Parmesan Herb Monkey Bread Savory and Easy Treat

Are you ready to impress your guests with a warm, cheesy treat? Parmesan Herb Monkey Bread is not just delicious; it’s simple to make! Imagine soft, buttery dough balls coated in herbs and Parmesan, baked to golden perfection. In this post, I’ll guide you step-by-step to create this easy, savory snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive in and get baking!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 3 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 tablespoon baking powder

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1 teaspoon dried basil

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

– 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk and a squeeze of lemon)

– Optional: Additional grated Parmesan for topping

To start, you need all-purpose flour. You will use three cups. This flour gives the bread its structure. Next, grab baking powder. One tablespoon helps the bread rise. Don’t forget about salt. It adds flavor, so use one teaspoon.

For a tasty kick, add garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil. Use one teaspoon of each. These herbs bring a nice aroma and taste.

Now, for the rich part, you’ll need unsalted butter. Melt half a cup and mix it with one cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This combo makes the dough extra tasty.

Next, add fresh parsley. Chopped finely, you’ll need a quarter cup. This adds a fresh touch.

Lastly, you need buttermilk. You can use one cup, or substitute with regular milk and a squeeze of lemon. This gives the dough the right moisture.

If you want more cheese on top, keep some grated Parmesan handy. This will make your monkey bread even better!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Overview

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms up your oven, so your monkey bread bakes evenly. Next, take your bundt pan and grease it well with cooking spray or softened butter. This ensures that your bread comes out easily after baking.

Now, let’s mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Make sure these ingredients blend well, then set the bowl aside.

In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well mixed.

Next, pour 1 cup of buttermilk into the bowl with the dry mix. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir gently. Mix it just until it comes together; if you overmix, the bread can become tough.

Rolling and Coating Dough Balls

Now it’s time to create the dough balls. Take small portions of the dough and roll them into balls, about the size of golf balls. This should be around 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.

Once you have your balls formed, dip each one into the butter-Parmesan mixture. Make sure each ball is well coated. This step adds flavor and keeps the bread moist.

Layer the coated dough balls into the prepared bundt pan. Arrange them snugly together for the best results. After you fill the pan, drizzle any remaining butter-Parmesan mixture on top. This will boost the flavor even more.

Baking and Serving

Now, let’s bake! Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the top to turn a lovely golden brown. To check if it’s done, insert a skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, your monkey bread is ready.

After baking, take the bundt pan out of the oven. Let it cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling time helps the bread firm up. Then, carefully invert the pan onto a serving platter. This reveals that beautiful monkey bread shape.

For serving, pull the warm pieces apart by hand. This fun, communal way of eating adds to the experience. For a tasty touch, drizzle a little olive oil on top and sprinkle with more grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy every bite!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Recipe

– Avoiding overmixing for fluffiness: Mix the dough until just blended. This keeps the bread light. Overmixing makes it dense, which we want to avoid.

– Ensuring even baking and golden color: Place the bundt pan in the center of the oven. This helps the heat to spread evenly. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for the best color.

– Keeping dough balls uniformly sized: Use a small scoop or your hands to form dough balls. Aim for golf ball size. This helps them bake at the same rate.

Tools and Equipment

– Recommended bakeware: A bundt pan works best for this recipe. Its shape gives the bread a nice look and helps it bake evenly.

– Kitchen tools for easy mixing and shaping: Use a large mixing bowl for the dry ingredients. A smaller bowl is great for the butter-Parmesan mix. Have a wooden spoon or spatula ready for gentle mixing.

Alternative Baking Methods

– Cooking in different pans: You can use a cake pan if you don’t have a bundt pan. Just make sure to adjust the baking time. Check for doneness with a skewer.

– Adjustments for different oven types: If you have a convection oven, lower the temperature by 25°F. This helps avoid over-baking and keeps your monkey bread soft.

Variations

Ingredient Swaps

You can switch up the cheese for a new twist. Instead of Parmesan, try mozzarella or cheddar. These cheeses melt well and add unique flavors. For a sharper taste, use aged Gouda or Gruyère.

Herbs play a big role in adding flavor. While parsley is great, fresh thyme or rosemary can give a tasty kick. You can also mix dried herbs like thyme, dill, or even a hint of chili flakes for some heat.

Dietary Modifications

To make this monkey bread gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend. Many brands offer this option that works well in bread. Just check if it includes xanthan gum, which helps with texture.

If you need a vegan version, swap the butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter. Use almond or soy milk with a bit of vinegar instead of buttermilk. This keeps the bread moist and delicious without any animal products.

Creative Serving Ideas

Dipping sauces can elevate your monkey bread. Serve it with marinara sauce for a classic combo. A garlic aioli or spicy ranch dip can also add a fun twist.

For seasonal additions, consider incorporating roasted vegetables or sun-dried tomatoes. These can add new flavors and textures. You can also sprinkle fresh herbs on top for a burst of color and aroma.

Storage Info

Short-term Storage

After enjoying your Parmesan Herb Monkey Bread, save leftovers properly. Let the bread cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This keeps the bread soft and tasty for a few days.

Long-term Storage

If you want to keep your monkey bread for a longer time, freezing is a great option. First, let the bread cool down. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. This extra layer helps prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, bake it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes. This helps keep the bread warm and fluffy.

Shelf Life Expectations

In the fridge, your monkey bread lasts about 3-4 days. If you freeze it, it can last up to 2-3 months. Just remember, the sooner you eat it, the better it tastes!

FAQs

Can I make Parmesan Herb Monkey Bread in advance?

Yes, you can make this monkey bread ahead of time. You can prepare the dough and coat the balls. Place them in the bundt pan, then cover and chill in the fridge. Bake it fresh when you are ready to serve. This keeps the bread soft and warm.

What to do if my monkey bread is too dense?

If your monkey bread is too dense, it may be due to overmixing the dough. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. If it still feels dense, try adding a little more buttermilk next time. This will help keep it light and fluffy.

How can I adjust this recipe for a smaller or larger group?

To adjust the recipe, you can easily scale the ingredients. For a smaller group, halve the amounts. For a larger group, double the recipe. Just make sure to keep the baking time in mind. A larger pan may need a few extra minutes to bake evenly.

This blog post shared all you need to know to make Parmesan Herb Monkey Bread. We explored key ingredients like flour, butter, and buttermilk, along with easy step-by-step instructions. You learned tips to perfect your recipe and creative variations to suit your taste. Finally, we covered storage tips to keep your leftovers fresh.

Now you can impress your friends and family with this delicious bread. Enjoy every bit