Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Bites

Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Bites are the ultimate comfort food — soft, fluffy dough balls brushed with garlic butter, packed with gooey cheese inside, and baked until beautifully golden brown. Each bite bursts with buttery, garlicky, cheesy goodness that’s impossible to resist.

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, these bite-sized pull-apart rolls are as fun to make as they are to eat.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it perfectly combines two of my favorite things: cheese and garlic butter. The smell of these bread bites baking in the oven fills the kitchen with warmth and anticipation.

They’re incredibly soft inside, crispy on the edges, and when you pull one apart, you get that glorious stretch of melted cheese — it’s heavenly! These bites are also versatile, easy to share, and absolutely addictive. I can never stop at just one!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

You must try this dish because:

• It’s easy and fun to make, even for beginners.
• The flavors are irresistible — buttery garlic with melted cheese in soft dough.
• Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or cozy movie nights.
• It’s customizable — use any cheese or herbs you love.
• They’re bite-sized and shareable, making them a total crowd favorite.

It’s comfort food at its best — golden, garlicky, and cheesy perfection.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 16–20 bites
• Calories: Approx. 150 kcal per bite

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Appetizer / Snack / Side Dish

Ingredients

For the Dough (or use store-bought biscuit dough):

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt

(Alternatively, use 1 can of refrigerated biscuit dough or pizza dough for ease.)

For the Filling:

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (cut into small cubes or shredded)
• ½ cup cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Garlic Butter:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (fresh or dried)
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the dough or use ready-made dough.
2. Make garlic butter by mixing butter, garlic, herbs, and seasoning.
3. Stuff dough balls with cheese cubes and seal tightly.
4. Coat with garlic butter, place in baking pan, and bake until golden.
5. Brush again with butter and serve warm.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour, olive oil, and salt. Mix to form a soft dough.
3. Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 45–60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
   (Skip this step if using ready-made dough.)

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter

1. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, and salt.
2. Stir well and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Monkey Bread Bites

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Punch down the dough and divide it into small pieces (about 1½-inch balls).
3. Flatten each piece slightly and place a small cube of cheese in the center.
4. Pinch edges to seal and roll into a smooth ball.
5. Dip each ball into the garlic butter mixture.
6. Arrange them in a greased muffin tin, bundt pan, or baking dish.

Step 4: Bake the Bites

1. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.
2. Remove from the oven and immediately brush with remaining garlic butter.
3. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Step 5: Serve

Let cool for a few minutes, then serve warm — when the cheese is still gooey and the aroma irresistible!

How to Serve

Serve these cheesy garlic monkey bread bites:

• Warm, right out of the oven with marinara or ranch dipping sauce.
• As a side dish to pasta, soup, or salad.
• On a party platter with assorted dips like cheese sauce or spicy aioli.

They’re best enjoyed fresh, when the cheese is still stretchy and the butter aromatic.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overfill with cheese; small cubes melt perfectly without leaking.
• For extra crunch, sprinkle sesame seeds or herbs on top before baking.
• Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone for depth.
• If using pre-made dough, bring it to room temperature before shaping.
• Reheat leftovers in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

Variations

1. Garlic Parmesan Bites: Skip mozzarella, and toss baked bites in garlic butter and Parmesan.
2. Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Bites: Add a slice of jalapeño with the cheese for a kick.
3. Pizza Monkey Bread Bites: Add a little pepperoni and mozzarella inside each ball.
4. Herb & Feta Version: Replace mozzarella with crumbled feta and fresh herbs.
5. Sweet Version: Use cream cheese and cinnamon sugar instead of garlic and herbs for dessert-style monkey bread!

Freezing and Storage

• To Store (Refrigerated): Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or air fryer before serving.
• To Freeze (Before Baking): Assemble and freeze unbaked balls on a tray until firm, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes.
• To Freeze (After Baking): Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warm and crisp.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Pastry brush
• Muffin tin, bundt pan, or baking dish
• Pastry brush
• Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Bake fresh before serving.

Q2: My cheese leaked out while baking — why?
The dough may not have been sealed tightly. Pinch edges firmly before baking.

Q3: Can I use frozen dough?
Absolutely! Thaw frozen dough completely before shaping.

Q4: What’s the best cheese for gooey centers?
Mozzarella works best, but provolone or Monterey Jack also melt beautifully.

Q5: Can I air-fry these?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread Bites are everything you love about garlic bread — made even better with a molten, cheesy surprise inside! Soft, buttery, aromatic, and downright addictive, they’re perfect for sharing (though you might not want to).

Whether you make them for a party appetizer, family dinner, or a comforting snack, these golden bites will steal the show every single time.