Prepare to delight your taste buds with this incredibly easy and utterly delicious savory monkey bread recipe! Crafted effortlessly with simple canned biscuits, this pull-apart bread is a perfect companion to your favorite pasta dishes, a standout appetizer for potlucks, or a charming side for any gathering. Forget the traditional sweet versions; this savory take will quickly become a household favorite, boasting a beautiful presentation and an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Whether you prefer your monkey bread sweet or savory, this easy savory monkey bread recipe consistently earns rave reviews, especially when served as a side with a hearty spaghetti dinner! It’s a fantastic addition to any pasta meal, and if you bring it to a potluck, expect it to be an instant hit. This recipe proves that comfort food can be both simple to prepare and wonderfully impressive.
Savory Monkey Bread with Canned Biscuits: A Weeknight Wonder
While we love a good sweet cinnamon roll monkey bread for breakfast or dessert, this savory rendition truly shines at dinner time. The secret to its simplicity and speed lies in using refrigerated canned biscuits. With just two packages of your preferred refrigerated biscuits, a bundt pan, and your chosen medley of spices, you’re mere steps away from a warm, garlicky, cheesy, pull-apart delight.
When preparing this dish, remember not to overfill your bundt pan. The amounts listed in our recipe are designed for a single batch that fills the pan about halfway. Overfilling can lead to uneven baking, leaving the center doughy and uncooked while the exterior browns too quickly. If you wish to double the recipe, it’s best to prepare two separate batches in two different bundt pans to ensure every piece is perfectly cooked through.

Why a Bundt Pan is Essential for Perfect Pull-Apart Bread
You might wonder, what exactly is a bundt pan, and why do we insist on using this specific bakeware? Unlike a square or rectangular baking pan, a bundt pan features a distinctive fluted design with a central tube. This unique shape is crucial for evenly distributing heat to the center of the dough, preventing the middle from becoming dense and undercooked. The fluted sides also contribute to the beautiful, ornate shape of your finished pull-apart bread, ensuring that each dough piece cooks thoroughly and separates easily.
Savory Monkey Bread Recipe: Mastering the Dough
The refrigerated aisle offers a variety of biscuit brands and sizes, from larger “Grands” style biscuits to standard sizes, including popular names like Pillsbury and various store brands. While there isn’t a significant difference in performance between butter-style or buttermilk biscuits, the size does matter for this recipe.
If you opt for larger biscuits, like the Grands shown above, you’ll want to cut each biscuit into more pieces—ideally six dough balls—rather than just quarters. Smaller biscuits can be cut into four pieces. The goal is to create uniformly sized dough pieces that will bake evenly and contribute to that wonderful refrigerated biscuits pull-apart bread texture in your fluted pan. Cutting them too large risks a sticky, doughy center and overly dark, crunchy edges, which is certainly not what we’re aiming for with our perfectly baked savory monkey bread.

Ingredients for Irresistible Savory Monkey Bread
This recipe thrives on customization, allowing you to tailor the flavors to your preference. Here’s a list of key ingredients, with suggestions for your own savory twist:
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuits: We recommend using a mix, for example, one can of buttery style and one original, like Grands, for a rich base.
- 1 stick unsalted butter: Melted butter is essential for coating the biscuits and infusing flavor. A dairy-free alternative works perfectly too.
- Sesame seeds: Add a lovely nutty crunch and visual appeal when toasted.
- Salt: A good quality sea salt or kosher salt will enhance all the savory flavors. Adjust to your taste, as some spices contain salt.
- Poppy seeds: Another fantastic option for texture and a subtle, earthy flavor.
- Garlic salt: For an easy and potent boost of garlic goodness.
- Shredded cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Parmesan, or a blend.
- Ground mustard: Adds a unique, tangy depth that complements the other savory notes beautifully.
- Optional Fresh Herbs: Dried or fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano can elevate the flavor profile.
- Optional Minced Garlic: For an intense garlic flavor, especially if you have air fryer roasted garlic on hand, it makes an excellent addition to the melted butter.
Take your time to select your favorite toppings. For us, cheese is always a must. If I have some roasted garlic stored away, that’s my absolute favorite addition, creating a rich garlic butter flavor that soaks beautifully into the bread. Toasted sesame seeds also provide a delightful texture and aroma on the outside of the bread.
Can You Make Savory Monkey Bread with Frozen Rolls?
Absolutely! Using frozen rolls is another excellent option for making monkey bread, although it requires a slight adjustment to the preparation time. You’ll need to allow the frozen rolls to defrost for approximately 45 minutes to an hour before you can slice and prepare them as directed below. This ensures they are pliable enough to work with. Once thawed, proceed with the recipe steps for coating and layering. The result is just as delicious! Let us know what you think when you try it!

