Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience: a delectable Ham and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread! This savory twist on classic monkey bread is bursting with rich, gooey cheese and savory ham, all baked into wonderfully warm, tender, and effortlessly pull-apart pieces. Best of all, it’s incredibly simple to prepare, thanks to the magic of frozen bread dough, making it an ideal make-ahead dish for any occasion.
Imagine biting into a soft piece of bread, perfectly coated in melted brie cheese and chunks of salty ham. This cheesy monkey bread is a true revelation, elevating a familiar sweet treat into a savory sensation. Utilizing readily available frozen bread dough streamlines the preparation process, transforming what could be a time-consuming baking project into a quick and easy assembly job. Simply combine your ingredients, bake until golden, and savor the irresistible aroma and taste!
Are you searching for a breakfast monkey bread recipe guaranteed to impress a crowd? This spectacular ham and brie casserole is the perfect solution. It’s an excellent make-ahead dish, simplifying your routine for busy mornings, festive brunch gatherings, or bustling potluck parties. Each serving is infused with an abundance of rich, cheesy flavor, making it an undeniable crowd-pleaser. Serve it as a stand-alone masterpiece, or elevate the experience by pairing it with complementary dips like honey mustard, a savory marinara, or a luxurious creamy garlic butter sauce for an added layer of deliciousness. Once you experience the sheer joy and simplicity of this dish, it’s destined to become a consistent breakfast favorite in your home!
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Why You’ll Adore This Cheesy Monkey Bread
- Effortless Brunch Masterpiece: This cheesy monkey bread is incredibly straightforward to prepare, making it a perfect choice for holiday breakfasts, casual potlucks, and elegant weekend brunches. Its inviting golden-brown crust and irresistibly gooey cheese interior guarantee it will be the star attraction on any table. The convenience of this recipe allows you to spend more time enjoying your guests and less time fussing in the kitchen.
- Superior Make-Ahead Convenience: The genius of using frozen bread dough lies in its ultimate flexibility. You can effortlessly prep this dish ahead of time, assemble it, and store it until you’re ready to bake. This means no frantic early-morning preparation is required on the day of your event – simply slice, bake, and serve your warm, savory creation, allowing you to wake up to a stress-free morning.
- Versatile for Any Mealtime: Don’t relegate this incredible dish solely to breakfast! Its hearty and satisfying nature makes it ideal for lunch, brunch, or even a light dinner. Serve it alongside a crisp, fresh salad or a comforting bowl of warm soup for a complete, fulfilling meal that everyone will love. Its rich flavors and satisfying texture make it suitable for any time you crave a comforting bite.
Beyond this incredible savory monkey bread, explore our collection of easy recipes perfect for sharing with neighbors or enhancing your holiday spread. Discover how to make traditional monkey bread, or try our yummy braid bread. We also highly recommend our popular pesto bread and the elegant baked camembert recipe for festive occasions. Both are packed with distinct flavors and add a truly festive touch to any gathering!
Unraveling the Mystery: What is Monkey Bread?
Monkey bread, affectionately known as pull-apart bread, is a delightful dish characterized by individual rolls or biscuits that are baked together, often coated or filled with various ingredients, creating a cohesive yet easily separable loaf. Traditionally, sweet monkey breads, typically drenched in cinnamon sugar and caramel, are served at brunch or as a decadent dessert. However, the savory rendition, like our Ham and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread, offers a wonderfully hearty and less sweet alternative.
While some savory monkey bread recipes might incorporate eggs, similar to a breakfast strata (a baked bread casserole often featuring eggs, cheese, and meat), our version distinguishes itself by focusing purely on the harmonious blend of bread, cheese, and ham. This recipe specifically highlights the savory pairing of rich brie and salty ham, baked directly into the tender bread pieces, offering a simpler yet equally satisfying experience without the addition of eggs.
The beauty of monkey bread lies in its interactive nature – it’s designed to be pulled apart by hand, making it a fun and communal dish perfect for sharing with family and friends. This particular recipe takes that interactive joy and infuses it with robust, savory flavors that are sure to please any palate.
Essential Ingredients and Clever Substitutions
Crafting this delicious savory monkey bread requires just a few key ingredients, most of which you might already have on hand. The convenience truly makes this recipe a weeknight hero or a brunch star.
