If you’re looking for a breakfast dish that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious, Savory Breakfast Monkey Bread is the perfect choice. This pull-apart, flavor-packed dish combines soft, buttery biscuit dough with savory fillings like cheese, sausage, and herbs, creating an irresistible treat. Unlike traditional sweet monkey bread, this savory version is perfect for breakfast or brunch, offering a savory twist on a beloved classic. In this article, you’ll learn how to make Savory Breakfast Monkey Bread, along with tips for customizing it to your liking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Savory Breakfast Monkey Bread is a crowd-pleaser that brings a fun and flavorful twist to your morning routine. The dish is made up of fluffy biscuit dough balls coated in a mixture of melted butter, herbs, cheese, and sausage, then baked to golden perfection. As you pull apart the pieces, you’ll find pockets of melted cheese and savory sausage, making each bite incredibly satisfying. What sets this recipe apart from others is its versatility—while sausage is a classic filling, you can easily substitute it with bacon, ham, or even vegetables for a more personalized dish.
Another great thing about Savory Breakfast Monkey Bread is how easy it is to prepare. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have this dish in the oven and baking in no time. It’s also perfect for feeding a crowd, making it an ideal choice for family brunches, gatherings, or holiday mornings. Plus, it’s a fun, interactive dish that allows everyone to pull apart their own serving.
Recipe Details
Savory Breakfast Monkey Bread is a savory version of the traditional sweet monkey bread. Instead of cinnamon and sugar, this recipe uses savory ingredients like cheese, herbs, and breakfast sausage, which complement the rich, buttery biscuit dough. The dough balls are coated in a flavorful mixture of melted butter, garlic, and herbs, then baked in a bundt pan to create a beautifully golden and delicious bread.
One of the unique features of this dish is its pull-apart nature. As the bread bakes, the biscuit dough rises and creates individual, bite-sized pieces that you can easily pull apart. The cheesy, sausage-filled dough balls make this breakfast bread indulgent yet comforting. The smell of the bread baking in the oven will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas, making this the perfect dish for any morning.
The recipe is also very customizable. You can use store-bought biscuit dough for a quick and easy option, or you can make your own from scratch if you have the time. Additionally, you can switch up the fillings based on what you have on hand or your preferences—substitute the sausage for bacon, add sautéed mushrooms, or throw in some spinach for added greens.
Nutritional Information for Savory Breakfast Monkey Bread
Savory Breakfast Monkey Bread is a hearty and satisfying dish, but like most indulgent breakfast foods, it’s on the higher side of calories. A typical serving (1/8th of the bread) contains approximately 300-350 calories. The dish is rich in protein from the sausage and cheese, providing around 10-15 grams of protein per serving. However, it’s also quite high in fat, especially saturated fat, due to the butter and cheese used in the recipe.
The biscuit dough also contributes carbohydrates, making this a filling breakfast option that provides sustained energy. To make this dish a bit healthier, consider using lean turkey sausage or swapping out some of the butter for olive oil. You can also use a reduced-fat cheese or swap the regular cheese for a dairy-free option.
If you’d like to add more fiber and nutrients to this dish, you can mix in some vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or onions. Not only will these vegetables add flavor, but they will also boost the vitamin and mineral content of your Savory Breakfast Monkey Bread.
Ingredients for Savory Breakfast Monkey Bread
For Savory Breakfast Monkey Bread, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (about 16 oz each)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
These ingredients come together to create a delicious, savory breakfast treat. The biscuit dough serves as the base, providing the soft, fluffy texture that complements the savory fillings. The sausage adds a rich, savory flavor, while the cheese melts beautifully into the dough. The herbs like thyme and rosemary bring a comforting, aromatic element to the dish, and the garlic powder enhances the savory depth of flavor.
You can easily customize this recipe by swapping out the cheddar cheese for mozzarella, adding other types of cheese like pepper jack for extra flavor, or even substituting the sausage with bacon or ham for variety.
Equipment Needed for Savory Breakfast Monkey Bread
To make Savory Breakfast Monkey Bread, you’ll need the following equipment:
- Bundt pan: This is essential for baking the bread and allowing it to form into a cohesive ring shape. A bundt pan ensures even baking and creates that beautiful, pull-apart shape.
