Dutch Oven Pull Apart Bread (Monkey Bread)

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious treat that’s perfect for camping trips or backyard gatherings, Dutch oven pull apart bread (aka Monkey Bread) is a must-try! This sweet and sticky dessert (or indulgent breakfast!) is simple to make and guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy your Dutch oven’s versatility.

Ingredients

• 2 rolls of Pillsbury biscuits
• 1/2 stick butter
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp cinnamon
• 1/2 stick butter

Instructions

Prepare your 12-inch Dutch oven by placing it over a few coals to warm it up. Add the butter and let it melt inside the oven.

Biscuit prep is easy just tear each biscuit into quarters to create bite-sized pieces.

Mix the coating by combining the sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a plastic bag.

Drop the biscuit quarters into the bag, seal it, and shake until all the pieces are evenly coated.

Place the coated biscuit pieces into the Dutch oven. Stir them once to ensure they’re coated in the melted butter, then arrange them into a single layer.

Cover the Dutch oven and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.

Let the monkey bread cool slightly, sprinkle with equal parts confectioners sugar and cinnamon, then serve warm. It serves 6-8 people.

Serving Suggestions

This pull-apart bread pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For an extra indulgence, drizzle with cream cheese icing or serve with fresh fruit on the side.

Tips for Success

Lining Your Dutch Oven: Consider lining the Dutch oven with parchment paper to catch the melted sugar and make cleanup easier.

Dutch Oven Size Adjustments:

For a 10-inch Dutch oven: Use about 2/3 to 3/4 of the ingredient amounts.

For an 8-inch Dutch oven: Use about half the ingredient amounts.

Keep the baking temperature and time the same for all sizes.

Coal Placement: Refer to your Dutch oven’s heat settings guide for the best coal placement to maintain an even 350°F temperature.

Preparing at Home in a Conventional Oven

If you want to make this pull-apart bread at home using your Dutch oven (enamel cast iron or seasoned without legs), follow these steps:

Set your conventional oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease the inside of your Dutch oven with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. For easy cleanup, you can also line it with parchment paper.

Place the Dutch oven on the stovetop over low heat and melt the butter, then remove it from the heat.

Tear each biscuit into quarters and coat them in the sugar-cinnamon mixture as described in the original instructions.

Arrange the coated biscuit pieces in the Dutch oven, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. Pour the melted butter over the top.

Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through. Check halfway to ensure even baking.

Let the monkey bread cool for 5-10 minutes before serving directly from the Dutch oven or transferring to a serving plate.

Make this Recipe Without a Dutch Oven

Want to enjoy this delicious pull-apart bread without a Dutch oven? Here’s how to make it in your home kitchen:

Set your conventional oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare a Baking Dish: Use a Bundt pan, 9×13-inch baking dish, or a deep round cake pan. Grease the dish well with butter or non-stick spray.

Prepare the biscuit pieces as described above, coating them in the sugar and cinnamon mixture.

Place the coated biscuit pieces into your prepared dish, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them toward the end to avoid overbaking.

Let the monkey bread cool for about 5 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate if using a Bundt pan. Otherwise, serve directly from the dish.

Enjoy this versatile recipe whether you’re out camping or staying cozy at home!

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating: To reheat, place the monkey bread in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes or microwave individual portions for 15-20 seconds until warm.

Popular Variations

Nutty Monkey Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.

Chocolate Chip Delight: Mix in 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips for a gooey, chocolatey twist.

Cheese Pull-Apart Bread: Transform this recipe into a savory delight by replacing the sugar and cinnamon with shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese. This makes for a perfect snack or appetizer! (Recipe coming soon!)

Garlic Pull-Apart Bread: Create a delicious garlic version by using garlic powder, melted butter, and herbs instead of the sweet coating. A great side for soups or pasta dishes! (Recipe coming soon!)

Caramel Bliss: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving for an extra indulgent treat.

Recipe Card: Dutch Oven Pull-Apart Bread

Final Thoughts

Dutch Oven pull-apart bread is a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. Whether you’re a seasoned Dutch oven user or just starting out, this recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire. Gather your ingredients, light those coals, and enjoy the sweet, cinnamon goodness of homemade monkey bread!

One-Pot Cooking Rocks!