Ham and Cheese Bread

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!

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.

How to Make Breakfast Monkey Bread

1. 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.

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!