Garlic Herb Monkey Bread Flavorful and Easy Recipe

Are you ready to impress your family with a tasty treat? Garlic Herb Monkey Bread is not only flavorful but also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a warm, cheesy, and aromatic dish that everyone will love. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to make this delightful bread from scratch. Let’s dive in and get baking!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

To make Garlic Herb Monkey Bread, you need simple ingredients. Start with flour as your base. The yeast helps the dough rise and get fluffy. Sugar activates the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness. Salt adds flavor, and garlic powder gives that lovely garlic taste.

Herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil mix well for a nice aroma. Warm water helps the yeast grow, while melted butter adds richness. Fresh garlic and parsley bring freshness to the mix. If you like cheese, mozzarella adds a gooey center.

Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to create a warm, pull-apart treat.Enjoy cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Yeast Mixture

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast.

2. Let this mixture sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. It should become foamy. This step is key. The foam shows that the yeast is active and ready to work.

Making the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, salt, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, and basil.

2. Once mixed, add the foamy yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time.

Kneading and Rising

1. Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic.

2. After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean cloth. Let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour. It should double in size. This rising time helps the bread become fluffy and light.

These steps are crucial for making the perfect Garlic Herb Monkey Bread.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Dough

To make great monkey bread, start with the dough. You want a soft, elastic dough that is not too sticky. If it feels sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes. This builds strength and texture. Use a clean surface and your hands to press and fold the dough.

Flavor Enhancements

Garlic and herbs can change the taste a lot. Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic powder, oregano, and thyme based on your taste. If you love cheese, consider adding mozzarella. Just take a small piece and stuff it inside the dough balls before rolling. This adds a nice surprise in every bite.

Baking to Perfection

When baking, keep an eye on the time. Bake your monkey bread for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by looking for a golden crust. You can also poke it gently. If it springs back, it’s ready. This ensures a warm, fluffy inside and a crunchy outside.

Variations

Add-Ins and Substitutions

You can easily change the flavor of garlic herb monkey bread. Use different herbs to make it your own. Try rosemary for a woodsy taste or dill for something fresh. Each herb brings its own flair. You can also mix in some spices like red pepper flakes for heat.

If you want to add cheese, mozzarella is not your only option. You can use cheddar or feta for a tangy bite. Crumbled goat cheese works well too! Just remember to stuff it inside the dough balls for cheesy goodness.

Healthier Options

Want to make a healthier version? You can swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour blends. Look for blends that work well for baking. This way, everyone can enjoy it without worry.

You can also reduce the butter in the recipe. Use half the amount or try applesauce as a substitute. This keeps the bread moist but cuts some fat.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic herb monkey bread is fun for any occasion! You can serve it as a snack, a side, or even a party dish. Pair it with marinara sauce for dipping. A creamy ranch or garlic aioli works great too.

You can also serve it at family gatherings or game nights. It’s perfect for pulling apart and sharing. Just set it in the middle of the table and watch it disappear!Enjoy your baking journey!

Storage Info

How to Store Monkey Bread

To keep your garlic herb monkey bread fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within three days. This helps keep the bread moist. If you want to store it longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cooled monkey bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Your bread can last in the freezer for about three months. Just remember to label it with the date!

Reheating Tips

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them correctly is key. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the monkey bread in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps it soft and tasty. You can also use a microwave, but it may dry out the bread. If using the microwave, heat for short bursts of 15-20 seconds. Enjoying leftovers is always fun, especially with a side of marinara sauce for dipping!

FAQs

Can I make Garlic Herb Monkey Bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance.Once you knead it, let it rise until it doubles in size. After that, you can shape it into balls and dip them in the garlic herb butter. Instead of baking it right away, cover the pan with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. It can stay there for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then bake as directed.

What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise?

If your dough doesn’t rise, there are a few things to check. First, ensure your yeast is fresh and active. If the yeast mixture didn’t foam, it might be old or the water was too hot or cold. The perfect temp is around 110°F. If the dough is too cold, try moving it to a warmer spot. A good place is near a warm oven or in a sunny window. If it still doesn’t rise, you can knead in a bit more yeast and let it rest again.

Is it possible to use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, you can use fresh herbs in place of dried ones. Fresh herbs give a brighter flavor. When using fresh herbs, use about three times more than dried. For example, if a recipe calls for ¼ teaspoon of dried oregano, use ¾ teaspoon of fresh oregano. Chop them finely to release their oils and flavors. Add them to your dough or garlic butter for a fresh taste.

This blog post covered how to make Garlic Herb Monkey Bread. We discussed essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned how to prepare the yeast, make the dough, and perfect the bake. Variations, storage, and reheating tips can help you customize this dish.

In the end, making this monkey bread is fun and rewarding. Experiment with flavors to make it your own. Enjoy it fresh with loved ones or save some for later!

Garlic Herb Monkey Bread

Indulge in the deliciousness of Garlic Herb Monkey Bread, an easy-to-make treat that will impress your friends and family! This pull-apart bread is packed with savory garlic, herbs, and can be topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo, follow our simple step-by-step recipe and elevate your baking game. Click through to discover how to make this mouthwatering dish and enjoy a warm, tasty treat today!

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Ingredients

  

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

½ teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon dried oregano

¼ teaspoon dried thyme

¼ teaspoon dried basil

¾ cup warm water (110°F)

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

3 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)

Instructions

 

In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, and basil.

Add the foamy yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, 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).

In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small pieces (about 1 inch in size).

Dip each piece into the garlic herb butter, then roll it into a ball. If using, stuff a small piece of mozzarella cheese inside each ball before rolling it.

Layer the butter-coated dough balls into a greased bundt pan, making sure to spread them evenly.

Pour any remaining garlic herb butter over the top of the dough balls.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a plate.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 8-10

- Presentation Tips: Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh parsley on top and a small bowl of marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy the pull-apart goodness!