For the batch pictured above, I used a delightful combination of ground mustard, poppy seeds, a pungent garlic salt mixture, flaky kosher salt, and generous amounts of shredded cheddar cheese. The variety ensures a burst of flavor with every pull-apart piece.
How to Make Savory Monkey Bread: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this magnificent savory monkey bread is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps for a perfect outcome:
- Prepare the Biscuits: Begin by opening your cans of refrigerated biscuits. For larger biscuits, cut each into six uniform pieces. For standard sizes, quarters will suffice. The goal is consistent, bite-sized portions.
- Melt the Butter and Set Up Spices: Melt your stick of butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Prepare several small bowls, each containing a different savory topping (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic salt, shredded cheese, ground mustard, dried herbs, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, etc.). This makes the coating process efficient and fun.
- Grease the Bundt Pan: Generously spray the inside of your bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray. Even if you have a non-stick pan, an extra layer of grease ensures your monkey bread will effortlessly slide out once baked. Alternatively, you can brush the pan with melted butter or rub it with a bit of shortening.
- Coat the Dough Pieces: Take one biscuit piece at a time and dunk it completely into the melted butter. Allow any excess butter to drip off.
- Add the Savory Coatings: Immediately transfer the butter-coated biscuit piece into one of your topping bowls. Roll or toss it gently to ensure it’s fully coated. Remember to go light on any additional salt if your spice blends already contain it.
- Layer in the Bundt Pan: Begin placing the coated biscuit pieces into the bottom of the prepared bundt pan. As you add more layers, alternate the types of spices and cheeses used to ensure an even distribution of flavors throughout the entire loaf. This creates a visually appealing and flavorful experience with every pull.
- Preheat Oven and Bake: Once all the biscuit pieces are layered, place the bundt pan into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful golden brown. To check for doneness, carefully lift one of the top pieces; the piece underneath should not be sticky or raw.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the bundt pan from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This cooling period allows the bread to set and continue cooking slightly, making it easier to remove.
- Invert and Enjoy: When ready, place a serving plate or cutting board over the top of the bundt pan and carefully flip it over. The savory monkey bread should slide out easily in one beautiful, cohesive loaf. Serve warm, perhaps with an extra side of garlic butter for dipping, and watch it disappear!

