Name: Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 3 h 10 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 comforting about buttery, cheesy bread that pulls apart with the perfect garlicky aroma. That’s exactly why this Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe stands out — it’s simple, irresistibly soft, and bursting with flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.

A round white plate holds a ring of 15 fluffy, golden-brown bread balls, each topped with melted white cheese sprinkled with green herbs and tiny red flakes. The bread balls are arranged tightly around a small white scalloped bowl filled with smooth, thick, bright red marinara sauce in the center. One bread ball is being pulled away by a woman's hand at the lower right, stretching thin strings of melted cheese from the ring. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a crumpled light gray cloth to the upper left and a wooden coaster to the upper right. 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 first tried making this cheesy garlic monkey bread on a cozy weekend, and it quickly became a favorite for family gatherings and casual nights in. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels fancy but is so easy to pull together.

Effortless preparation: Using frozen Rhodes dinner rolls means you skip the dough-making and still get bakery-worthy bread.
Garlic and cheese heaven: The garlic butter and melted mozzarella combo is a flavor explosion in every bite.
Fun pull-apart design: It’s interactive food that’s perfect for sharing with friends or family—and everyone loves tearing off their own piece.
Versatile serving options: Enjoy it on its own, with marinara dipping sauce, or as a savory side to your favorite meals.

A round arrangement of small golden bread balls covered with melted white cheese and sprinkled with green herbs and red flakes surrounds a white bowl filled with thick, rich red marinara sauce in the center. The bread balls have a soft, slightly browned top and are set on a white marbled surface with a light gray cloth partially visible behind. The texture of the cheese is smooth and slightly stretchy, blending into the bubbly tops of the bread. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients here are simple but purposeful—each plays a role to build that perfect cheesy, garlicky, and soft-but-crispy monkey bread you’ll want to make again and again. Using frozen Rhodes rolls is a game-changer for busy cooks who want homemade taste without the fuss.

Flat lay of twenty soft frozen dinner rolls with smooth, pale golden crusts, a small white ceramic bowl of melted salted butter glowing warmly, three fresh garlic cloves with papery white skins intact, a sprinkle of bright green Italian parsley leaves, a delicate dusting of vibrant red pepper flakes scattered nearby, and a simple white ceramic bowl filled with freshly grated mozzarella cheese in soft, fluffy piles, all elements 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 rolls rise beautifully and develop a wonderful texture without any kneading or proofing from scratch.
Salted Butter: Melted butter is the base of the garlic coating, providing richness and helping create a golden crust.
Garlic Cloves: Minced fresh garlic infuses every bite with aromatic depth—you can’t beat real garlic for flavor.
Italian Parsley (optional): Adds a hint of color and subtle herbal notes that brighten the butter mixture.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A pinch of heat that complements the garlic and cheese without overpowering.
Mozzarella Cheese: The star cheese here melts perfectly with gooey stretch and mild flavor that keeps it approachable.

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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 switch things up depending on the occasion — sometimes I toss in some fresh herbs like rosemary or swap mozzarella for a sharper cheddar blend. Feel free to experiment and make this cheesy garlic monkey bread recipe your own.

Variation: For a smoky twist, I’ve added crumbled cooked bacon, which gives an extra layer of savory richness that the family loved.
Dietary Modification: Using dairy-free butter and vegan cheese works surprisingly well to keep things inclusive without sacrificing flavor.
Seasonal Change: During the holidays, mixing in some finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives kicked up the flavor in a great way.

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

Step 1: Bring the Garlic Butter to Life

I start by melting the salted butter in a microwave-safe bowl—about 30 seconds usually does it. Then, while it’s warm, I stir in the minced garlic and dried parsley if I’m using it. This mixture smells incredible already and creates the base flavor for the bread.

Step 2: Dunk Each Roll in Garlic Butter

Here’s a tip: be generous when coating each frozen roll in the garlic butter. I like to pick up the roll with a fork or clean hands and swirl it around until it’s fully covered in that tasty mixture. This helps the crust get golden and packed with garlicky goodness.

Step 3: Arrange the Rolls Close Together

After spraying my pan with non-stick spray — you can use a cast iron skillet, pizza stone, or regular baking sheet — I place the buttered rolls in two tight circles. Keeping them close means when they rise and bake, they stick into one beautiful pull-apart loaf but are still easy to separate at the table.

Step 4: Let the Rolls Rise, Then Add Cheese

Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and leave it in a warm spot for about 2 hours (or around 90 minutes if your kitchen is warm) until the rolls double in size. Once they look puffed up, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese all over the top — don’t be shy, you want lots of melty, cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-24 minutes. Watch closely near the end so the cheese bubbles perfectly without crossing into burnt territory. The bread should be beautifully golden and irresistibly fragrant.

Top Tip

Making this cheesy garlic monkey bread recipe was a learning experience for me — I realized small details make a huge difference, and I want you to get it right on your first try!

Coat the Rolls Well: Don’t skimp on butter—even if it feels excessive at first, it’s what creates that addictive golden crust and flavor.
Warm Rise Spot: Letting the dough rise in a warm place is key; colder kitchens mean longer rise times, so plan ahead.
Choose Your Pan Wisely: Cast iron gives a beautiful crust but a rimmed baking sheet or pizza stone works just as well if you don’t have one.
Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye near the end of the baking time to ensure the cheese bubbles but doesn’t burn—melty and golden is the sweet spot.

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Recipe

cheesy garlic bread - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling extra fresh parsley or a bit of grated Parmesan on top right after baking for a bright finish. A drizzle of good olive oil adds a lovely sheen and extra flavor depth too.

Side Dishes

This monkey bread pairs beautifully with marinara sauce (for dipping), a crisp green salad, or even alongside hearty soups like tomato basil or minestrone for a cozy meal.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve served this in a cast iron skillet straight from the oven for a rustic look that guests love. For parties, popping little skewers in a few pull-apart pieces lets everyone grab a perfect cheesy bite mess-free!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, I keep leftovers wrapped tightly in foil or sealed in an airtight container in the fridge—this helps preserve the softness and garlicky aroma for up to 2 days.

Freezing

For longer storage, I’ve frozen the unbaked risen rolls in the pan, covered tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When I’m ready, I thaw them overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual for fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes to revive the crisp crust and melty cheese without drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh dough instead of frozen rolls?

Yes! Fresh dough works, but keep in mind the rise time might vary. Using frozen Rhodes rolls is popular because it simplifies the process without sacrificing texture or flavor.

What’s the best cheese to use in this recipe?

Mozzarella is classic here because it melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that pairs well with garlic. You can add a bit of cheddar or Parmesan for extra sharpness if you like.

How do I prevent the monkey bread from becoming soggy?

Make sure you coat the rolls evenly but not excessively with butter, and bake until golden brown. Using a well-ventilated oven and a cast iron skillet or pizza stone helps form a crisp crust.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls and let them rise in the pan, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Just bring them back to room temperature before baking for best results.

Final Thoughts

This cheesy garlic monkey bread recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for good reason. It’s easy, comforting, and so shareable — perfect for gatherings or whenever you need a warm, cheesy hug in bread form. Once you try it, I know you’ll want to make it your go-to, just like I do.