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Fluffy Herb & Cheese Monkey Bread

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This savory monkey bread is packed with gooey cheese and fragrant herbs, making it the perfect pull-apart centerpiece for cozy gatherings, potlucks, or brunch. Quick to prepare and irresistibly delicious, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and fun to any table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs (such as oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add flour, salt, melted butter, and egg to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms, or mix on low with a dough hook for 5 minutes. Add flour as needed for a soft, slightly sticky dough.
  3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes by hand or 4-5 minutes with a mixer until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  4. While the dough rises, mix mozzarella, cheddar, parsley, Italian herbs, garlic powder, and chives (if using) in a bowl for the filling.
  5. Punch down the risen dough. Tear off small pieces (about 1 inch/golf ball size, 32-36 pieces). Flatten each piece, add a pinch of cheese-herb mixture, pinch edges closed, and roll into a ball.
  6. Grease a bundt pan. Arrange half the dough balls in the pan, sprinkle half the remaining cheese-herb mix over them. Layer the rest of the dough balls, then finish with the remaining cheese-herb mix. Drizzle melted butter over everything.
  7. Cover the pan and let the dough rise for 20-30 minutes until puffy. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown and cheese is bubbling. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  9. Remove from oven. Immediately brush with melted butter and sprinkle with Parmesan if desired. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a platter.
  10. Serve warm, pulling apart pieces. Reheat gently if serving later.

Notes

For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute cheeses and butter with plant-based alternatives. You can use muffin tins for mini monkey breads. Tent with foil if browning too quickly. Let bread rest in pan for 10 minutes before unmolding. Herbs and cheese meld for even better flavor the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: monkey bread, cheese bread, herb bread, pull-apart bread, savory bread, party bread, brunch, comfort food, easy bread recipe

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/fluffy-herb-and-cheese-monkey-bread-recipe-for-easy-cozy-gatherings/