Maple Bacon Monkey Bread: A Sticky, Savory-Sweet Delight
Maple bacon monkey bread. Just the name alone conjures up images of warm, gooey, utterly irresistible deliciousness. This isn’t your grandma’s monkey bread (unless your grandma is exceptionally adventurous in the kitchen!). We’re taking the classic pull-apart treat and kicking it up several notches with the salty-sweet combination of crispy bacon and rich maple syrup. Prepare to enter a state of pure breakfast/brunch/dessert bliss. This recipe is perfect for weekend gatherings, holiday mornings, or any time you want to impress your friends and family with a show-stopping, flavor-packed delight. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into this step-by-step guide to making the ultimate maple bacon monkey bread.
Why This Recipe Works
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about why this recipe is a winner:
* **Sweet and Savory Harmony:** The combination of sweet maple syrup and salty bacon is a match made in culinary heaven. It’s a flavor profile that tantalizes the taste buds and keeps you coming back for more.
* **Texture Perfection:** The soft, pillowy dough is perfectly complemented by the crispy bacon bits and the sticky, caramelized glaze. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures.
* **Easy to Customize:** While this recipe is amazing as is, you can easily adapt it to your preferences. Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch, use different types of cheese for a cheesy twist, or experiment with other flavor combinations.
* **Crowd-Pleasing Appeal:** Monkey bread is inherently fun to eat, and the addition of maple bacon takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. It’s guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble the monkey bread the night before and bake it in the morning, making it perfect for busy mornings or holiday celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a detailed list of everything you’ll need to create this masterpiece:
**For the Dough:**
* **1 package (0.25 ounce) active dry yeast:** The key to a light and airy monkey bread. Make sure your yeast isn’t expired for the best results.
* **1/4 cup warm water (105-115°F):** This is the ideal temperature to activate the yeast. Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate properly.
* **1/4 cup granulated sugar:** Provides food for the yeast and adds sweetness to the dough.
* **1/2 cup milk, warmed:** Adds richness and moisture to the dough. Use whole milk for the best flavor.
* **1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted:** Adds flavor and richness to the dough, and helps to create a tender crumb.
* **1 teaspoon salt:** Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and controls the yeast activity.
* **1 large egg:** Adds richness and structure to the dough.
* **3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour:** The base of the dough. Start with 3 1/2 cups and add more as needed until the dough is smooth and elastic.
**For the Maple Bacon Coating:**
* **1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled:** Use your favorite type of bacon. Crispy bacon is essential for the best texture.
* **1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted:** Creates the rich, buttery coating that coats the dough balls.
* **1 cup packed brown sugar:** Adds sweetness and contributes to the caramelized glaze.
* **1/2 cup maple syrup:** The star of the show! Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Avoid using pancake syrup, which is often made with corn syrup and artificial flavors.
* **1 teaspoon ground cinnamon:** Adds warmth and spice to the coating.
**Optional Add-Ins:**
* **1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts:** For extra crunch.
* **1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Gruyere cheese:** For a cheesy twist.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Large mixing bowl:** For mixing the dough.
* **Stand mixer (optional):** Makes kneading the dough easier.
* **9-inch bundt pan:** The traditional pan for monkey bread.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Baking sheet:** To cook the bacon.
* **Wire rack:** For cooling the monkey bread.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get down to business! Here’s how to make this delectable maple bacon monkey bread:
**Step 1: Prepare the Dough**
1. **Activate the Yeast:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** Add the warm milk, melted butter, salt, and egg to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
3. **Add Flour:** Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment to knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
4. **First Rise:** Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
**Step 2: Prepare the Maple Bacon Coating**
1. **Cook the Bacon:** While the dough is rising, cook the bacon until crispy. You can cook it in a skillet over medium heat, or bake it on a baking sheet in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, drain the bacon on paper towels and crumble it into small pieces.
2. **Melt the Butter:** In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. **Combine Coating Ingredients:** Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.
**Step 3: Assemble the Monkey Bread**
1. **Punch Down the Dough:** Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air.
2. **Shape the Dough Balls:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into small, bite-sized pieces (about 1 inch in diameter). Roll each piece into a ball.
3. **Coat the Dough Balls:** Dip each dough ball into the maple bacon coating, making sure it is well coated. Then, roll the dough ball in the crumbled bacon, pressing the bacon into the dough so that it adheres well.
4. **Arrange in Bundt Pan:** Arrange the coated dough balls in the prepared bundt pan, layering them evenly. If adding nuts or cheese, sprinkle them between the layers of dough balls.
