Italian Herb Monkey Bread with Garlic Olive Oil

Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients:​

• Bread:

• 3 ½ cups flour, divided

• 3 tablespoons sugar

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon basil

• ½ teaspoon oregano

• ½ teaspoon rosemary

• 1 cup water

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1/3 cup butter

• 1 egg

• Dipping Oil:

• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic

• ½ teaspoon basil

• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

​Directions:

​​1. In a cruet or bottle, mix all ingredients for dipping oil, and set aside.

2. Grease a 12-cup fluted pan or a 2 ½ quart ring, and set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups flour, sugar, Parmesan cheese, yeast, parsley, salt, thyme, basil, oregano, and rosemary.

4. In a small saucepan, heat water and 2 tablespoons butter to 120-130 degrees.

5. Add water and egg to dry ingredients.

6. Blend on low speed in an electric mixer until moistened.

7. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes.

8. Stir in remaining flour by hand.

9. Knead dough on floured surface until smooth, 3 to 5 minutes.

10. Roll dough into a 15x12 rectangle.

11. Cut dough into two-inch diamond pieces.

12. In a shallow pan, melt 1/3 cup butter.

13. Dip each piece in butter and layer in prepared pan, overlapping pieces.

14. Cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about an hour.

15. Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

16. Remove from pan and serve warm with dipping oil.