Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
What Makes These Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups Special
Every bite of these cheesy garlic butter rollups delivers the perfect balance of savory garlic, rich butter, and melted cheese wrapped in tender, pillowy dough. What started as a simple dinner roll recipe has transformed into something truly extraordinary. The secret lies in the homemade garlic butter mixture that infuses every layer with incredible flavor.
I’ve been making these cheesy garlic butter rollups for years, and they never fail to impress guests at dinner parties or family gatherings. The combination of warm, soft bread with the aromatic garlic butter creates an irresistible aroma that fills your entire kitchen.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups
For the Dough:
- 1 package (1 lb) frozen bread dough, thawed (or pizza dough)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for greasing
For the Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced finely
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Cheese Filling:
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups
Preparing the Garlic Butter Base
Start by creating the heart of these cheesy garlic butter rollups – the garlic butter mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter with minced garlic, ensuring every piece of garlic is well distributed. Add the chopped parsley, garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes if you enjoy a subtle kick of heat.
Season this mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then mix everything together until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. The key to exceptional cheesy garlic butter rollups is allowing the garlic flavors to meld together, so let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes while you prepare the dough.
Preparing the Dough
If you’re using frozen bread dough, make sure it’s completely thawed and at room temperature. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×16 inches. The dough should be thin enough to roll easily but thick enough to hold the filling without tearing.
Brush the entire surface of the dough with olive oil, then spread the garlic butter mixture evenly across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. This border will help seal the cheesy garlic butter rollups properly.
Adding the Cheese and Rolling
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the garlic butter, followed by the Parmesan cheese. If you’re using cheddar cheese for extra flavor, add it now. The cheese should cover most of the surface but avoid overfilling, as this can make rolling difficult.
Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. The key to perfect cheesy garlic butter rollups is maintaining even pressure while rolling to ensure the filling stays inside. Once rolled, pinch the seam firmly to seal.
Cutting and Arranging
Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Each piece should be about 1 inch thick. Arrange the cheesy garlic butter rollups in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving small spaces between each piece for expansion.
Baking to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel and let the cheesy garlic butter rollups rise for 15-20 minutes in a warm place. This step ensures they’ll be light and fluffy when baked.
Remove the towel and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. The internal temperature should reach 190°F for perfectly cooked cheesy garlic butter rollups.
Final Touches
As soon as you remove the cheesy garlic butter rollups from the oven, brush them with melted butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. This final touch adds both visual appeal and extra flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups
Having made these cheesy garlic butter rollups countless times, I’ve discovered several tricks that make them even better. First, always use room temperature ingredients for the garlic butter mixture – this ensures smooth spreading and better flavor distribution.
Don’t skip the rising time before baking. Even though you’re using pre-made dough, this extra rise makes the cheesy garlic butter rollups incredibly light and airy. If your kitchen is cold, place the baking dish on top of the refrigerator or in a slightly warm oven (turned off) to encourage rising.
For extra cheesy cheesy garlic butter rollups, reserve some of the cheese mixture to sprinkle on top before baking. This creates a beautiful golden, bubbly top that’s absolutely irresistible.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These cheesy garlic butter rollups are incredibly versatile. Serve them as an appetizer with marinara sauce for dipping, or pair them with your favorite pasta dishes. They’re also fantastic alongside soup or salad for a complete meal.
For your next gathering, consider pairing these cheesy garlic butter rollups with dishes from our collection of perfect sides that complement their rich, buttery flavor. You might also enjoy our flavored dips and marinades collection for additional dipping options.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover cheesy garlic butter rollups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melted again.
You can also freeze unbaked cheesy garlic butter rollups for up to 3 months. Simply prepare them up to the point of baking, then freeze in the baking dish. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Variations and Customizations
The beauty of cheesy garlic butter rollups lies in their adaptability. Try adding cooked bacon bits for a smoky flavor, or incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist. For those who enjoy heat, add sliced jalapeños or increase the red pepper flakes.
You can also experiment with different cheese combinations. Try using fontina and gruyere for a more sophisticated flavor profile, or add cream cheese to the filling for extra richness.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply treating your family to something special, these cheesy garlic butter rollups are always a hit. They’re fancy enough for special occasions but simple enough for weeknight dinners.
The aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen, and the first bite will have them asking for the recipe. These cheesy garlic butter rollups represent everything we love about comfort food – they’re warm, satisfying, and filled with familiar flavors that make everyone feel at home.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these cheesy garlic butter rollups, you might also love exploring our hearty main dishes that pair beautifully with these rolls. For lighter options, check out our fresh vibrant salads that balance the richness of the rollups.
Don’t forget to browse our tasty snacks section for more appetizer ideas, or explore our dinner delights for complete meal inspiration.
Final Thoughts
These cheesy garlic butter rollups have earned their place as a beloved recipe in my kitchen, and I’m confident they’ll become a favorite in yours too. With their perfect combination of buttery garlic flavor, melted cheese, and soft, pillowy texture, they represent comfort food at its finest.
The next time you’re looking for something special to serve, remember these cheesy garlic butter rollups. They’re proof that sometimes the simplest ingredients, when combined with care and attention, create the most memorable dishes. Give them a try, and prepare to be amazed by how something so simple can taste so extraordinary.
