There are some dishes that just scream comfort, good times, and pure deliciousness. This Bacon Brown Sugar Cheddar Monkey Bread is absolutely one of them. Imagine warm, tender biscuit pieces coated in a sticky-sweet brown sugar glaze, generously studded with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese, all baked together into a pull-apart masterpiece. It’s the kind of dish that disappears in minutes, sparking joy with every bite. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping brunch item, a unique appetizer, or simply a fun and satisfying treat, this monkey bread delivers on all fronts.
Why I Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about something that combines the best of sweet, salty, and savory flavors into one irresistible package? This Bacon Brown Sugar Cheddar Monkey Bread is pure genius. I’m a big believer in recipes that bring people together, and this one does just that. It’s designed for sharing, with each piece easy to pull away, inviting everyone to dig in. The contrast of the sweet brown sugar against the smoky bacon and tangy cheddar is simply magical. Plus, it starts with convenient refrigerated biscuit dough, making it incredibly easy to whip up, even on busy mornings or for an impromptu gathering. It’s a recipe that never fails to impress and always leaves everyone asking for more.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients – you don’t need much for this flavor explosion!
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (such as Pillsbury Grands!)
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 8-10 slices, depending on thickness)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, depending on your preference)
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Swaps and Notes
This recipe is incredibly forgiving and adaptable. Here are a few ideas to customize it:
- Biscuit Dough: While a standard refrigerated biscuit works perfectly, you can experiment with flaky layers or even buttermilk biscuits for a slightly different texture.
- Bacon: If you’re short on time, pre-cooked bacon bits can be used, but fresh-cooked bacon will always yield the best flavor and crispness. For a spicier kick, try candied bacon or maple bacon.
- Cheese: Feel free to swap cheddar for other cheeses like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for some heat. A blend of cheeses would also be fantastic.
- Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper molasses flavor. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of maple syrup to the melted butter for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Add-ins: For an extra layer of savory flavor, finely chopped chives or green onions could be folded into the bacon mixture. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes would also be delicious if you like a little heat!
List of Steps for the Recipe
Ready to make some magic? Here’s how:
- Prep Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 10-12 cup bundt pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies to ensure easy release.
- Cut the Biscuits: Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough. On a clean cutting board, cut each biscuit into quarters. This makes them the perfect bite-sized pieces for pulling apart.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the cooked and crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and packed brown sugar. Make sure everything is well combined.
- Melt the Butter: In a separate shallow bowl or microwave-safe dish, melt the unsalted butter.
- Coat the Biscuits: Take each biscuit quarter and dip it into the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, transfer the buttered biscuit piece to the bowl with the bacon, cheese, and sugar mixture, tossing to coat thoroughly. Repeat with all biscuit pieces.
- Layer in the Pan: Arrange the coated biscuit pieces evenly in the prepared bundt pan. Don’t press them down too firmly; you want them to have space to expand and get gooey.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The center should be cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes. This short cooling period helps the monkey bread set slightly, making it easier to flip.
- Flip and Enjoy: Carefully invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate. If any pieces stick, gently coax them out with a spatula. Serve warm and let everyone pull apart their own delicious piece!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Skimp on Greasing: A well-greased bundt pan is key to easy removal. Butter or a good non-stick spray is your best friend here.
- Even Coating: Take the time to ensure each biscuit piece is well-coated in butter and then the bacon-cheese mixture. This is what gives you that incredible flavor in every bite.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on it. You want the monkey bread golden brown and cooked through, but not so dry that it loses its pull-apart tenderness.
- Serve Warm: This monkey bread is absolutely best enjoyed warm, when the cheese is melty and the sugar glaze is gooey.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Bacon Brown Sugar Cheddar Monkey Bread is incredibly versatile!
- Brunch Star: It’s perfect for a weekend brunch alongside a fresh fruit salad and a refreshing glass of orange juice or even a classic Classic Margarita Recipe: Easy and Delicious.
- Appetizer Extraordinaire: Serve it as a unique appetizer at your next gathering. It pairs wonderfully with other cheesy, savory bites like This Crockpot Nacho Dip is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers or a This Beer Cheese Dip is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes.
- Savory Snack: Enjoy it on its own as a delightful snack any time of day.
- Pair with Drinks: A hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk makes a great accompaniment. For a more adult pairing, consider a light-bodied amber ale to complement the savory bacon.
Storage and Leftover Tips
If by some miracle you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can warm individual pieces in the microwave for a few seconds until gooey again, or place the entire monkey bread back in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, covering loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
More Recipes You Will Love
Looking for more crowd-pleasing, delicious recipes? Check out some of my other favorites:
- For another cheesy delight, try How I Turned a Classic Sandwich Into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip.
- If you’re feeding a crowd and love a good one-pan meal, don’t miss This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
- And for an incredibly easy way to feed a group, these These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast are a must-try.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Brown Sugar Cheddar Monkey Bread truly is a game-changer. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. The combination of textures and flavors is incredibly satisfying, and the pull-apart nature makes it a fun and interactive dish for any occasion. Give it a try, and I guarantee it’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation.
I’d love to hear how your monkey bread turns out! Share your experiences and any clever twists you added in the comments below. And be sure to follow ChefManiac.com for more delicious recipes and culinary inspiration!
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