This fun and tasty Maple Bacon Monkey Bread is a sweet and savory treat. It’s made with soft dough balls, crispy bacon, and a drizzle of maple syrup that makes it simply irresistible!
Honestly, what’s better than warm, gooey bread with a hint of bacon? I love pulling apart the pieces and savoring that sweet flavor—it’s like breakfast and dessert in one! 🥓🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: Refrigerated biscuit dough is the star since it provides the fluffy texture for monkey bread. If you want a homemade touch, you can use your favorite biscuit recipe. Alternatively, frozen dough can work, just thaw it first.
Bacon: Cooked bacon adds that wonderful salty flavor. I typically use thick-cut bacon for extra crunch. If you want a lighter option, turkey bacon works too, though the texture will differ.
Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts contribute to a pleasant crunch. If you have nut allergies to consider, feel free to skip them entirely, or use sunflower seeds for a similar bite.
Brown Sugar: This is essential for sweetness. You can substitute light brown sugar with granulated sugar if necessary, just expect the flavor to be a little less caramel-like.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is the best choice for a rich, sweet flavor. If you’re short on maple, pancake syrup can substitute in a pinch, but it won’t have the same depth.
What’s the Best Way to Layer the Dough and Toppings?
Layering is crucial for fluffy bread with even flavors. Begin with a base of dough pieces, then sprinkle bacon and nuts for each layer. Repeat this until all ingredients are used. Keep in mind that the more you mix, the less even your layers will be, so layer carefully.
- Ensure you coat each dough piece with the cinnamon sugar for even flavor.
- Don’t rush; take your time placing them neatly to get that perfect pull-apart bread.
- Pour the maple sauce evenly over the top so every piece gets a taste!
These tips will help you master this delicious Maple Bacon Monkey Bread, making it a hit at any gathering! Enjoy!
How to Make Maple Bacon Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Monkey Bread:
- 2 cans of refrigerated biscuit dough (about 16 oz total)
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped (reserve some for topping)
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon salt (if using unsalted butter)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Maple Bacon Monkey Bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and 35-40 minutes to bake. Plan for an additional 10 minutes of cooling time before serving. In total, you’ll need about an hour to prepare and bake this sweet and savory dish, plus a bit of time to allow it to cool before devouring!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grab a bundt pan and grease it generously with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking later on.
2. Prepare the Dough Balls:
Open both cans of biscuit dough and use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut each biscuit into quarters. This will make nice, small pieces perfect for pulling apart later!
3. Coat the Dough Pieces:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Toss the quartered dough pieces in this cinnamon sugar mixture until every piece is well coated. This sweet coating is what makes the monkey bread so delicious!
4. Layer the Monkey Bread:
Start layering in your bundt pan by placing some of the coated dough pieces at the bottom. Then sprinkle a layer of chopped bacon and nuts over this. Keep repeating the layering until you’ve used all the dough, bacon, and nuts.
5. Make the Maple Butter Sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the maple syrup (and salt if you’ve omitted the salted butter). Let this mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes so the flavors combine, then remove it from the heat.
6. Pour the Sauce Over the Dough:
Evenly pour the warm maple butter sauce over the layered dough and toppings in the bundt pan. Make sure it distributes well to soak into the dough!
7. Bake the Monkey Bread:
Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the juices are bubbling at the sides.
8. Cool and Invert:
After baking, remove the monkey bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, place a serving plate upside down on top of the bundt pan and carefully invert it. Give it a gentle shake to release the monkey bread onto the plate so it can cool slightly.
9. Serve Warm:
Drizzle some extra maple syrup on top if you’d like, and sprinkle with any reserved bacon bits for that crunchy finish. Pull apart the warm, sticky pieces and enjoy every delicious bite!
This Maple Bacon Monkey Bread is sure to be a hit at breakfast or brunch gatherings. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Biscuit Dough?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen biscuit dough in the refrigerator the night before. If you’re short on time, you can let it sit at room temperature for about an hour until pliable.
What Can I Substitute for Bacon?
If you want a vegetarian version, you can use chopped mushrooms or tempeh bacon for a similar savory flavor. You can also skip the meat altogether and add extra nuts for crunch!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover monkey bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 2 months. Just reheat in the oven or microwave before serving!
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and layer it in the bundt pan a few hours ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re using it straight from the fridge.