- Bridgford Parker House Style Rolls: This is our absolute favorite choice for frozen bread dough! Its quality and texture are unmatched, ensuring a soft, fluffy pull-apart bread every time. Using pre-made frozen dough means there’s no need for any complicated kneading, no specialized dough hook, or even the large bowl of a stand mixer. Since the dough is already expertly prepared, you can completely skip the fuss of measuring specific amounts of yeast or waiting for a complex mixture to rise, saving you significant time and effort.
- Ham: The heart of this savory dish! While high-quality deli ham is perfectly acceptable and convenient, don’t hesitate to elevate the flavor by using some delicious leftover crock pot coca cola ham or another favorite glazed ham. The slight sweetness of a glazed ham can add an extra layer of complexity to the savory profile.
- Brie: The luxurious, creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor of brie cheese pair exceptionally well with salty ham, creating a truly gourmet experience. However, if brie isn’t your preference or readily available, you have fantastic alternatives. The saltiness of the ham also harmonizes beautifully with sharp cheddar cheese or a smooth provolone, offering different yet equally delicious cheesy dimensions.
- Cranberries (Optional): Fresh or dried cranberries are another delightful companion to brie, adding a touch of tartness and color. You can experience this delightful combination for yourself in these popular brie cranberry bites. A small handful can be mixed in with the ham and brie for an unexpected burst of flavor.
Recipe Variations
Once you master the basic recipe, feel free to get creative with these delicious variations:
- Cheddar and Herb Twist: For a more robust and familiar flavor, consider swapping out the brie for an equal amount of sharp cheddar cheese. Before baking, generously sprinkle fresh or dried chopped parsley, chives, or a blend of Italian herbs over the top. This creates a flavorful, herb-infused version that’s perfect for those who love classic cheese and herb combinations.
- Swiss and Ham Classic: If you’re aiming for a more traditional and comforting take, opt for slices or cubes of delicate Swiss cheese instead of brie. The distinctive nutty flavor of Swiss cheese complements the savory ham beautifully, evoking a classic deli sandwich experience in a pull-apart bread form.
- Garlic Butter and Mozzarella: Transform this into an even more indulgent treat by brushing each piece of dough with a mixture of melted unsalted butter and finely minced garlic. Then, layer in generous amounts of stretchy mozzarella cheese. This variation results in an extra gooey, aromatic, and truly garlic bread-inspired sensation that’s hard to resist.
- Crunchy Sesame Topping: For an added layer of texture and a subtle, savory nuttiness, sprinkle a generous amount of sesame seeds over the top of the entire loaf just before it goes into the oven. The sesame seeds will toast beautifully, providing a delightful crunch with every pull.
- Mini Loaves for Individual Servings: Instead of baking one large loaf in a bundt pan or casserole dish, consider dividing the prepared dough into smaller sections. Bake these individual portions in mini loaf pans or even muffin tins. This is fantastic for easy grab-and-go servings, ideal for parties or individual lunches, and makes portion control a breeze.
- Make it Healthier with Vegetables: To boost the nutritional content and add more texture, gently sauté some chopped onions, colorful bell peppers, or even finely diced mushrooms until softened. Toss these cooked vegetables into the dough mixture with the ham and cheese before layering.
- Try a Different Type of Bread: Experiment with the base bread for unique flavors and textures. Instead of standard frozen rolls, consider using thawed sourdough dinner rolls for a tangier profile, or even pre-made French bread dough for a distinct crispness and chew.
Recommended Kitchen Equipment
You won’t need an arsenal of fancy tools for this recipe. The beauty of it lies in its simplicity! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Casserole dish: A standard 13″ x 9″ baking dish is perfect for allowing the rolls to spread and rise, creating a beautiful pull-apart effect. Ensure it’s oven-safe and sturdy.
- Non-stick cooking spray: Essential for preparing your baking dish, preventing the cheesy bread from sticking and ensuring easy removal and cleanup.
- Kitchen Shears or Sharp Knife: While not strictly “equipment,” these are invaluable for cleanly cutting the thawed bread dough into manageable pieces without tearing or squishing.
