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 something incredibly fun and irresistible about pull-apart bread, especially when it’s loaded with gooey cheese and rich garlic butter. This Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to make for casual get-togethers or cozy family dinners — the smell alone will have everyone gathered around the kitchen counter.

A round white plate holds a ring of 13 golden-brown bread balls topped with melted white cheese sprinkled with green herbs and small red flakes. The bread balls are arranged closely together forming a flower shape. At the center of the ring, there is a small white scalloped bowl filled with thick, rich red marinara sauce. A woman's hand is pulling one cheese-covered bread ball away from the ring, stretching the melted cheese in thin strings. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth 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 genuinely excited to share this Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe with you because it hits that perfect combo of buttery, cheesy, and garlicky flavors with the fun of pull-apart bread. It’s such an effortless way to impress without needing special skills, and the warm, bubbly cheese will feel like a comforting hug every time.

Simple magic: Uses frozen dinner rolls for convenience without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Perfect for sharing: The pull-apart style naturally gets everyone involved, making it ideal for parties or family meals.
Customizable flavor: Spice it up or keep it mild—this recipe plays nicely with your favorite herbs and seasonings.
Hands-off rise time: Little active prep, but plenty of reward waiting for when the dough puffs up beautifully.

A round black pan holds a ring of 17 golden-brown bread rolls, each topped with melted white cheese and sprinkled with small green herbs and red chili flakes. At the center of the ring, there is a white scalloped bowl filled with thick, red marinara sauce. The pan sits on a dark wooden table with a light grey cloth draped casually in the background, all against a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe brings something special to the table. From the soft Rhodes frozen dinner rolls that provide a tender base, to the garlic butter that infuses savory richness, every part is thoughtfully picked to make sure your monkey bread turns out perfectly flavorful and irresistible.

Flat lay of twenty small round frozen dinner rolls with smooth golden crusts, a few whole garlic cloves with papery white skins, a small white ceramic bowl of melted golden salted butter, a small white bowl of finely minced fresh garlic, a small white bowl containing bright green Italian parsley leaves, a small white bowl with vibrant red crushed pepper flakes, a small white ceramic bowl filled with finely grated white mozzarella cheese, 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 roll balls thaw and rise beautifully, giving an airy, fluffy texture that's hard to beat. Plus, they’re a time-saver when you want fresh bread fast.
Salted Butter: Adds richness and helps the garlic flavor spread evenly while creating that crisp, golden crust you’ll love.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic provides the perfect punch of aromatics—nothing beats that fresh garlic flavor soaked into warm buttery bread.
Italian Parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and a gentle herby note that lifts the richness of the butter and cheese.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For just a touch of heat, which balances the gooey cheese and butter deliciously.
Mozzarella Cheese: The star of the show—melts into gooey, stretchy bites of pure joy with a mild, creamy flavor that everyone loves.

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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

One of my favorite parts about this Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe is how easily you can tailor it to your tastes. I love to switch up the cheese or add a sprinkle of my favorite Italian seasoning blend for an extra herbaceous kick. Don’t hesitate—it’s all about making it yours!

Variation: Sometimes I swap out mozzarella for a mix of mozzarella and sharp cheddar. It adds extra depth and a gorgeous golden top that’s pretty hard to resist.
Spicy kick: Feeling bold? Add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of smoked paprika for warmth and complexity.
Dairy-free option: Use a vegan butter and dairy-free cheese alternative. The technique stays the same, and it still tastes fantastic!

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

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter

Start by melting the salted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. I usually zap it for about 30 seconds, just until melted—not too hot. Then stir in the minced garlic and optional dried Italian parsley. Let this sit for a few minutes so the garlic infuses the butter—it smells heavenly!

Step 2: Dip the Rolls

Take each frozen Rhodes roll and give it a good dunk in that garlicky butter sauce. Make sure it’s well-coated but not dripping. This step is where all that buttery garlic flavor starts to soak in, so don’t rush it. I like to line them up on a plate before arranging so they don’t stick together prematurely.

Step 3: Arrange and Let Rise

Spray your pan with a good hit of non-stick spray. I’ve had excellent results using a cast iron skillet because it holds heat beautifully, but a pizza stone or baking sheet works too. Arrange the butter-coated rolls in two close circular rows, leaving barely any gaps. When these rise, they puff up right next to each other, perfect for easy pulling apart later. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm spot for 2–3 hours—or about 90 minutes if your kitchen is nice and toasty.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) as the rolls finish rising. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, letting it nestle between the rolls. If you’re craving a bit of heat, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes now. Pop it in the oven and bake for 18-24 minutes until golden and bubbly. Keep a close eye during the last five minutes so it doesn’t get too brown.

Step 5: Serve Warm with Marinara

Once out of the oven, let your Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread cool for a few minutes before serving. A bowl of warm marinara sauce on the side is essential—dip each pull-apart piece for that perfect tangy contrast. Trust me, the first bite will have you hooked!

Top Tip

Making this Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe was an experiment that became a family favorite, and along the way, I discovered a few tricks that make a world of difference.

Butter temperature: Make sure your melted butter is warm but not hot before dipping the rolls, so you get flavor absorption without cooking the dough prematurely.
Rise time patience: Allow the rolls to fully double in size. Rushing this step leads to dense bread and not-so-pull-apart texture.
Pan choice matters: Cast iron or pizza stone give better heat distribution for that golden crust and satisfying crunch.
Don’t skip the cheese layering: Sprinkling cheese generously in between and on top ensures every bite is cheesy.

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe

cheesy garlic monkey bread - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to finish my monkey bread with a light sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil leaves—it adds a fresh burst of color and flavor that brightens the richness. A dusting of grated Parmesan is also lovely for an extra cheesy touch.

Side Dishes

It pairs exceptionally well with a simple green salad or a bowl of tomato soup. For bigger meals, consider serving it alongside pasta dishes or grilled chicken for a satisfying, all-out comfort feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or parties, I’ve served this monkey bread on a large wooden board surrounded by ramekins of different dipping sauces—marinara, ranch, or a spicy aioli—to make it interactive and fun. It always gets rave reviews and keeps everyone nibbling happily throughout the event.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I wrap leftover monkey bread tightly in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to two days. I store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. When you want seconds, just warm it gently in the oven or microwave.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully, either before baking (after arranging and rising) or after baking once cooled. Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake or reheat until warm and bubbly.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a 325°F oven for about 10-12 minutes, uncovered, to bring back that fresh-baked crispness, while keeping the cheese melty and delicious. The microwave works too, but you might lose some crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh bread dough instead of frozen rolls?

Absolutely! Fresh bread dough works well, but the rising time and handling might change slightly. Just make sure the dough balls are roughly the same size and allow for adequate rise.

What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese?

You can use any melty cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend for different flavors. Just avoid cheeses that don’t melt well, such as feta or fresh ricotta.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Since it uses Rhodes frozen dinner rolls, it’s not gluten-free. However, you could try a gluten-free bread dough alternative, though results may vary in texture and rise.

How spicy does the monkey bread get with red pepper flakes?

The amount in the recipe adds just a mild kick, but you can adjust to your preference. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a pinch or omit completely—it’s still delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe is one of those dishes I always recommend when you want a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to put together but feels special and indulgent. I hope you find as much joy pulling apart that bubbly, garlicky bread as I do serving it to friends and family. Get that butter melting, warm the oven, and enjoy every cheesy bite—you’ll be so glad you did!