Name: Cheesy Savory Monkey Bread Recipe
Prep time: 3 h 35 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 4 h
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 20 g bread flour; 95 g whole milk; 180 g cold whole milk; 20 g sugar; 1 ½ tsp (5 g) instant yeast; 270 g bread flour; 20 g milk powder; 1 tsp (3 g) kosher salt; 45 g neutral oil; 100 g pesto; 30 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese

If you love bread with a cheesy, herb-packed twist, then you’re going to adore this Cheesy Savory Monkey Bread Recipe. It’s soft, pull-apart, and bursting with pesto and Parmesan goodness—perfect for sharing (or not!).

The image shows a close-up of a block of soft bread pieces covered with orange sauce that looks spicy. The bread is stacked closely in a square shape with visible soft, fluffy white inside and slightly browned edges from the sauce. The top is covered with finely grated white cheese that partly melts into the sauce. The bread is placed on white parchment paper on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a blurred small white jar and a small white bowl. One piece of bread with sauce is separated on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Savory Monkey Bread Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Savory Monkey Bread Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Savory Monkey Bread Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This cheesy pesto monkey bread has quickly become one of my all-time favorite savory treats. From mixing the dough to pulling apart those cheesy bites, it’s an experience that’s just as fun as it is delicious.

Soft, Tangzhong Dough: The secret to irresistibly fluffy, tender bread every single time.
Flavor Explosion: Layers of pesto and Parmesan blend perfectly to create that addictive savory taste.
Perfect for Sharing: Pull-apart style makes it a crowd-pleaser for parties or cozy family dinners.
Vegetarian-Friendly: All the flavor without any meat – perfect for veggie lovers.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Gathering fresh, quality ingredients makes all the difference here. When shopping, look for real pesto with fresh basil and pine nuts, and freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded. Also, be sure to pick bread flour for the perfect chewy texture.

Flat lay of a small mound of fine white bread flour, a few tablespoons of golden neutral oil in a small white bowl, a small white bowl filled with smooth green pesto sauce, a small mound of light tan milk powder, a small white bowl holding creamy whole milk, a small white bowl with sparkling granulated sugar crystals, a neat pile of pale beige instant yeast granules, a small mound of coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white bowl with freshly grated pale yellow parmesan cheese shards, whole uncracked brown eggs placed around the composition, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Bread Flour: Provides the gluten structure that makes the dough chewy and elastic.
Whole Milk: Adds richness and helps create that soft crumb in the Tangzhong dough.
Sugar: Just enough to feed the yeast and balance the savory flavors.
Instant Yeast: Helps the dough rise nicely without any fuss.
Milk Powder: Enhances tenderness and adds a subtle dairy flavor.
Kosher Salt: Brings out flavors and balances sweetness.
Neutral Oil: Keeps the dough moist without overpowering the cheesy pesto notes.
Pesto: The star flavor packed with herbs, garlic, and pine nuts for depth.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty punch on top that melts beautifully as it bakes.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Cheesy Savory Monkey Bread Recipe is how easily it adapts to your own flavor preferences and dietary needs. Whether you want to switch up the filling or add a special touch on top, it’s all about making this pull-apart bread truly your own.

Variation: Swap out the pesto for a mixture of sun-dried tomato pesto or your favorite herb butter. I once tried a roasted garlic and thyme butter instead of pesto, and it gave the bread a deep, comforting aroma that had everyone asking for seconds.
Vegetarian Twist: This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can make it vegan by substituting the Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative and using a plant-based milk. I’ve had great success with cashew-based vegan Parmesan for that nutty, authentic flavor.
Herb & Spice Boost: For a seasonal spin, add finely chopped fresh rosemary or a sprinkle of chili flakes into the dough for a subtle kick. It’s a delicious way to make each bite a little more exciting.
Cheese Upgrade: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses—grated Gruyère or sharp cheddar work wonderfully if you want a bolder flavor and a gooier texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Savory Monkey Bread Recipe

The image shows a white marbled surface dusted with flour, scattered with small dough balls and irregular dough pieces. There are nine smooth, round, light beige dough balls grouped closely together near the center. Around them, there are four uneven, folded dough pieces with a rough texture. On the right side of the image, a wooden pastry brush with light bristles lies flat. In the top right corner, a clear shaker container partially appears, adding to the baking scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Create the Tangzhong for Extra Softness

Start by whisking together 20 g of bread flour and 95 g of whole milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until it thickens into a pudding-like consistency—this usually takes a few minutes. Once you get there, set it aside and let it cool to room temperature. Cooling is key here because adding it warm to the dough would kill the yeast, affecting your rise.

Step 2: Mix the Dough Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine your cooled Tangzhong, 180 g of cold whole milk, 20 g sugar, 1 ½ teaspoon (5 g) instant yeast, 270 g bread flour, 20 g milk powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 45 g neutral oil. Stir everything together until you get a fairly sticky dough. The mix should feel tacky but start forming a rough ball.

