If comfort food had a scent, it would be the warm, buttery aroma of Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups baking in the oven. These golden, crispy rollups are packed with melted cheese, brushed with rich garlic butter, and baked to perfection. They’re everything you love about garlic bread—but better. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, they’re quick to make and disappear even faster. I first made these on a whim using leftover sandwich bread, and they turned out so delicious that they’ve since become a staple for family dinners and party platters. Each bite delivers the perfect mix of crispy exterior and gooey, cheesy center—a true crowd-pleaser.
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Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups: Golden, Gooey, and Absolutely Irresistible
- Total Time: 28 mins
- Yield: 12 rollups
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups are soft, golden-brown rolls stuffed with gooey melted cheese and brushed with rich garlic butter. They make the perfect appetizer, snack, or side dish for pasta, soups, or salads.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
- Unroll the pizza or crescent dough onto a lightly floured surface. Brush lightly with half of the garlic butter mixture.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 1-inch pieces using a sharp knife.
- Place rollups cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from oven and brush immediately with the remaining garlic butter. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce or ranch for dipping.
Notes
- Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack for extra flavor.
- Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking for up to 24 hours.
- For a spicy version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
- Great for parties — double the batch for a crowd!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 18 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups combine the irresistible flavors of garlic bread and melted cheese into a fun, easy-to-eat roll. They’re ready in minutes, require only a few simple ingredients, and bake beautifully every single time. You can serve them with marinara sauce, a creamy dip, or even alongside soups and pastas. The buttery garlic coating makes them wonderfully fragrant, while the melted cheese inside gives that satisfying stretch with every bite. Whether you’re hosting friends or craving a cheesy snack, these rollups hit the mark perfectly.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Bread slices: Soft white or sandwich bread works best. Trim the crusts for easy rolling and uniform browning.
Butter: Melted butter forms the base of the garlic coating and adds rich flavor to every bite. Use unsalted butter to better control the salt level.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the butter with a bold, aromatic punch that makes these rollups irresistible.
Parsley: Adds a hint of freshness and color to balance the richness of the butter and cheese.
Mozzarella cheese: The star ingredient for that melty, stretchy center. You can also use a mix of cheeses like cheddar or provolone for added flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty depth and helps the outside crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Salt and pepper: A light sprinkle enhances all the flavors without overpowering the garlic.
Optional seasonings: A pinch of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes can add extra zest and spice.
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Flatten the bread: Using a rolling pin, flatten each slice of bread until thin and pliable. Trim the edges if necessary.
- Add the filling: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and a bit of Parmesan onto each slice. Roll tightly from one end to the other, sealing the edge with a dab of garlic butter.
- Coat with butter: Brush each rollup generously with the garlic butter mixture and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. For extra crunch, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then serve warm with marinara sauce or your favorite dip.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Rolling pin
- Small mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Grater for cheese
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 8 to 10 rollups.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftover rollups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy. You can also freeze unbaked rollups for up to 1 month—bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Variations and Customizations
Cheesy Marinara Rollups – Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce before adding cheese for a pizza-inspired version.
Herb & Garlic Rollups – Add Italian seasoning or dried basil to the butter for a fragrant herbal touch.
Spicy Jalapeño Rollups – Add finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes for a kick.
Three-Cheese Rollups – Combine mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone for an ultra-cheesy flavor explosion.
Bacon & Cheese Rollups – Add crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky, savory twist.
Spinach & Cheese Rollups – Add a layer of sautéed spinach and garlic for a slightly healthier, flavorful version.
Air Fryer Version – Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 7–8 minutes until golden and crispy.
Garlic Butter Breadsticks – Cut the rolled bread into strips before baking for bite-sized dippers.
Sweet Garlic Honey Glaze – Add a touch of honey to the butter for a hint of sweetness.
Vegan Version – Use dairy-free butter and vegan cheese for a plant-based alternative that still tastes indulgent.
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of bread?
Yes, but soft white or sandwich bread rolls easiest and gives the best texture.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the rollups and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 8 hours, then bake when ready.
3. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic on hand.
4. What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella is classic, but any good melting cheese—like Monterey Jack or provolone—works well.
5. Can I fry them instead of baking?
Yes, shallow fry in butter or oil over medium heat until golden on all sides.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups are the perfect blend of crisp, buttery bread and melty cheese—simple, comforting, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. With their golden exterior and irresistible garlic aroma, they’re ideal for any occasion, from game nights to casual family dinners. I once made these with a mix of mozzarella and cheddar, and the combination was absolutely heavenly. Serve them hot from the oven, watch the cheese stretch with every pull, and enjoy the kind of homemade comfort that never fails to make people smile.