Savory Monkey Bread is a delightful twist on the traditional sweet version, transforming it into a flavorful, pull-apart bread that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe is particularly great for using up Thanksgiving leftovers, combining elements like turkey, cheese, and herbs to create a comforting and delicious dish. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course, Savory Monkey Bread is sure to be a hit with family and friends. The best part? It’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients for Savory Monkey Bread
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Savory Monkey Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Add the olive oil, salt, and 1 cup of all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, chives, and minced garlic. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter with the dried thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Assemble the Monkey Bread
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a Bundt pan or a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Dip each piece of dough into the melted butter mixture, ensuring it is well-coated.
- Layer the buttered dough pieces in the prepared pan, alternating with layers of the turkey and cheese filling.
- Continue layering until all the dough and filling are used, finishing with a layer of dough pieces.
- Pour any remaining melted butter mixture over the top.
Step 4: Bake the Monkey Bread
- Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread is cooked through.
- Allow the monkey bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate.
About the Main Ingredients
Turkey: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving. Turkey adds a rich, savory flavor and a good source of protein. If you don’t have turkey, you can substitute it with chicken or ham.
Cheese: A combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses provides a gooey, melty texture and a depth of flavor. Cheddar offers sharpness, mozzarella adds stretchiness, and Parmesan contributes a nutty, umami taste.
Herbs: Fresh parsley and chives, along with dried thyme, rosemary, and sage, give the monkey bread a burst of freshness and aromatic complexity. These herbs complement the savory elements of the dish and enhance the overall flavor.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the bread with a robust, savory aroma, making it even more irresistible. Garlic pairs well with the herbs and cheese, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Butter: Melted butter is used to coat the dough pieces, adding richness and ensuring the bread bakes up golden and delicious. The butter also helps to meld all the flavors together.
Dough: The homemade dough is the foundation of this recipe. It’s soft, chewy, and perfect for absorbing the flavors of the butter, herbs, and filling. Making the dough from scratch ensures a fresh and high-quality base for the monkey bread.
Savory Monkey Bread is a fantastic way to transform simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish. Its pull-apart nature makes it fun to eat, and the combination of turkey, cheese, herbs, and garlic creates an explosion of flavors in every bite. Whether you’re using up Thanksgiving leftovers or simply looking for a new and exciting bread recipe, this Savory Monkey Bread will not disappoint. Serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or main course, and watch it disappear in no time. Enjoy the process of making this delicious bread from scratch and delight in the compliments from those lucky enough to taste it!
