Garlic & Herb Monkey Bread

Elevate your culinary experience with the irresistible flavors of GARLIC & HERB Monkey Bread. This delectable creation is a true celebration of aromatic herbs, rich garlic, and gooey cheese, all encased in soft, pillowy dough. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, this Monkey Bread is a show-stopping centerpiece that will have everyone reaching for seconds. With its warm, cheesy pull-apart goodness and a flavorful cheesy dip, this recipe brings a delightful twist to classic bread. Let’s embark on a culinary journey and craft this masterpiece together!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4-6

INGREDIENTS:

Herb and Garlic Butter:

• 80 g softened butter
• ½ tsp. garlic salt
• 1 small clove garlic, crushed
• ½ tsp. dried Italian herbs

Monkey Bread:

• 1 quantity basic pizza dough (see page 4)
• 2 ¼ cups (200 g) Perfect Italiano Perfect Pizza cheese
• 1 tbsp. pesto

Cheesy Dip:

• 250 g cream cheese, softened and diced
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• ¼ cup (25 g) Perfect Italiano Grated Parmesan

INSTRUCTIONS:

Herb and Garlic Butter:

1. Combine softened butter, garlic salt, crushed garlic, and dried Italian herbs. Mix well and refrigerate until firm, reserving one tablespoon for the Cheesy Dip.

Monkey Bread:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced).
2. Place an oven-proof ramekin (250 ml capacity) in the center of a piece of baking paper. Trace around the base, flip the paper, and place it on a large baking tray.
3. Roll out the pizza dough to create a 20 cm disc. Add ½ cup of Perfect Pizza cheese, fold the dough over, and knead until the cheese is evenly mixed.
4. Divide the dough in half and roll each piece into 3 cm thick logs. Divide each log into 12 pieces and roll them into balls.
5. Take ½ teaspoon of the chilled garlic butter and press it into the center of a dough ball. Roll the ball to enclose the butter. Repeat with the remaining butter and dough.
6. Arrange the stuffed dough balls around the traced circle on the baking paper, forming two rows. Cover with a clean tea towel and let them rise in a warm place for 15 minutes. Brush with pesto before baking.
7. Bake for 10 minutes, and while baking, prepare the Cheesy Dip.
8. Remove the tray from the oven, place the ramekin filled with cheesy dip in the center of the monkey bread, and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the rolls. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden. Transfer to a serving tray.

Cheesy Dip:

1. In a small saucepan, combine one tablespoon of the prepared garlic butter mixture, cream cheese, and sour cream. Stir over low heat until smooth and hot. Mix in the green onions and Parmesan cheese. Spoon the dip into the reserved ramekin.

SERVE AND SAVOR:

• Unleash the delightful aroma of fresh herbs and garlic as you tear into the warm, cheesy, and buttery pieces of Garlic & Herb Monkey Bread. Dip each morsel into the luscious Cheesy Dip for an extra burst of flavor. This extraordinary dish promises an unforgettable dining experience, perfect for gatherings, parties, or cozy nights in. Share the joy and make every moment memorable with this sensational Monkey Bread and its delectable accompaniment.