If you’re a fan of cheesy, garlicky goodness, you’re in for a treat with Keto Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread. This savory dish is perfect for those in a low-carb lifestyle, offering a delicious alternative to traditional high-carb bread. With its gooey cheese, fragrant garlic, and soft, pull-apart bread texture, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy your cravings without kicking you out of ketosis.
Monkey bread is known for its fun, pull-apart format, making it ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a family snack. The keto version maintains all the enjoyment of the original but swaps out carb-heavy ingredients for low-carb alternatives. This transformation makes it suitable for those managing their carbohydrate intake while still indulging in delicious flavors.
Monkey Bread Tips
The secret to this monkey bread’s irresistible pull-apart texture lies in the blend of cheeses used. Mozzarella provides that classic stretchy, melty quality, while Colby Jack adds a layer of depth with its rich, slightly tangy flavor. Together, they create a perfect balance that’s essential for the dish.
Creating the dough involves the right combination of melted cheeses and keto-friendly ingredients like almond flour, eggs, and a bit of xanthan gum to mimic the elasticity of gluten. The addition of Italian seasoning and garlic powder ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
Cheese Alternatives
If you don’t have Colby Jack cheese on hand, you can substitute it with cheddar or any other melty cheese you prefer. For a spicier kick, try adding a bit of pepper jack cheese to the mix.
Flour Options
While almond flour is ideal for a low-carb diet, you can experiment with other keto-friendly flours like coconut flour. Keep in mind that coconut flour absorbs more moisture, so you’ll need to adjust the quantities and perhaps add an extra egg to maintain the right dough consistency.
Flavor Enhancements
Feel free to get creative with the seasonings. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or mix in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary for added freshness. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking for an extra cheesy crust.
What to Eat with Keto Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread
This monkey bread makes an excellent appetizer for any meal. Serve it alongside a platter of antipasto, including olives, cured meats, and marinated vegetables, for a complete Italian-inspired spread.
Or you can pair it with a hearty soup or salad. It’s perfect for dipping into a warm bowl of chicken tortilla soup or enjoying with a fresh, crisp Caesar salad. The bread’s cheesy, garlicky flavors complement the lightness of the greens and the richness of the soup.
This keto Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread can also be a fantastic side dish for main courses. Serve it with grilled chicken, steak, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Serving and Storage Tips
To make your Keto Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread even more appealing, serve it in a ring cake pan or a decorative bread basket. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil to add a pop of color.
If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply pop the bread in the oven at 350 degrees for a few minutes until warm and gooey again. You can also use a microwave, but be cautious as the cheese can melt quickly.
Keto Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups Mozzarella cheese shredded and divided
- ½ cup Colby jack cheese shredded
- 3 large eggs
- 3 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 cups almond flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, and grease a ring cake pan well.
- Place 3 cups of the mozzarella cheese and the cream cheese into a large microwave safe bowl.
- Heat the cheeses at 30 second intervals until completely melted and combined.
- Add the cheese mixture to a mixing bowl with the almond flour, eggs, xanthan gum, baking powder, Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Knead with your hands or a mixer until well combined.
- Wet your hands slightly, and form the dough into small balls. Layer the dough balls in the ring cake pan.
- Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese and the colby jack cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the garlic. Saute for 30 seconds.
- Brush the garlic butter mixture over the bread before serving.
Nutrition
Trina Krug is a Holistic Nutritionist, Integrative Health Coach and host of the Carbless Conversations Podcast. With a Master’s Degree in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, her single mission in life is to facilitate self-healing in herself and those around her through awareness, lifestyle shifts and low-carb eating. As a current Doctor of Science student, she continues her studies in functional nutrition.