**Step 4: Second Rise and Bake**
1. **Second Rise:** Cover the bundt pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until the dough balls have puffed up slightly.
2. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. **Bake:** Bake the monkey bread for 30-40 minutes, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. To prevent the top from browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
4. **Cool and Invert:** Let the monkey bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. This allows the glaze to set slightly, making it easier to remove from the pan.
**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!**
Serve the maple bacon monkey bread warm and enjoy! Pull apart the dough balls and savor the sweet and savory flavors.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Monkey Bread
* **Use Quality Ingredients:** Using high-quality ingredients, especially pure maple syrup and good bacon, will make a big difference in the flavor of your monkey bread.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing the dough can result in a tough monkey bread. Mix until the ingredients are just combined, and then knead until smooth and elastic.
* **Use Warm Water for Yeast:** The water should be warm but not hot. Too hot water can kill the yeast.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking can result in a dry monkey bread. Bake until it is golden brown and cooked through, but still slightly moist.
* **Let it Cool Slightly:** Letting the monkey bread cool slightly before inverting it onto a serving plate will prevent it from falling apart.
* **Prepare the Bundt Pan:** Make sure to grease and flour the bundt pan thoroughly to prevent the monkey bread from sticking. Alternatively, you can use a non-stick bundt pan.
* **Even Distribution:** When layering the dough balls in the bundt pan, try to distribute them evenly for even baking.
* **Temperature Check:** Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your monkey bread and adjust baking time accordingly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Variations and Adaptations
This recipe is a fantastic starting point, but feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
* **Cheesy Monkey Bread:** Add shredded cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, or Parmesan cheese to the dough balls or sprinkle it between the layers.
* **Nutty Monkey Bread:** Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the dough balls or sprinkle them between the layers.
* **Chocolate Monkey Bread:** Add chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the dough or the coating.
* **Savory Monkey Bread:** Omit the maple syrup and use herbs, spices, and cheese for a savory monkey bread.
* **Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread:** Add chopped apples and cinnamon to the dough and the coating.
* **Caramel Pecan Monkey Bread:** Substitute the maple syrup with caramel sauce and add chopped pecans.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Monkey bread is a great make-ahead option, especially for busy mornings or holiday celebrations. Here’s how to prepare it in advance:
1. **Assemble the Monkey Bread:** Follow the recipe instructions up to the point of baking. Assemble the dough balls in the prepared bundt pan.
2. **Refrigerate:** Cover the bundt pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
3. **Bake:** In the morning, remove the monkey bread from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes while the oven preheats. Bake according to the recipe instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Storage Instructions
* **Room Temperature:** Leftover monkey bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, store the monkey bread in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
* **Freezer:** Monkey bread can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Maple bacon monkey bread is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
* **Serve with Coffee or Tea:** The sweetness of the monkey bread pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.
* **Serve with Fresh Fruit:** Add a side of fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced bananas, for a healthy and refreshing complement.
* **Serve with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream:** For an extra indulgent treat, top the monkey bread with whipped cream or ice cream.
* **Serve as a Brunch Item:** Include maple bacon monkey bread as part of a larger brunch spread, along with eggs, bacon, sausage, and other breakfast favorites.
Maple Bacon Monkey Bread Recipe
Here’s the recipe in a convenient format:
**Yields:** 12 servings
**Prep time:** 45 minutes
**Rise time:** 1 hour 45 minutes
**Cook time:** 35 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Dough:**
* 1 package (0.25 ounce) active dry yeast
* 1/4 cup warm water (105-115°F)
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup milk, warmed
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 large egg
* 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
* **For the Maple Bacon Coating:**
* 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/2 cup maple syrup
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Dough:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. Add the warm milk, melted butter, salt, and egg. Whisk until combined. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled.
2. **Prepare the Maple Bacon Coating:** Cook the bacon until crispy, drain on paper towels, and crumble. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat.
3. **Assemble the Monkey Bread:** Punch down the dough. Divide the dough into small, bite-sized pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. Dip each dough ball into the maple bacon coating and then roll in the crumbled bacon. Arrange the coated dough balls in a greased and floured bundt pan, layering them evenly.
4. **Second Rise and Bake:** Cover the bundt pan and let rise for 30-45 minutes, or until the dough balls have puffed up slightly. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
5. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve warm and enjoy!
Enjoy your delicious Maple Bacon Monkey Bread! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone wanting more. Happy baking!