How to Create This Irresistible Breakfast Monkey Bread
Making this savory monkey bread is a surprisingly straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for a perfect outcome every time:
- Thaw the Frozen Rolls: Begin by allowing your frozen bread rolls to thaw on the countertop for approximately 1-2 hours. This crucial step ensures the dough becomes pliable enough to cut and work with easily. A good tip is to thaw them after dinner if you plan to bake the stuffed bread for breakfast the following morning, making your morning prep even faster. Once thawed but still cold, cut each roll into four even pieces using sharp kitchen shears for the cleanest cuts.
- Assemble and Layer: Generously spray a 13″ x 9″ casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange about two-thirds of the cut dough pieces in a single, even layer at the bottom of the prepared dish. Evenly distribute your ham and brie cubes over this initial layer of bread. Finally, strategically place the remaining dough cubes on top, ensuring the cheese and ham are nestled amongst the bread.
- Cover for Rising: Once assembled, cover the dough loosely with plastic wrap. This is vital for allowing the dough ample space to rise gracefully, which contributes significantly to achieving those wonderfully fluffy and soft rolls. If you’re not baking immediately, you can refrigerate it overnight (see make-ahead instructions below).
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake your savory monkey bread casserole in a preheated oven. For the initial 20 minutes, cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil. This clever technique prevents the top crust from browning too quickly before the center of the bread has a chance to fully cook through and the cheese to melt. After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully bubbly and molten, and the bread has achieved a gorgeous golden-brown hue.
🎯 Pro Tip for Perfect Monkey Bread
For the absolute best cheesy monkey bread, ensure you layer the ingredients as evenly as possible. This meticulous layering guarantees that every single pull-apart bite is generously packed with luscious gooey cheese and savory ham, preventing any dry spots. If you desire an extra golden brown and slightly crispier crust, lightly brush the top of the bread with a bit of olive oil or melted butter just before baking. And for the easiest cleanup imaginable, line your prepared loaf pan or casserole dish with parchment paper—it transforms serving (and dishwashing!) into an absolute breeze, allowing the entire baked loaf to lift out effortlessly.
Serving Suggestions
This magnificent ham and cheese pull-apart bread is truly at its peak when served straight out of the oven. For an extra touch of freshness and flavor, garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley, chives, or even a delicate sprig of thyme. Serving it warm ensures you get the most delightful gooey, cheesy, and tender pull-apart texture that makes this dish so irresistible.
For a wonderfully balanced and well-rounded meal, consider pairing this rich savory bread with a refreshing side. A vibrant blueberry strawberry salad offers a delightful sweet and tangy contrast that cuts through the richness of the cheese and ham. To make your meal even heartier and more substantial, add a side of savory maple-glazed brussel sprouts or a simple, crisp, fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette.
If you’re planning to serve this as a captivating appetizer at a party or gathering, cut it into convenient bite-sized pieces before serving. For effortless presentation and easy handling, you can arrange these pieces directly in your prepared loaf pan or a serving platter, especially if lined with parchment paper for quick cleanup. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving, or a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt, can truly enhance and brighten the inherent flavors. Want a fun and flavorful variation? Before baking, brush the top of the bread generously with a mixture of melted butter combined with fragrant garlic powder for an unbelievably tasty, garlicky crust!
No matter how you choose to present and serve it, this breakfast monkey bread is absolutely guaranteed to be a sensational hit, whether it’s the star of your breakfast, the highlight of your brunch, or a much-loved shareable snack at any time of day!
Frequently Asked Questions About Savory Monkey Bread
Yes, it is crucial to let the frozen rolls thaw for 1-2 hours on the countertop before attempting to cut them. If they are still frozen solid, they will be too hard to cut into pieces efficiently. Thawing them at room temperature will ensure they reach the perfect consistency for preparation.
Absolutely! Unlike some other recipes that require overnight refrigeration, this savory monkey bread does not need an extended rest period. As long as you have properly thawed the frozen rolls first, you can assemble the ham and cheese bread and bake it immediately, making it a fantastic option for spontaneous baking.
To maintain its freshness, store any leftover savory monkey bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. If you wish to freeze it for longer-term storage, first wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, then encase it in a layer of aluminum foil. This double wrapping helps prevent freezer burn, and it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently.
