Indulge in a delightful twist on a classic favorite with our Green Chili Monkey Bread recipe. This savory and cheesy treat is perfect for sharing with family and friends, whether as a tasty appetizer, a fun snack, or a unique side dish. Made with flaky biscuits, melted butter, green chilis, and a blend of cheeses, this monkey bread is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Join us as we guide you through the steps of creating this irresistible dish, guaranteed to bring smiles to every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 (16 oz) tube refrigerated flaky biscuits
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter, melted
- 1 (4 oz) can green chilis, drained
- 1 shallot, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
Instructions:
- Prepare Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Cut Biscuits: Cut each biscuit into quarters and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, drained green chilis, minced shallot, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded pepper jack cheese. Mix well to combine.
- Coat Biscuit Pieces: Toss the biscuit quarters in the cheese mixture until evenly coated.
- Layer in Pan: Arrange the coated biscuit pieces in the prepared bundt pan, layering them evenly.
- Bake: Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the monkey bread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the monkey bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Carefully invert the pan onto a serving plate to release the monkey bread.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish the monkey bread with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve Warm: Serve the Green Chili Monkey Bread warm, allowing everyone to pull apart the cheesy, flavorful pieces with their fingers.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Protein: For an extra protein boost, add cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken to the cheese mixture before tossing with the biscuit pieces.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and add diced roasted red peppers, sliced black olives, or diced green onions for a vegetarian-friendly version of this monkey bread.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the level of heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences. You can also incorporate diced jalapeños for an extra kick of spice.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here are some tips to adapt this Green Chili Monkey Bread recipe:
- Low-Carb Biscuits: Replace the refrigerated flaky biscuits with a homemade or store-bought low-carb biscuit dough made from almond flour or coconut flour. There are many keto-friendly biscuit recipes available online that you can use for this purpose.
- Low-Carb Cheeses: Choose low-carb cheese options such as sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cream cheese for the cheese mixture to reduce the carb content of the monkey bread.
- Portion Control: Enjoy this Green Chili Monkey Bread in moderation, as it may contain more carbs than traditional keto-friendly recipes due to the use of biscuits. Consider serving smaller portions to limit carb intake.
In conclusion, Green Chili Monkey Bread is a fun and flavorful twist on classic monkey bread, perfect for any occasion. With its cheesy, savory goodness and hint of spice from the green chilis, this irresistible treat is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, this monkey bread is guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of this delicious Green Chili Monkey Bread. With its simple preparation and crowd-pleasing flavor, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use fresh green chilis instead of canned? A: Yes, you can use fresh green chilis instead of canned. Simply roast, peel, and dice fresh green chilis before adding them to the cheese mixture.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the Green Chili Monkey Bread ahead of time and bake it when ready to serve. Simply assemble the monkey bread in the bundt pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Allow the monkey bread to come to room temperature before baking as directed.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: While monkey bread is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to one month. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through before serving.
Q: What can I serve with Green Chili Monkey Bread? A: Green Chili Monkey Bread pairs well with a variety of dishes, including soups, salads, grilled meats, or as part of a brunch spread. You can also serve it alongside salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
Q: Can I make this recipe spicy? A: Absolutely! If you prefer a spicier monkey bread, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños to the cheese mixture for an extra kick of heat. Adjust the level of spiciness to suit your taste preferences.