Step 3: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes. You want it smooth and elastic, which means it will spring back when poked. If you find it too sticky, sprinkle just a bit more flour—but be careful not to add too much or your bread will be dense. Once kneaded, place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Shape and Fill the Dough Balls

After the first rise, gently punch down the dough to release air. Divide it into about 20 small equal pieces. Flatten each piece lightly with your hand, spread a generous layer of pesto (about 100 g total) on top, and roll them up into balls. The pesto adds that herbaceous punch and ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.

Step 5: Assemble the Monkey Bread

Grease a bundt pan or a round cake pan well, then begin placing each pesto-coated dough ball snugly together inside the pan. Once all the balls are arranged, sprinkle 30 g of freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Cover the pan and let it rise again for about 1 hour until the dough is nice and puffy. That second rise is what will give the bread its irresistible lightness and pull-apart texture.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the monkey bread for 25 minutes, keeping an eye on it as it turns golden brown on top. A beautifully baked monkey bread will smell heavenly, and the top will develop a crispy, cheesy crust while the inside stays soft and tender.

Step 7: Cool Slightly, Then Serve Warm

Once out of the oven, let the monkey bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a serving plate. This brief cooldown helps it set just enough so it holds together when you pull it apart. Serve warm, and watch as everyone eagerly pulls off cheesy, pesto-infused pieces — pure comfort food magic!

Top Tip

These tips come straight from countless batches of making this Cheesy Savory Monkey Bread Recipe at home. They’ll help your bread come out soft, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible every single time.

Perfect Tangzhong Texture: Make sure your Tangzhong reaches a smooth pudding-like consistency and cools completely before mixing. I found that this step is crucial for activating the yeast properly and getting that amazing soft crumb.
Even Pesto Coating: When rolling your dough pieces in pesto, don’t be shy! A generous, even layer ensures every bite bursts with herbaceous flavor. I learned that a thin spread just won’t do the trick.
Rising Patience: Give your dough enough time to rise — the first rise about 1 to 1.5 hours and the second rise about 1 hour. Without this patience, the bread will be dense rather than airy and pull-apart perfect.
Watch the Bake: Keep an eye on the golden color during baking at 180°C (350°F). Overbaking can dry it out, but perfectly done monkey bread is tender inside with a lovely golden crust.

How to Serve Cheesy Savory Monkey Bread Recipe

The image shows a square metal baking pan filled with round dough pieces covered in a thick layer of white grated cheese. The dough pieces are golden brown, arranged close together in a grid pattern inside the pan. To the top left of the pan, there is a large white bowl with orange sauce remnants smeared inside. Above the pan, a small open glass jar holds some reddish sauce, and next to it is a salt shaker. On the bottom right side, a wooden pastry brush with beige bristles lays on a white marbled surface sprinkled lightly with flour. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

While the Parmesan on top is wonderful as-is, adding a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving can elevate it beautifully. For a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick that pairs nicely with the pesto.

Side Dishes

This Cheesy Savory Monkey Bread makes a fantastic centerpiece for a casual meal. Pair it with a fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of creamy tomato soup. It also works wonderfully alongside an antipasto platter with marinated olives, cured meats, and artichoke hearts for an Italian-inspired feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover monkey bread should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature and consumed within 2 days for the best texture and flavor. Keeping it sealed tightly prevents the bread from drying out and preserves its signature softness.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked assembled monkey bread after the second rise by wrapping the pan tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25 minutes, watching for that golden crust. This makes a great option to prepare ahead for gatherings.

Reheating

To reheat, place slices or pull-apart pieces on a baking tray and warm in a preheated 180°C (350°F) oven for about 5–7 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving, which can make the bread gummy instead of fluffy and tender.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade pesto or store-bought pesto for this recipe?

Absolutely! Both work wonderfully. Homemade pesto brings a fresh, vibrant flavor, but good-quality store-bought pesto is a convenient and tasty choice that saves time.

What if I don’t have a bundt pan?

No worries! You can use any round cake pan or even a deep pie dish. Just make sure it’s well greased so the monkey bread comes out easily after baking.

Can I substitute the pesto with other spreads?

Yes! Feel free to swap pesto for garlic butter, tapenade, or your favorite herb spread. Each will give the monkey bread a unique and delicious twist.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, it’s vegetarian-friendly, thanks to the use of pesto, Parmesan, and dairy ingredients. Just be sure your Parmesan is vegetarian if that’s important to you, as some brands use animal rennet.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about pulling apart soft, cheesy bites of this Cheesy Savory Monkey Bread Recipe with friends and family. It’s a warm, comforting, and shareable treat that shines at brunch, dinner, or even as party food. I hope these tips and ideas inspire you to bake this delightful bread often and enjoy it just as much as I do!