This ham and cheese bread is the ultimate comfort food! A deliciously cheesy monkey bread, it’s packed with melty cheese and savory ham, all baked into warm, pull-apart bread. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to prepare using recipes for frozen bread dough, making it a fantastic make-ahead dish!
This cheesy monkey bread is a savory spin on a classic, featuring gooey brie, salty ham, and soft, pull-apart bread in every bite. Using frozen bread dough makes it incredibly easy to prepare—just assemble, bake, and enjoy!
Looking for a breakfast monkey bread that will please a crowd? This ham and brie casserole is the perfect make-ahead dish for busy mornings, brunch gatherings, or potluck parties. It’s packed with rich, cheesy flavor and is a true crowd-pleaser. Serve it on its own, or pair it with honey mustard, marinara, or a creamy garlic butter sauce for an extra layer of deliciousness. Once you try it, this dish is bound to become a breakfast favorite!
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Why We Love this Cheesy Monkey Bread
- Easy brunch recipe.
This cheesy monkey bread is simple to prepare and perfect for holiday breakfasts, potlucks, and weekend brunches. The golden brown crust and gooey cheese make it a showstopper on any table! - Make ahead of time.
Using frozen bread dough means you can prep it ahead of time. When you’re ready, just slice, bake, and serve—no early-morning prep required! - Great for any time of the day.
This isn’t just for breakfast. Serve it for lunch, brunch, or even dinner alongside a fresh salad or a warm bowl of soup for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Or if you’re looking for easy recipes that are perfect for neighbor treats, check out how to make monkey bread or yummy braid bread. And we love this Pesto Bread Recipe and Camembert Recipe for holidays. Both are full of flavor and so festive!
What is Monkey Bread?
Monkey bread, also known as pull-apart bread, is a sweet or savory dish made up of rolls or biscuits held together with ingredients such as eggs and cheese. It is typically served at brunch, although the sweet monkey breads are also considered a dessert item.
This recipe is similar to a breakfast strata, which is a baked bread casserole with eggs, cheese, and (usually) some sort of meat.
The difference is that our recipe doesn’t include eggs. Instead, we use bite sized pieces of ham and brie that are baked into the bread.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Bridgford Parker House Style Rolls: This is our favorite frozen bread dough! So there’s no need for kneading, a dough hook, or even a bowl of a stand mixer. Since the dough is already prepared, you won’t have to worry about measuring yeast or waiting for a complicated mixture to rise.
- Ham: Deli ham is great, or use some leftover coca cola ham slow cooker!
- Brie: ham and brie pair SO well together! The saltiness of the ham goes well with cheddar or provolone, too.
- Cranberries: another great companion to brie. You can taste it for yourself in these brie cranberry bites.
Recipe Variations
- Cheddar and herb twist: Swap out the brie for sharp cheddar cheese and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before baking for a flavorful, herb-infused version.
- Swiss and ham classic: For a more traditional take, use Swiss cheese instead of brie. The nutty flavor pairs perfectly with the savory ham.
- Garlic butter amd mozzarella: Brush the dough with unsalted butter and minced garlic, then layer in mozzarella cheese for an extra gooey, garlic bread-inspired variation.
- Crunchy sesame topping: Before baking, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of the loaf for added texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
- Mini loaves for individual servings: Instead of baking in a bundt pan, divide the dough into small sections and bake them in mini loaves or muffin tins for easy grab-and-go portions.
- Make it healthier: Toss in some chopped, sautéed vegetables like onions or bell peppers for added texture and nutrients.
- Try a different type of bread: Instead of frozen rolls, use sourdough dinner rolls or French bread for a unique texture and flavor.
Equipment Used in this Recipe
- Casserole dish
- Non-stick cooking spray
How to Make Breakfast Monkey Bread
- Allow frozen rolls to thaw on the countertop for 1-2 hours.
You can do this after dinner if you want to make the stuffed bread for breakfast the next morning.
- Cover dough loosely with plastic wrap.
This allows it space to rise, giving you fluffy, soft rolls.
Layer brie and ham with bread dough.
- Bake savory monkey bread in a pan covered with foil for the first 20 minutes, then uncovered for the last 15 minutes.
This prevents the top from browning up faster than the middle can cook.
🎯 TFN Pro Tip
For the best cheesy monkey bread, make sure to layer the ingredients evenly, so every bite is packed with gooey cheese and savory ham. If you want an extra golden brown crust, lightly brush the top with olive oil or melted butter before baking. And for easy cleanup, line your prepared loaf pan with parchment paper—it makes serving (and dishwashing!) a breeze!
