If you’re looking for a delightful, crowd-pleasing treat that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for sharing, this Homemade Mini Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Imagine golden, buttery bites infused with fragrant garlic, aromatic Italian herbs, and a generous sprinkle of nutty Parmesan cheese that melts into every crevice. This pull-apart bread is as fun to eat as it is simple to make, transforming humble ingredients into a warm, irresistible snack or appetizer guaranteed to bring smiles around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this recipe. Each one plays an important role: from the fluffy texture you get from the flour and baking powder, to the bold hit of flavor from garlic and Parmesan, to the rich, golden finish thanks to a blend of butter and herbs. Simple essentials come together to create something truly special.
- 2 cups all purpose flour: The base of our dough, providing structure and softness.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Acts as a gentle leavening agent, giving the bread its light and airy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the natural taste of the bread.
- 7 tablespoons cold butter: Incorporated into the dough for tenderness and flaky layers.
- 3/4 cup cold milk: Helps bind ingredients and keeps the dough moist and tender.
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs: Adds a fragrant, earthy note that complements the garlic perfectly.
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced: The star flavor that makes this bread irresistibly savory.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: For seasoning the butter mix, amplifying every bite.
- 6 tablespoons melted butter: Used to coat each dough ball, ensuring a rich, golden crust.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan: Brings sharp, nutty undertones and a wonderful cheesy crust.
How to Make Homemade Mini Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Then, rub in the cold butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in the cold milk and stir quickly until you get a sticky but manageable dough. This quick mixing keeps your dough light and tender, the perfect foundation for our monkey bread.
Step 2: Flour and Chill
Now, generously flour your work surface so the dough won’t stick. Toss the dough in flour without kneading—it should just be coated enough to handle easily. Cut the dough into 12 equal pieces and pop them in the fridge to chill. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll into those cute little balls later.
Step 3: Mix the Garlic Herb Butter and Parmesan
While your dough chills, combine the dried Italian herbs, finely minced garlic, salt, and melted butter in a medium bowl. This savory butter will infuse each bite with vibrant flavor. In a separate bowl, place the grated Parmesan, ready for the cheesy coating that will give the monkey bread its signature crispy topping.
Step 4: Prep the Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin using a bit of the garlic herb butter mixture. This step not only prevents sticking but also layers in extra buttery, garlicky goodness right from the start.
Step 5: Shape and Coat the Dough Balls
Roll every chilled dough piece into three small balls. Toss those little dough bites in the herb butter mixture, then coat them generously with Parmesan cheese. Place three coated balls into each muffin cup, arranging them snugly so they’ll bake into pull-apart clusters.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the tops turn a perfect golden brown. After baking, let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This little wait allows everything to set nicely and makes them easier to handle without losing any of that cheesy topping.
How to Serve Homemade Mini Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a final touch of fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan right after baking lifts this dish from delicious to dazzling. You can also drizzle a little olive oil or garlic butter on top just before serving for a shiny, mouthwatering finish that invites everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
This monkey bread pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or a bowl of warm tomato soup to balance its richness. It also makes a fantastic companion to pasta dishes or roasted vegetables, making it versatile enough for casual dinners or more elegant meals.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the monkey bread right in the muffin tin so guests can pull apart those cheesy bites themselves. Or, arrange the mini monkey breads on a wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like marinara or ranch to turn it into a party centerpiece that’s as interactive as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any of this magic leftover (though that’s unlikely!), store the mini monkey breads in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh but will keep their flavor and texture well enough for a quick snack the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, let the baked monkey breads cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll hold up beautifully for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a treat, simply thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 5–7 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty once again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the bread a bit rubbery instead of delightfully crisp.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?
Absolutely! While Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor, you can experiment with Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or even a mild mozzarella for a different but equally delicious cheesy crust.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough helps it firm up so it’s easier to roll into small balls and layer without sticking. It also helps improve texture during baking. Skipping this step might make shaping trickier and affect the final crumb slightly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, by substituting the butter and milk with dairy-free alternatives like vegan butter and plant-based milk, you can enjoy this bread while accommodating dietary preferences without sacrificing too much flavor.
What if I don’t have a muffin tin?
You can use any small baking dish or even a mini loaf pan, but the pulling-apart effect works best with individual muffin cups. Just be mindful that baking times may vary slightly depending on your pan.
How do I make the garlic flavor more intense?
If you love garlic, try roasting the garlic cloves beforehand for a sweeter, more mellow depth or add a touch of garlic powder to the herb butter mixture for an extra punch without overpowering the bread.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Mini Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread Recipe is truly a joy to make and even more satisfying to eat. It’s got that perfect blend of buttery, garlicky, cheesy goodness that transforms simple ingredients into a cozy, nostalgic treat. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing friends at a get-together, these little pull-apart delights are sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a go and watch how quickly these irresistible bites disappear!
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Homemade Mini Garlic Parmesan Monkey Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini monkey bread servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Homemade Mini Garlic Parmesan Monkey Breads are a delightful pull-apart bread featuring tender, buttery dough infused with garlic, Italian herbs, and savory parmesan. Perfectly portioned into mini muffin tins, they are golden, flavorful, and irresistible as a snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups all purpose flour (plus a little extra for dusting)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 7 tablespoons cold butter
- 3/4 cup cold milk
Garlic Herb Butter
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
Topping
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and salt. Rub in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in the cold milk and quickly stir to form a sticky dough without overworking it.
- Shape the dough pieces: Generously flour a clean work surface and toss the dough in the flour until it is no longer sticky—avoid kneading. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and chill them in the refrigerator to firm up.
- Prepare garlic herb butter and parmesan: While the dough chills, mix the dried Italian herbs, minced garlic, salt, and melted butter in a medium bowl. Place the grated parmesan in a separate bowl for coating.
- Preheat and grease muffin tin: Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with some of the garlic herb butter mixture to prevent sticking.
- Roll and coat dough balls: Roll each chilled dough piece into three small balls. Toss the balls in the melted garlic herb butter, then coat generously with grated parmesan. Place three coated balls into each muffin tin cavity.
- Bake: Bake the monkey breads for 15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Let the breads cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Serve warm and enjoy the pull-apart goodness.
Notes
- Use cold butter and milk for the best texture in the dough.
- Do not knead the dough to keep it tender and light.
- Feel free to add extra parmesan for a cheesier finish.
- These mini monkey breads are perfect for parties, snacks, or as an appetizer.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; reheat gently before serving.
