Savory Herb Monkey Bread

$- 3 cups all-purpose flour - 2 tablespoons sugar - 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) instant yeast - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F) - ¼ cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted - Fresh parsley for garnish To make savory herb monkey bread, you need simple ingredients. The flour forms the base of the bread. Sugar helps the yeast rise. Instant yeast makes the dough fluffy. Salt adds flavor. Warm water activates the yeast. Olive oil keeps the bread moist and adds a nice flavor. Fresh herbs, like rosemary and thyme, give the bread its unique taste. Garlic and onion powders add depth. Parmesan cheese brings a rich, salty flavor. Finally, melted butter coats the dough balls and makes them golden. This list of ingredients is easy to find. You can get them all at your local store. Use fresh herbs for the best taste. Enjoy the fun of making this delicious bread! {{ingredient_image_1}} - In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 packet of instant yeast, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well until blended. - In another bowl, mix 1 cup of warm water (110°F to 115°F) with ¼ cup of olive oil. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients. - Stir in 2 tablespoons of finely chopped rosemary, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped thyme, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Combine until a shaggy dough forms. - Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is key for a fluffy texture. - Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. - Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Pinch off small pieces of dough, about the size of a walnut. - Roll each piece into a ball. Dip each ball in melted butter, then roll it in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a great flavor. - Layer the dough balls in a greased bundt pan, arranging them randomly and leaving some space for them to expand. - Let the assembled monkey bread rise for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while it rises. - Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then invert it onto a serving plate. - Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy the warm, flavorful bread. To knead dough well, use your palms. Press down and fold the dough. Keep working it for 5-7 minutes until it feels smooth. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle a bit of flour on your hands. This helps you manage it without adding too much flour overall. For yeast bread to rise well, find a warm spot in your home. Cover the bowl with a clean towel to keep it cozy. Ideal temperatures are between 75°F and 85°F. This helps the yeast grow and makes your bread fluffy. If your dough is sticky, try oiling your hands. This prevents it from sticking to your fingers. You can also use a bench scraper to lift and fold the dough. This keeps your workspace clean and makes handling easier. To serve monkey bread attractively, take it straight from the pan. Place it on a large plate and let the bread shine. You can sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Melted butter on the side is a must. It adds richness and flavor. You can even mix garlic or herbs into the butter for an extra kick. One common mistake is over-proofing the dough. If you let it rise too long, it can lose its strength. Keep an eye on it; once it's doubled, it's ready. Another mistake is incorrect oven temperatures. Always preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If it's too hot, your bread can burn on the outside and stay raw inside. Use an oven thermometer to check accuracy. Pro Tips Perfect Dough Texture: The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not overly sticky. Adjust flour or water as needed during the kneading process. Herb Variations: Feel free to mix and match herbs based on your preference. Basil, oregano, or chives can add unique flavors. Storage Tips: Store leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results. Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of marinara sauce or garlic butter for an extra flavor boost! {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your monkey bread by using different herbs. Try basil or oregano for a fresh twist. Both herbs add a nice aroma and taste. Mixing herbs can give you a unique flavor profile. Cheese is another great way to mix things up. Instead of Parmesan, use cheddar for a sharper taste. Feta can add a tangy, creamy texture that pairs well with herbs. Experiment with your favorite combinations to find what you like best. Want to make your monkey bread heartier? Add cooked bacon or ham. This adds a savory kick that many people enjoy. Just chop the meat into small pieces and mix it with the dough. You can also add sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor. Their sweetness contrasts nicely with the herbs. Olives can add a briny taste that elevates your dish. If you need gluten-free options, you can substitute regular flour. Use a gluten-free mix that works well in baking. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum to help the bread rise. For vegan options, swap out butter for a plant-based version. You can also use vegan cheese instead of dairy cheese. Both changes keep the dish delicious while meeting dietary needs. These adjustments let everyone enjoy this tasty treat. To keep your savory herb monkey bread fresh, store it properly. Let it cool completely first. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Use glass or plastic containers with a secure lid. A resealable freezer bag also works well for frozen bread. If you prefer, you can also use a bread box for short-term storage. Just make sure it’s cool and dry before storing. To reheat your monkey bread, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread in a baking dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps to restore its soft texture. If you have stale monkey bread, try refreshing it. Brush it lightly with melted butter or olive oil. You can also microwave it for about 10-15 seconds. This adds some moisture back into the bread. It’s a great way to enjoy leftovers again! What can I substitute for fresh herbs? You can use dried herbs. Use one-third of the amount. For example, if the recipe calls for two tablespoons of fresh herbs, use about one tablespoon of dried herbs. Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can make the dough a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge after kneading. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping. How do I know when my monkey bread is done baking? Check the color first. It should be golden brown. You can also tap the bread; it should sound hollow. Why is my dough not rising? The yeast might be old or inactive. Ensure your water is warm, not hot. Yeast needs warmth to thrive. What to do if the bread is too dense? This can happen if you do not knead enough. Kneading helps develop gluten, making the bread rise. If it’s too dense, try adding a bit more warm water next time. How to incorporate different flavors? Try adding spices like paprika or cumin. You can also mix in cheese like cheddar or feta. This adds a new twist to your monkey bread. Can I use pre-made dough for this recipe? Yes, pre-made dough works well. Use it just like you would with homemade dough. Simply shape, coat, and bake. This saves time and still tastes great! This post covered how to make delicious monkey bread with fresh herbs and cheese. I shared easy steps for preparation, dough handling, and baking. You learned tips to perfect your bread and avoid common mistakes. Experimenting with flavors is part of the fun. Whether you prefer savory herbs or added spices, each variation can bring a new taste. Enjoy the baking journey, and remember, practice makes perfect!$

Savory Herb Monkey Bread

A delicious and fluffy monkey bread infused with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 35

Total Time 1 35

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 packet instant yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
0.25 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 bunch fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well.
In another bowl, mix warm water and olive oil. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients.
Add chopped rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder into the bowl and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it's smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Once risen, punch down the dough and pinch off small pieces (about the size of a walnut).
Roll these pieces into balls and dip each ball in melted butter, then roll them in Parmesan cheese.
Layer the dough balls in a greased bundt pan, arranging them randomly. Leave some space for expansion.
Let the assembled monkey bread rise for about 30 minutes, then bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve warm, directly from the pan, with additional melted butter on the side for dipping.

Keyword herb bread, monkey bread, savory bread