Buttery Pull Apart Monkey Bread

10 steps · 45 min total

1. 01

   Combine Dough Base

   Combine the scalded milk, mashed potatoes, shortening, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Let it stand until it's just lukewarm.
2. 02

   Add Yeast

   Stir in one package of yeast, which you've softened in 1/2 cup of lukewarm water.
3. 03

   Mix in Eggs and Flour

   Add two well-beaten eggs and 1 1/2 cups of flour. Beat the mixture well until smooth.
4. 04

   Form Stiff Dough

   Gradually add about 4 more cups of sifted flour, mixing until you have a stiff dough.
5. 05

   Grease and Turn Dough

   Transfer the dough to a large, greased bowl. Turn it once to ensure the entire surface is coated in grease.
6. 06

   First Rise

   Let the dough rise in a warm spot for at least 2 hours, or until it has roughly doubled in size.
7. 07

   Punch Down and Roll

   About 1 1/2 hours before you plan to serve, punch down the risen dough and roll it out.
8. 08

   Cut and Dip Dough

   Cut the dough into roughly walnut-sized squares. Dip each piece into melted butter, then arrange them in layers in a fluted tube pan.
9. 09

   Add Remaining Butter

   Pour any remaining melted butter evenly over the top of the dough pieces in the pan.
10. 10

    Second Rise and Bake

    Let the bread rise again in the pan for about 1 hour, or until noticeably puffy.

    Bake for 20-25 minutes at 375 degrees F, until deeply golden brown. If you prefer a crispier exterior, you can bake it at 400 degrees F instead.