Mini Monkey Breads Recipe

The Perfect Mini Monkey Breads Recipe for Sweet Breakfast Joy

Garlic monkey breads elevate ordinary bread into an extraordinary culinary experience that sparks immediate excitement.

These delightful morsels combine soft, pillowy textures with intense aromatic sensations that dance across your palate.

Compact yet bold, each miniature creation promises a symphony of buttery richness and zesty undertones.

Homemade comfort emerges through carefully layered dough pieces generously coated in herbs and seasonings.

Small in size but massive in flavor, these breads deliver unexpected satisfaction with every delectable bite.

Clusters of golden-brown, herb-kissed bread segments invite you to indulge without hesitation.

Mini Garlic Monkey Breads: Bite-Sized Garlic Goodness

  • Craft Quick Crowd-Pleaser: These mini garlic monkey breads transform simple frozen rolls into irresistible bite-sized treats perfect for gatherings, game nights, or casual appetizers.
  • Unleash Foolproof Flavor: The recipe requires minimal cooking skills, allowing even novice bakers to create restaurant-quality garlic bread with just six straightforward steps and everyday ingredients.
  • Maximize Convenience and Comfort: Designed for busy home cooks, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, delivering warm, cheesy, garlicky goodness that feels like a comforting indulgence without complex preparation.

Ingredients for Mini Garlic Monkey Breads

Main Ingredients:

Bread Base:
  • Frozen Dinner Rolls or Refrigerated Biscuits: Soft, versatile base that creates the classic monkey bread texture with easy preparation.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Butter, Melted: Rich, golden ingredient that adds moisture and helps garlic and herbs stick to the dough.
  • Garlic, Minced: Powerful aromatic that provides a bold, savory punch to the breads flavor profile.
  • Parsley Flakes: Bright herb that adds fresh green color and subtle herbaceous taste.
Cheese Topping:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Salty, sharp cheese that creates a crispy golden crust and adds depth to the overall flavor.
Preparation Essentials:
  • Non-Stick Spray: Prevents bread from sticking and ensures easy removal from the muffin pan.

How to Bake the Perfect Mini Garlic Monkey Breads

Step 1: Prepare Dough

Thaw frozen dinner rolls for 3 to 4 hours or use refrigerated biscuits at room temperature.

Step 2: Set Up Baking Station

Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly spray a 12-count muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 3: Cut Dough

Quarter each thawed dinner roll or biscuit into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Create Flavor Coating

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Melted butter
  • Minced garlic
  • Parsley flakes

Step 5: Coat Dough Pieces

Toss 6 dough pieces in the garlic butter mixture until completely coated.

Step 6: Arrange in Muffin Pan

Place coated dough pieces into one muffin cup.

Step 7: Repeat Coating Process

Continue coating remaining dough pieces and filling muffin cups.

Step 8: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over each muffin cup.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 12-14 minutes until bread turns golden brown.

Step 10: Final Cheese Garnish

Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top and serve warm.

Tips for Getting Your Monkey Breads Just Right

  • Perfectly Thaw Dough: Let frozen rolls sit at room temperature for exactly 3-4 hours to ensure even rising and soft texture.
  • Coat Generously: Fully saturate each dough piece in garlic butter mixture for maximum flavor absorption and golden-brown exterior.
  • Cheese Distribution: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly to create a consistent, cheesy crust on every mini monkey bread.
  • Pan Preparation: Use non-stick spray thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of delicate bread bites.
  • Serve Immediately: Enjoy these mini garlic monkey breads warm for the most delightful, melt-in-your-mouth experience and optimal taste.

Keeping Mini Garlic Monkey Breads Fresh

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover monkey breads in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap each piece individually in aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below to preserve freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F and place monkey breads on a baking sheet. Warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy exterior returns. Cover loosely with foil to prevent excessive browning while ensuring even heating.
  • Microwave Option: When short on time, reheat individual pieces for 15-20 seconds. Avoid overheating to prevent rubbery texture. Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Serve Mini Garlic Monkey Breads with These Dips

  • Pair with Zesty Tomato Soup: Dunk these garlicky mini monkey breads into a warm, tangy tomato soup for a comforting flavor explosion that balances the rich, buttery rolls.
  • Complement with Crisp White Wine: Pour a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the garlic and butter, creating a refreshing palate cleanse.
  • Match with Fresh Garden Salad: Serve alongside a light, herb-dressed mixed green salad to add a crisp, fresh contrast to the warm, cheesy monkey breads.
  • Serve with Creamy Herb Dip: Create a quick herb-infused sour cream or ranch dip that enhances the garlic and parsley flavors, giving an extra layer of deliciousness to each bite.

Twist Up the Recipe for Mini Garlic Monkey Breads

  • Herb Haven: Replace parsley with fresh chopped basil, rosemary, or thyme for an aromatic herb-infused version that brings garden-fresh flavors to each mini bread.
  • Spicy Southwest: Add chili powder, cumin, and red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture, then top with shredded pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick that transforms the classic recipe.
  • Cheesy Italian: Mix in Italian seasoning and swap Parmesan for a blend of mozzarella and provolone, creating a gooey, melted cheese experience that screams comfort food.
  • Mediterranean Magic: Incorporate crumbled feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and dried oregano into the butter mixture for a Mediterranean-inspired take that transports taste buds to coastal regions.
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Mini Monkey Breads Recipe

Mini Monkey Breads Recipe


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4.7 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Garlic monkey breads bring Italian-inspired comfort straight to kitchen tables. Cheesy, buttery pull-apart rolls create delightful appetizers or side dishes that invite friends and family to share delicious moments together.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 18 frozen Rhodes Dinner Rolls, thawed (or 2 cans of refrigerated Buttermilk Biscuits, 7.5 ounces/212 grams each)
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) extra grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Butter and Herbs:

  • 6 tablespoons (90 milliliters) salted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) dried parsley flakes

Instructions

  1. Allow frozen dinner rolls to thaw at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours, or alternatively, use refrigerated biscuits for a quicker preparation.
  2. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and thoroughly coat a 12-count muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  3. Using a sharp knife, carefully divide each thawed dinner roll or biscuit into four equal quarters, creating bite-sized pieces.
  4. In a medium mixing bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, finely minced fresh garlic, and dried parsley flakes, creating a fragrant and flavorful coating.
  5. Gently toss six dough pieces in the garlic butter mixture, ensuring each piece is completely and evenly coated with the aromatic blend.
  6. Strategically place the buttered dough pieces into one muffin cup, creating a clustered arrangement.
  7. Repeat the coating and placement process with the remaining dough pieces, filling the remaining muffin cups.
  8. Generously sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese over each muffin cup filled with the coated dough pieces.
  9. Transfer the muffin pan to the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the monkey breads achieve a rich, golden-brown color.
  10. Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with the remaining Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of savory flavor.
  11. Serve the mini garlic monkey breads warm, allowing guests to pull apart the deliciously seasoned bread clusters.

Notes

  • Perfect for gatherings, these mini monkey breads pack incredible flavor into bite-sized portions.
  • Prepare ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and reduce last-minute stress.
  • Refrigerated biscuits work wonderfully if frozen dinner rolls aren’t available, offering flexibility.
  • Customize cheese quantities based on personal preference, making each batch uniquely delicious.
  • Serve immediately after baking to enjoy maximum garlic-buttery goodness and crispy edges.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: <1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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