If you are craving a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines melty cheese, rich garlic, and fluffy biscuit bites, then this Mini Cheesy Monkey Bread Recipe is going to be your new favorite indulgence. This snack-sized treat is not only irresistibly delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for sharing with friends or serving at family gatherings. Each bite bursts with cheesy goodness and Italian-inspired seasoning that will have everyone coming back for more. Get ready to dive into a warm, gooey delight that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple and accessible ingredients is the first step to creating this fantastic Mini Cheesy Monkey Bread Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role: biscuits provide the soft, pillowy base; butter and garlic add rich, savory flavor; cheese melts into creamy pockets of delight; and Italian seasoning infuses herby depth that elevates the entire dish.
- 16oz can Refrigerated Biscuits: These act as the fluffy and tender canvas to soak up all the flavors.
- 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter: Melts to coat each biscuit piece in buttery goodness and helps meld flavors together.
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For that gooey, cheesy layer that instantly makes the dish addictive.
- 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic: Adds a punch of aromatic savoriness that complements the cheese perfectly.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil that brings out the Mediterranean flair.
- Salt and Pepper: Seasoning essentials to balance and enhance all the other ingredients.
- Cooking Spray: Keeps your muffin tin non-stick and makes removal easy after baking.
How to Make Mini Cheesy Monkey Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F so it’s perfectly hot when your monkey bread is ready to bake. While the oven warms up, spray a 12-cup standard muffin tin generously with cooking spray. This helps ensure your cheesy bites lift out cleanly once baked and crispy edges form beautifully.
Step 2: Cut the Biscuits into Bite-Sized Pieces
Open your can of refrigerated biscuits and slice each biscuit into 8 small pieces. This results in roughly 64 bite-sized chunks, perfect for portioning into muffin tins and maximizing the surface area to capture that glorious buttery, cheesy coating.
Step 3: Mix the Butter, Cheese, and Seasonings
In a large bowl, melt your butter and combine it with the shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir these together until everything is evenly mixed and shimmering with flavor. This sauce is the secret behind every scrumptious bite of your monkey bread.
Step 4: Toss the Biscuit Pieces in the Cheese Mixture
Gently fold the biscuit cubes into your buttery, cheesy concoction, making sure each piece is coated well. This step is where the magic happens, as every morsel becomes a flavor-packed nugget just waiting to fluff and brown in the oven.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups and Bake
Spoon about 5 to 6 coated biscuit pieces into each sprayed muffin cup. Arrange them nicely so they bake evenly and puff up golden brown. Slide the tin into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until they’re perfectly baked, with bubbling cheese and toasty tops.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serve
Once baked, don’t rush to remove these sweet cheesy treasures. Brush any leftover buttery mixture over the tops for an extra glossy finish and burst of flavor. Then, serve them warm and watch everyone happily dive into this fun, finger-friendly feast.
How to Serve Mini Cheesy Monkey Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To give your Mini Cheesy Monkey Bread Recipe an extra pop, try sprinkling some freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of Parmesan cheese on top. A light drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil can also add a vibrant, fresh note that perfectly complements the baked goodness.
Side Dishes
This cheesy delight pairs wonderfully with a cool, crisp salad or a bowl of hearty tomato soup. The fresh and tangy elements from the sides balance the richness of the monkey bread, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange these mini cheesy bites on a large wooden board or tiered platter for an inviting display. You can also customize each muffin cup by adding different cheeses or herbs on top before baking, turning this recipe into a playful palette of flavors that guests can explore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Mini Cheesy Monkey Bread Recipe left after the party, store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining most of their softness and flavor.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled monkey bread pieces on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen cheesy monkey bread can last up to 2 months and makes a fantastic make-ahead appetizer for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat your monkey bread by warming it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until hot throughout. Avoid microwaving to maintain that irresistible crispy edge and melted cheese texture everyone loves.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this Mini Cheesy Monkey Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella gives that classic stretchy melt, you can experiment with cheddar, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses to tailor the flavor to your liking.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, using gluten-free refrigerated biscuits will work great. Just be sure to check that all your seasoning and other ingredients are gluten-free as well for a safe and tasty dish.
Can this be made dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cheese shreds. The biscuit choice should also be checked for dairy ingredients.
How long can the Mini Cheesy Monkey Bread be stored before baking?
Once coated in the butter and cheese mixture, it’s best to bake immediately for optimal freshness. However, you can refrigerate for a few hours if needed, just cover tightly to prevent drying out.
What is the best way to serve this at a party?
Serve warm and offer dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli on the side. This allows guests to customize each bite and adds an extra element of fun.
Final Thoughts
This Mini Cheesy Monkey Bread Recipe is truly a simple yet show-stopping way to bring friends and family together over irresistible bites of cheesy, garlicky joy. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just want a fun snack to enjoy, this recipe is sure to become a beloved classic. Don’t wait to give it a try and watch it disappear right off the table!
Print
Mini Cheesy Monkey Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings (12 mini monkey breads)
Description
Mini Cheesy Monkey Bread is a delightful, bite-sized pull-apart bread made with refrigerated biscuits coated in a savory garlic butter mixture, loaded with mozzarella cheese and Italian seasoning. Perfect as a fun appetizer or snack, these cheesy morsels bake up golden and delicious in just under half an hour.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 16oz can Refrigerated Biscuits
- 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- Cooking Spray, for greasing muffin tin
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 12-cup standard muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cut Biscuits: Open the refrigerated biscuit can and cut each biscuit into 8 small pieces, resulting in approximately 64 pieces in total.
- Coat Biscuit Cubes: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, shredded mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss the biscuit pieces in this mixture until they are well coated with the cheesy, buttery blend.
- Fill Muffin Pan: Evenly distribute 5 to 6 biscuit pieces into each muffin cup, making sure they’re packed but not overly compressed.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the monkey bread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the muffin tin from the oven. Optionally, brush any remaining butter mixture over the tops for extra flavor. Let cool slightly, then serve warm and enjoy your cheesy, pull-apart mini monkey bread.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar or a cheese blend for different flavors.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes into the butter mixture.
- Make sure to spray the muffin tin thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Serve with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping if desired.
- These mini breads are best enjoyed warm but can be reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
