magic: Gooey cheese melts over the rolls creating a golden crust that’s cheesy and crispy in all the right spots.

A round white plate with 15 small golden-brown bread balls arranged in a circle, each topped with melted white cheese and sprinkled with green herbs and red chili flakes. In the center, there is a white bowl filled with bright red marinara sauce with a smooth texture. The plate sits 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

This combo of a few simple ingredients comes together to create a decadent snack or appetizer that feels luxurious without needing fancy items. Freezing the dough ahead helps keep it super fresh, and the butter mixes with garlic making it taste homemade.

Flat lay of twenty small frozen dinner rolls with smooth white shells, a few whole garlic cloves with papery skins intact, a small white ceramic bowl filled with melted golden salted butter, a small white bowl holding finely minced fresh garlic, a modest pile of fresh Italian parsley leaves, a tiny white bowl containing bright red pepper flakes, and a small white ceramic bowl heaped with shredded mozzarella cheese placed symmetrically, all arranged neatly 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 and provide that fresh-baked texture without all the kneading and rising headaches.
Salted Butter: Melts beautifully and delivers flavor and moisture so the bread stays soft and golden.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic wakes up the butter with a bold, aromatic punch that makes your kitchen smell incredible.
Italian Parsley: Optional, but adds a subtle herbaceous note and pretty specks of color.
Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch can add a lovely hint of heat if you like a little kick in your cheesy garlic bread.
Mozzarella Cheese: Use freshly grated for the best melt and gooeyness—this is what makes the monkey bread so addictive!

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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 putting my spin on this recipe depending on the season or mood. Adding fresh herbs or swapping mozzarella for a sharp cheddar can totally change the vibe. Don’t be afraid to experiment—you got this!

Variation: One of my favorite tweaks is stirring in some cooked crumbled bacon between layers for added smoky flavor and texture. It turns this snack into a full-on party treat!
Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free twist, use vegan butter and a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well.
Spicy Addition: If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne to the garlic butter. Just enough to tantalize without overpowering.

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

Step 1: Whip Up That Garlic Butter

Start by melting your salted butter in a microwave-safe bowl—about 30-40 seconds should do. Then, stir in the minced garlic and if you’re using it, the Italian parsley. This mixture perfumes the butter with that classic garlic-butter goodness and creates the base flavor your rolls will soak up. I always double-check I’ve minced the garlic fine so it doesn’t overwhelm spots—it’s all about balance here!

Step 2: Coat Each Roll in Garlic Butter

Dip each frozen dinner roll right into that luscious garlic butter, fully coating it. Don’t skimp here—make sure every nook is covered for that perfect golden crust. I lay them out on a baking sheet or cast iron skillet sprayed with non-stick spray, arranging them close together in a neat circular pattern. When they rise, they’ll puff up beautifully and stick lightly together, making the pull-apart magic possible.

Step 3: Let the Rolls Rise

Cover the arranged rolls with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and set somewhere warm. Depending on how warm your kitchen is, this can take 1.5 to 3 hours. Patience here pays off because you want those rolls to double in size for softness inside and rise evenly during baking. I like to place mine near a sunny window or on top of the fridge where it’s warm but not too hot.

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Bake

Once your rolls are puffed and fluffy, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously sprinkle the entire mound with shredded mozzarella—don’t be shy! For a little extra excitement, I dust some red pepper flakes over the top right before popping it into the oven. Bake for 18-24 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. Keep an eye so it doesn’t over-brown; every oven heats a little differently.

Step 5: Serve Warm with Marinara

I always serve this warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping—the tangy tomato sauce cuts through the richness and makes every bite better. It’s fun to tear off a cheesy piece, dip it, and share around the table with friends or family.

Top Tip

From making this recipe countless times, I’ve picked up a few handy tips to guarantee your Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread comes out perfect every time. These little tweaks have saved me from undercooked centers and allow that cheesy, garlicky crust to shine.

Even Coating: Use a pastry brush to spread the garlic butter evenly on your rolls so each bite is perfectly flavored.
Warm Spot for Rising: Your rolls rise best in a consistently warm place—not too hot—to avoid drying out the dough.
Grate Cheese Fresh: Freshly grated mozzarella melts smoother and tastes fresher than pre-shredded bags.
Check Oven Early: Start checking your bread around 18 minutes so the cheese doesn’t brown too much and the rolls remain soft inside.

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I like sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or basil over the finished monkey bread. It adds a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note that balances the rich cheese and garlic. Sometimes I even add a dusting of grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy touch.

Side Dishes

This monkey bread pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a bowl of steaming tomato soup. It also makes a fantastic appetizer alongside a meat and cheese platter for gatherings. Trust me, it disappears fast!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve used a bundt pan to bake the monkey bread, which creates a stunning ring of cheesy rolls perfect for a crowd. You can also top it with extra fresh herbs or drizzle with a bit of garlic-infused olive oil before serving for an elegant finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover monkey bread tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to two days. I’ve found that sealing it well keeps it soft and flavorful, and reheats wonderfully.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked monkey bread wrapped in foil and plastic wrap for up to a month. When you want to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven to regain that fresh-baked texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out. I avoid microwaving if possible, as the oven keeps the crust crisp and cheese melty just like fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh dough instead of frozen rolls?

Absolutely! Fresh dough works great but you’ll need to allow extra time for proofing and rising. Rhodes frozen rolls are a convenient shortcut for quick prep without compromising taste or texture.

How spicy is the monkey bread with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add just a mild warmth and subtle kick—nothing too overwhelming. You can adjust the amount or skip them altogether if you prefer mild flavors. For a stronger heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper .

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

While this recipe traditionally uses Rhodes frozen dinner rolls, you can substitute them with a gluten-free dinner roll or biscuit dough. Just be sure the dough you choose is suitable for rising and baking as a pull-apart bread.

What’s the best way to melt the cheese evenly?

Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the risen rolls and bake at 350°F. Using freshly grated mozzarella helps it melt smoother without clumping. Cover the pan loosely with foil if cheese is browning too fast while rolls finish baking.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for good reason. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s comforting and fun to eat, yet simple enough to whip up any night of the week. Once you make it, I’m betting you’ll find any excuse to gather around the table just to pull apart this golden, cheesy bread together. Give it a try—you’re going to love every melty, buttery, garlicky bite.