Nancy Reagan's Monkey Bread
If you've ever had monkey bread, a sweet pull apart bread that's perfect for an after dinner treat, probably comes to mind. Nancy Reagan's Monkey Bread however, is a savory recipe you can enjoy during your meal. This is a great way to serve dinner rolls to a large party during the holidays or other times of the year. This is the signature dish one of the most beloved first ladies used to make for Thanksgiving, and we thought it only fair that we all enjoy a piece of history. Make this savory pull apart bread part of a festive plate this year, or simply spead some butter or jam on a piece and have it with tea. You're sure to find many uses for this simple, yet mouthwatering recipe.
Serves1 large loaf; 36 pieces
Preparation Time30 min
Chilling Time5 min
Cooking Time30 min
Cooking MethodOven
Cooking Vessel Size10-inch tube pan
Ingredients
- 1 package dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/4 cup warm milk
- 4 1/2 cups flour
- 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 eggs
- 6 ounces butter room temperature, plus 8 ounces butter, melted
Instructions
-
In a bowl, mix yeast with a small amount of milk until dissolved.
-
Add 2 eggs and beat. Mix in dry ingredients. Add remaining milk a little at a time, mixing thoroughly.
-
Cut in butter until blended. Knead dough, let rise 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
-
Roll dough onto floured board, shape into a log. Cut log into 24 pieces of equal size. Shape each piece of dough into a ball, roll in melted butter.
-
Place 12 balls in the bottom of a buttered and floured bread mold (tube pan), leaving space between. Place remaining balls on top, spacing evenly.
-
Let dough rise in tube pan for 30 minutes. Brush top with remaining egg. Bake in preheated oven at 375 F degrees until golden brown. 25 to 30 minutes.
-
Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack.
Note:
A convenient way to provide a warm, draft-free place for dough to rise is to use your microwave. Place a measuring cup of water into the oven and heat on high for 2 minutes. Push the cup to one side of the oven and place the bowl of dough into it and close the door. Let rise 30 minutes without opening the oven door.