Yes, this recipe is perfectly suited for make-ahead preparation. After assembling the bread, ham, and cheese in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, remove the baking dish from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature (about 30-60 minutes) before proceeding with baking as directed. This ensures an even bake and a beautifully risen loaf.
Do you love breakfast dishes that feature ham? Then you must try these incredibly flavorful recipes for Crockpot Ham with Coke Glaze or Dr Pepper Ham Glaze. Both are bursting with sweet and savory notes and can be served with equal delight at any time of the day – from a holiday feast to a casual Sunday supper!
Explore More Irresistible Casserole Recipes To Love…
- Hearty Calico Bean Casserole
- Sweet Apple Fritter Breakfast Casserole
- Comforting Sweet Potato Casserole using Canned Yams
- Wholesome No Boil Low Sodium Lasagna
If you tried this delightful savory monkey bread recipe or any other fantastic recipe on my website, please take a moment to leave a 🌟 star rating and share your experience in the 📝 comments section below. Your feedback is greatly appreciated! Thanks for visiting and happy cooking!
Savory Ham and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread Recipe
Renae Gerhardstein
Pin Recipe
Equipment
- Casserole dish (13″ x 9″)
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Kitchen Shears or Sharp Knife
Ingredients
- 25 ounces Bridgford Parker House Style Rolls thawed, but cold
- 1 pound ham precooked, cut into dice-sized cubes
- 1 pound brie cheese cut into dice-sized cubes (garlic and herb brie adds wonderful flavor)
- ÂĽ cup minced scallions green parts only, for garnish
Instructions
- Follow the package directions for thawing the frozen rolls. Once thawed but still cold, cut each roll into 4 equal pieces. Sharp kitchen shears or a serrated knife work best for cutting the dough cleanly.
- Generously spray a 13″ x 9″ casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange approximately two-thirds of the cut dough pieces in a single layer at the bottom of the dish. Evenly spread the ham and brie cubes over this layer of bread. Then, place the remaining dough cubes over the top, ensuring even distribution.
- Sprinkle the top of the casserole with your favorite fresh or dried herbs; dried dill or fresh thyme are excellent choices.
If you are preparing the casserole to bake later, skip to step 4.
For immediate baking, cover the dish loosely with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 325ÂşF (160ÂşC) while the dough is rising.
- To Make Ahead: After assembling, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before baking. Preheat your oven to 325ÂşF (160ÂşC).
- Once the dough has risen (or come to room temperature if refrigerated overnight), cover the ham and brie casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the bread is beautifully golden brown. Garnish with minced scallions and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For the best cheesy monkey bread, make sure to layer the ingredients evenly, so every bite is packed with gooey cheese and savory ham. If you want an extra golden brown crust, lightly brush the top with olive oil or melted butter before baking. And for easy cleanup, line your prepared loaf pan with parchment paper—it makes serving (and dishwashing!) a breeze!
Recipe Variations:
- Cheddar and herb twist: Swap out the brie for sharp cheddar cheese and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before baking for a flavorful, herb-infused version.
- Swiss and ham classic: For a more traditional take, use Swiss cheese instead of brie. The nutty flavor pairs perfectly with the savory ham.
- Garlic butter and mozzarella: Brush the dough with unsalted butter and minced garlic, then layer in mozzarella cheese for an extra gooey, garlic bread-inspired variation.
- Crunchy sesame topping: Before baking, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of the loaf for added texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
- Mini loaves for individual servings: Instead of baking in a bundt pan, divide the dough into small sections and bake them in mini loaves or muffin tins for easy grab-and-go portions.
- Make it healthier: Toss in some chopped, sautéed vegetables like onions or bell peppers for added texture and nutrients.
- Try a different type of bread: Instead of frozen rolls, use sourdough dinner rolls or French bread for a unique texture and flavor.
Storing Instructions:
- If stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this bread can last 2-3 days.
- If you choose to freeze it, wrap it first in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Make Ahead Instructions:
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove casserole from the fridge and let it come to room temperature (about 30-60 minutes). Preheat oven to 325ÂşF (160ÂşC) and then bake as directed.