- Skillet: For cooking the sausage before mixing it into the dough.
- Mixing bowl: To combine the melted butter, garlic, herbs, and seasonings that will coat the biscuit dough.
- Measuring spoons and cups: For accurate measurements of ingredients.
- Spatula: For mixing the ingredients and ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
These basic tools will make the preparation process quick and easy. The bundt pan ensures the dough bakes evenly and holds its shape, while the skillet helps to cook the sausage to perfection before adding it to the dough.
Pro Tips for Success
Here are some pro tips to make your Savory Breakfast Monkey Bread turn out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When placing the biscuit dough balls in the bundt pan, make sure not to overcrowd them. Leave a little space between them so they can rise and bake properly.
- Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work fine, fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley add a burst of flavor. If you use fresh herbs, be sure to chop them finely.
- Make Sure the Sausage Is Cooled: After cooking the sausage, let it cool slightly before adding it to the dough. This will prevent the dough from becoming too soft or gooey when mixed with the hot sausage.
- Top with Extra Cheese: For an even cheesier dish, sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top of the bread before baking. This will give the bread a golden, cheesy crust.
- Serve Immediately: This bread is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, while it’s warm and the cheese is gooey. Serve with a side of fresh fruit, a salad, or even a dollop of sour cream for a more complete breakfast.
Instructions for Savory Breakfast Monkey Bread
- Prepare the Sausage: In a skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until it’s fully cooked and crumbled. Remove from the skillet and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Biscuit Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Open the refrigerated biscuit dough and separate each biscuit. Cut each biscuit into quarters, creating smaller dough pieces.
- Coat the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Toss the biscuit pieces in the butter mixture until fully coated.
- Assemble the Monkey Bread: In a bundt pan, layer the coated dough pieces, followed by a sprinkle of cooked sausage and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue layering until all the dough, sausage, and cheese are used up.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough is cooked through. The cheese should be melted, and the bread should be puffy and golden.
- Serve: Let the Savory Breakfast Monkey Bread cool for a few minutes before flipping it out of the bundt pan. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Recipe Variations for Savory Breakfast Monkey Bread
- Add Vegetables: You can add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the sausage and cheese layers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use Different Meats: Swap out the sausage for cooked bacon, ham, or even turkey sausage for a leaner version.
- Make It Spicy: Add some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to give the bread an extra kick.
Storage & Serving Guide
Savory Breakfast Monkey Bread is best served fresh out of the oven, but it can be stored for up to 2-3 days in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag.
To reheat, simply place the bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Serve with a side of fresh fruit, a green salad, or a dollop of sour cream for a delicious breakfast or brunch.
FAQs
- Can I use homemade biscuit dough?
Yes! You can make your own biscuit dough from scratch for a more homemade touch. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bread a day ahead, cover it tightly, and bake it the next morning. - Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free biscuit dough to make this recipe gluten-free. - Can I add more cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to add extra cheese between the layers or on top before baking. - Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can use bacon, ham, or turkey sausage as alternatives to the breakfast sausage.
Conclusion
Savory Breakfast Monkey Bread is a delicious, fun, and versatile breakfast option that is sure to be a hit at any brunch or family gathering. The layers of buttery, flaky dough, savory sausage, and melted cheese make it the ultimate comfort food. With endless customization options, this recipe can be tailored to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a casual weekend brunch, this dish is bound to become a family favorite.
PrintSavory Breakfast Monkey Bread
Description
Enjoy a fun and tasty twist on breakfast with Savory Breakfast Monkey Bread. Cheesy, buttery, and filled with sausage!
Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (about 16 oz each)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sausage: In a skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until it’s fully cooked and crumbled. Remove from the skillet and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Biscuit Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Open the refrigerated biscuit dough and separate each biscuit. Cut each biscuit into quarters, creating smaller dough pieces.
- Coat the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Toss the biscuit pieces in the butter mixture until fully coated.
- Assemble the Monkey Bread: In a bundt pan, layer the coated dough pieces, followed by a sprinkle of cooked sausage and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue layering until all the dough, sausage, and cheese are used up.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough is cooked through. The cheese should be melted, and the bread should be puffy and golden.
- Serve: Let the Savory Breakfast Monkey Bread cool for a few minutes before flipping it out of the bundt pan. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.