Irish Cheese Board Monkey Bread
Prep. Time:
1 hour 30 minutes
Baking Time:
40 minutes
Total Time:
2 hours 10 minutes
Serves:
10-12 servings
Iain's heritage-inspired creation celebrates Irish cheese traditions through three distinct combinations that judges praised for their "superb flavors" and thoughtful pairings. The "wonderful sharpness from blackberries" with rich brie, complemented by blue cheese with pears where "walnuts worked really well," creates varied cheese board experiences in pull-apart form. Judges loved the "setup" of discovering different combinations, achieving "nice strong color and visible individual balls" through proper technique. This innovative monkey bread honors Ian's Irish roots while earning girlfriend Dervla's approval for authentic flavor profiles.
Ingredients
Instructions
MAKE THE ENRICHED DOUGH:
1. In large bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
2. In separate bowl, whisk warm milk, olive oil, and eggs.
3. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing until shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead on floured surface 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, incorporating melted butter gradually.
5. Place in oiled bowl, cover, and rise in warm place 1.5 hours until doubled.
PREPARE THE CARAMELIZED ONIONS:
6. Slice onions thinly. In large skillet, cook over medium-low heat with butter and brown sugar 45-50 minutes until deep golden and caramelized.
7. Add thyme in last 5 minutes. Cool completely.
PREPARE THE BLACKBERRIES:
8. Gently cook blackberries with 1 tablespoon honey for 3-4 minutes until just softened. Cool completely.
PREPARE THE THREE CHEESE COMBINATIONS:
9. Blue Cheese Mix: Gently combine crumbled blue cheese, diced pears, fennel, honey, and black pepper.
10. Hard Cheese Mix: Mix grated cheddar with diced apples and cooled caramelized onions.
11. Brie-Style Mix: Combine cubed brie with cooled blackberries, rosemary, remaining honey, and lemon zest.
SHAPE AND ASSEMBLE:
12. Punch down risen dough and divide into 36 walnut-sized pieces.
13. Roll each piece into smooth ball, then flatten slightly.
14. Add 1-2 teaspoons of one cheese mixture to center of each piece (distribute varieties evenly).
15. Seal edges tightly, creating filled balls.
16. Roll each filled ball in chopped walnuts.
17. Brush bundt pan thoroughly with melted butter.
LAYER AND PROOF:
18. Layer filled, walnut-rolled balls in prepared pan, brushing each layer with melted butter.
19. Ensure even distribution of all three varieties for balanced flavor throughout.
20. Cover and proof 45 minutes until puffy and balls are touching.
21. Preheat oven to 375°F.
22. Brush top with remaining melted butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
23. Bake 35-40 minutes until deep golden brown with "visible individual balls."
24. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then invert onto serving platter.