Monkey Pull-Apart Bread: Perfect for Any Occasion
This garlic-infused, cheesy monkey pull-apart bread is not just a recipe; it’s an experience! It makes for a truly stunning side dish when entertaining guests, pairs impeccably with any pasta dish, or can stand proudly alongside other appetizers like one of our best hot dips. Its interactive nature makes it a conversation starter, inviting everyone to enjoy a piece.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Should you be lucky enough to have any leftovers, this savory monkey bread stores remarkably well. The key is to maintain its moisture. Allow the bread to cool completely after baking. Then, carefully slide the remaining loaf into a gallon-sized freezer bag, pressing out all the air to create a tight seal. Alternatively, wrap it snugly with plastic wrap. Store at room temperature on your countertop for up to 3 days. When taking a serving, rewrap the remainder tightly.
To revive its fresh-baked taste and texture, place a portion in a bowl with a small pat of butter. Microwave for about 30 seconds. This gentle reheating method will moisten it beautifully, making it taste almost as fresh as the day it was baked, especially within 24 hours. This versatile bundt pan can produce wonders beyond traditional cakes, from this monkey bread to our unique “bundtwich” sandwich bread creations!
Savory Monkey Bread
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Equipment
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1 bundt pan
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1 Large Bowl (for butter)
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Several Small Bowls (for spices)
Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuits, I used Grands, one can buttery style, one original
- 1 stick butter, melted
- 4 tbsp sesame seeds
- 4 tbsp salt, sea salt/kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- 4 tbsp poppy seeds
- 4 tbsp garlic salt
- 1/2 c shredded cheese, cheddar recommended
- 4 tbsp ground mustard, optional, for a tangy kick
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
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Cut your refrigerated biscuits into 4-6 pieces each, depending on their original size.
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Melt your butter and set up separate small bowls for each spice and cheese topping.
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Generously spray your bundt pan with non-stick spray, ensuring full coverage.
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Dunk each biscuit piece into the melted butter, then immediately into one of the spice bowls (be mindful of salt content).
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Place the coated biscuit pieces into the bundt pan, alternating the spices and cheese as you layer them.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and then place the bundt pan inside.
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Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is cooked through (test by lifting a top piece).
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Allow the monkey bread to cool in the bundt pan for 10-15 minutes after removing from the oven.
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Carefully invert the pan onto a serving plate or cutting board so the monkey bread comes out in one beautiful piece.
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Serve warm and enjoy!
Video Tutorial
Nutrition Information
Serving: 2oz
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Calories: 400kcal
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Carbohydrates: 38g
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Protein: 7g
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Fat: 24g
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Saturated Fat: 8g
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Cholesterol: 25mg
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Sodium: 5473mg
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Potassium: 212mg
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 2g
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Vitamin A: 280IU
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Calcium: 148mg
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Iron: 3.3mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info

Frequently Asked Questions About Savory Monkey Bread
For a truly remarkable savory monkey bread, the possibilities are endless! Popular choices include various cheeses such as sharp cheddar, nutty Parmesan, or creamy mozzarella. Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, and parsley add wonderful aromatic notes. For an extra kick, consider minced garlic, garlic powder, or even roasted garlic. Meat lovers can add crispy bacon bits or diced ham. Other delightful additions include chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a touch of spice with jalapeños or chili flakes. Don’t be afraid to mix and match to find your perfect flavor combination!
Absolutely! One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is its incredible ease and speed, largely thanks to using store-bought dough. Monkey bread with canned biscuits or refrigerated pizza dough works exceptionally well and saves a significant amount of time and effort in the preparation process. This means you can whip up this delightful side dish or appetizer even on busy weeknights. While homemade dough is always an option if you prefer, the convenience of pre-made dough doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture for this particular dish.
Even baking is key to a perfect savory monkey bread. First, use a bundt pan, as its central tube and fluted design promote better heat distribution. Second, ensure you cut your biscuit dough into uniform, bite-sized pieces; larger or uneven pieces can lead to some being raw and others overcooked. Third, avoid overfilling the bundt pan; aim for it to be about halfway full to allow for proper expansion and baking. Finally, always preheat your oven to the correct temperature (350°F or 175°C) and follow the recommended baking time, using visual cues like a golden-brown top and a non-sticky interior for ultimate perfection.
While savory monkey bread is incredibly flavorful on its own, a good dipping sauce can elevate the experience even further! A simple melted garlic butter is always a winner, enhancing the existing flavors. Marinara sauce or a warm cheese dip can make it feel like a gourmet pizza pull-apart. For a creamy tang, consider a ranch dressing or a herbed aioli. Don’t forget a balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness and acidity that beautifully complements the savory notes. Feel free to experiment with your favorite sauces to discover new delightful pairings!


This easy savory monkey bread recipe with canned biscuits truly redefines convenient comfort food. It’s a versatile dish that transitions seamlessly from a hearty side to a crowd-pleasing appetizer, always bringing warmth and flavor to the table. We encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own with your favorite spices and cheeses. It’s guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire!
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