Serving Suggestions
This ham and cheese bread is perfect straight out of the oven, garnished with fresh herbs for an extra touch of flavor. Serve it warm for the best gooey, cheesy pull-apart texture.
For a well-rounded meal, pair this with a refreshing blueberry strawberry salad for a sweet and tangy contrast. To make it even heartier, add a side of maple glazed brussels sprouts or a crisp, fresh side salad.
If you’re serving it as an appetizer, cut it into bite-sized pieces and place it in a prepared loaf pan lined with parchment paper for easy serving. A drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of sea salt can enhance the flavors even more. Want a fun variation? Brush the top with butter mixed with garlic powder before baking for an extra flavorful crust.
No matter how you serve it, this breakfast monkey bread is guaranteed to be a hit at breakfast, brunch, or as a shareable snack!
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you will need to let them thaw for 1-2 hours before cutting them. Otherwise, they will be too frozen to cut into pieces. Thaw them out on the countertop for the quickest defrosting time.
Yes. Unlike some other recipes, it does not need to be refrigerated overnight. As long as you let the frozen rolls thaw first, you can prepare the ham and cheese bread and bake it right away.
If stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this can last 2-3 days. If you choose to freeze it, wrap it first in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, pull out the baking dish, and let it come to room temperature. Then bake as directed above.
Love breakfast dishes with ham? These recipes for Crockpot Ham with Coke Glaze or Dr Pepper Ham Glaze are full of flavor and can be served anytime of day!
More Casserole Recipes To Love…
- Tater Tot Chicken Casserole
- Ham Tater Tot Casserole Breakfast Recipe
- Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole
- Chicken Stuffing Bake
If you tried this savory monkey bread recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Ham and Cheese Bread
Equipment
- Casserole dish
- non-stick cooking spray
Ingredients
- 25 ounces Bridgford parker house rolls thawed, but cold
- 1 pound ham precooked, cut into dice-sized cubes
- 1 pound brie cut into dice-sized cubes (garlic and herb adds flavor)
- ¼ cup minced scallions green parts only
Instructions
- Follow package directions for thawing. While rolls are still cold, cut each into 4 pieces. Sharp kitchen shears work best for cutting the dough.
- Spray a 13" x 9" casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Lay 2/3rds of the dough pieces in a single layer in the bottom of dish. Arrange ham and brie cubes evenly over the bread. Place the last of the dough cubes around the top.
- Sprinkle top of casserole with your favorite fresh or dried herbs, I like using dried dill or fresh thyme. If making casserole ahead, skip to step 4. Cover dish loosely with plastic wrap and let dough rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 325º F while rising.
- To make ahead: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove casserole from the fridge and let it come to room temperature. Preheat oven to 325º F.
- After dough rises (or has come to room temperature, if refrigerated overnight), cover the ham and brie casserole with foil and bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, carefully remove foil and bake another 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the bread is golden. Top with scallions and serve warm.
Notes
- For the best cheesy monkey bread, make sure to layer the ingredients evenly, so every bite is packed with gooey cheese and savory ham. If you want an extra golden brown crust, lightly brush the top with olive oil or melted butter before baking. And for easy cleanup, line your prepared loaf pan with parchment paper—it makes serving (and dishwashing!) a breeze!
- Cheddar and herb twist: Swap out the brie for sharp cheddar cheese and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before baking for a flavorful, herb-infused version.
- Swiss and ham classic: For a more traditional take, use Swiss cheese instead of brie. The nutty flavor pairs perfectly with the savory ham.
- Garlic butter amd mozzarella: Brush the dough with unsalted butter and minced garlic, then layer in mozzarella cheese for an extra gooey, garlic bread-inspired variation.
- Crunchy sesame topping: Before baking, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of the loaf for added texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
- Mini loaves for individual servings: Instead of baking in a bundt pan, divide the dough into small sections and bake them in mini loaves or muffin tins for easy grab-and-go portions.
- Make it healthier: Toss in some chopped, sautéed vegetables like onions or bell peppers for added texture and nutrients.
- Try a different type of bread: Instead of frozen rolls, use sourdough dinner rolls or French bread for a unique texture and flavor.
Nutrition
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Carrie Robinson says
This would be so perfect to serve for a weekend brunch! 🙂 It looks amazing.
Jess says
Where has this recipe been my whole life? I love monkey bread and I absolutely need to try this savory version asap! Ham & Cheese is a perfect combo!