Buttery Monkey Bread (Savory Pull-Apart Dinner Bread)

In our family, we’ve always called this Monkey Bread — but it’s not the cinnamon-sugar breakfast version. This Buttery Monkey Bread is a soft, slightly sweet yeast bread similar in flavor to King’s Hawaiian rolls, baked into a golden pull-apart dinner bread that’s perfect for sharing.

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Crisp and golden on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside, this savory Monkey Bread is ideal for Easter, Sunday dinners, church gatherings, or anytime you want something a little special on the table.

If you’ve only had the sweet cinnamon kind, this version might surprise you — in the best way.

Why You’ll Love This Buttery Monkey Bread

What Makes This Different from Traditional Monkey Bread?

Most Monkey Bread recipes are coated in cinnamon and sugar and served as a sticky breakfast treat.

This version is completely different.

Instead of sugar and cinnamon, this recipe uses a rich yeast dough with just a hint of sweetness — similar to King’s Hawaiian rolls. The dough is pinched into small balls, dipped in butter, and baked together into a golden pull-apart loaf that’s perfect for dinner.

Think buttery dinner bread — not dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This buttery Monkey Bread is made from simple pantry staples, but together they create a rich, soft yeast dough that tastes like bakery-style pull-apart bread.

Active Dry Yeast – Helps the dough rise and creates that light, fluffy texture inside. Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best lift.

Eggs – Add richness and structure to the dough, giving the bread its soft, tender crumb.

Shortening – Keeps the texture extra soft and pillowy. Shortening helps create that classic, fluffy pull-apart interior.

Butter – Adds flavor and creates the golden, slightly crisp exterior when each dough ball is dipped before baking.

Granulated Sugar – Just enough to give the bread a subtle sweetness — similar to King’s Hawaiian rolls — without turning it into dessert.

All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base of the dough and gives the bread its structure.

Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the buttery flavor.

Water (Boiling + Lukewarm) – Activates the yeast and helps create the smooth dough consistency.

Simple ingredients — but when combined and allowed to rise properly, the result is a soft, golden, buttery dinner bread that feels special enough for holidays and gatherings.

How to Make Savory Monkey Bread

1. Activate the Yeast

Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water.

2. Make the Dough

Combine melted shortening, sugar, salt, eggs, yeast mixture, and flour. Mix using a stand mixer with a dough hook.

3. First Rise

Let dough rise until doubled in size.

4. Shape & Butter

Pinch dough into small balls, dip each into melted butter, and layer into greased Bundt or tube pans.

5. Second Rise

Allow to rise again until doubled.

6. Bake

Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until golden brown.

Let cool slightly before flipping out of the pan.

Can You Make Monkey Bread with Hawaiian Rolls?

Yes! Many people make Monkey Bread using store-bought Hawaiian rolls. While this recipe is made from scratch with yeast dough, you can substitute Hawaiian rolls for a shortcut version.

To use Hawaiian rolls:

• Cut rolls into small pieces
• Dip in melted butter
• Layer into Bundt pan
• Bake until golden and warmed through

The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor will be similar.

Is This the Cinnamon Sugar Monkey Bread?

No.

This is a savory pull-apart dinner bread with a mild sweetness — more like a Hawaiian roll than a sticky breakfast pastry.

If you’re looking for cinnamon sugar Monkey Bread, this isn’t that recipe.

If you’re looking for buttery dinner bread that everyone can pull apart at the table — this is it.

Tips for the Best Buttery Monkey Bread

• Let both rises fully double for the fluffiest texture
• Dip generously in butter — that’s what creates the golden crust
• Don’t overbake (you want soft interior)
• Let it cool 5–10 minutes before flipping

When to Serve This Pull-Apart Bread

This bread works beautifully for:

• Easter dinner
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas
• Sunday family meals
• Potlucks
• Church gatherings

It pairs especially well with:

• Brown Sugar Bacon Green Beans
• Phyllo Pork Tenderloin
• Strawberry Pie Filling Salad

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’ve only ever had the cinnamon version of Monkey Bread, this savory buttery version might become your new favorite like it is at our house.

It’s simple, nostalgic, and perfect for passing around the table.

More Holiday Side Dishes Everyone Loves

If you’re building a holiday menu, these easy side dishes and comfort-food favorites pair beautifully with this buttery pull-apart bread.