Introduction

If you’re looking for a snack, appetizer, or side dish that combines the irresistible flavors of cheese and garlic, these Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups are an absolute must-try. Soft, golden, and buttery on the outside, with a gooey, cheesy center, they are perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings.

My Recipe Story

I first created this recipe on a chilly Sunday afternoon, craving something warm and comforting. I had some refrigerated dough in the fridge and a block of cheese that needed using. Combining them with garlic butter, I rolled them into bite-sized treats, and the result was magical. The family devoured them in minutes, and I knew I had stumbled onto a recipe that would become a staple in our home. Over time, I experimented with different cheeses, herbs, and even dipping sauces, making each batch uniquely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft, fluffy dough with a golden buttery crust that melts in your mouth.
Cheesy, gooey centers that satisfy any cheese lover’s craving.
Simple ingredients you probably already have at home.

Quick to prepare yet impressive enough for guests.
Highly versatile—perfect as a snack, side, or appetizer.
Customizable with herbs, spices, or different cheeses for varied flavors.

Freezer-friendly, making it great for make-ahead meals.

Ingredient Breakdown

The foundation of these rollups is soft dough, which you can either make from scratch or use store-bought refrigerated dough for convenience. The dough should be pliable and slightly elastic to ensure it rolls easily and bakes into a light, fluffy texture.

Butter is a key ingredient that adds richness and flavor. Mixing softened butter with minced garlic creates an aromatic spread that seeps into the dough as it bakes. This combination gives the rollups their irresistible buttery aroma and savory depth.

Cheese is the star of the show. Mozzarella provides gooey stretchiness, while cheddar adds a sharp bite. You can mix cheeses to suit your preference or even experiment with pepper jack for a bit of heat. Fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, elevate the flavor and add a touch of freshness.

Optional ingredients like garlic powder, paprika, or a sprinkle of parmesan on top can add an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful golden finish.

Equipment You’ll Need

Baking sheet
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Mixing bowl

Small saucepan (for melting butter)
Pastry brush
Sharp knife or pizza cutter

Measuring cups and spoons
Oven mitts
Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This ensures the rollups bake evenly and prevents sticking.
If using store-bought dough, unroll it onto a clean surface. If making homemade dough, roll it out into a rectangle about 12×8 inches. The rectangle should be even in thickness to ensure uniform baking.
In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Brush the garlic butter evenly over the surface of the dough. Make sure to cover the entire rectangle, including the edges, for maximum flavor.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar evenly over the buttered dough. You can also add chopped fresh parsley or chives at this stage for extra flavor.
Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Press the seam gently to seal it, ensuring the cheese doesn’t leak during baking.

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the log into 1–1.5 inch pieces. Arrange them cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each rollup.
Brush the tops with a little extra garlic butter and sprinkle with a pinch of salt or parmesan cheese if desired. This step enhances the golden crust and adds a finishing touch.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the rollups are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli for maximum enjoyment.

Variations & Substitutions

For a twist on the classic, you can substitute the cheeses with gouda, provolone, or pepper jack. Adding cooked bacon, ham, or sautéed mushrooms can create a more indulgent rollup. For a vegetarian option, try roasted red peppers or spinach. Whole wheat or gluten-free dough can be used to accommodate dietary preferences, although baking times may vary slightly. You can also experiment with spices like smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or chili flakes for a flavor kick.

Expert Tips & Troubleshooting

Ensure the dough is not too thin; thin dough may tear and allow cheese to leak.

Brush the garlic butter evenly to achieve consistent flavor in every bite.
Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to create clean slices for uniform rollups.
Bake on the middle rack to prevent the bottoms from burning while achieving golden tops.

Let the rollups cool slightly before serving; this prevents the cheese from being overly runny and messy.

Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead

These rollups can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. To freeze, arrange the unbaked rollups on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Make-ahead preparation works beautifully, and you can keep the dough rolled and sliced, ready to bake whenever you want a fresh batch.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups are perfect alongside soups, stews, or salads. Pair them with tomato soup for a classic comfort combination, or serve as an appetizer at parties with marinara or ranch dipping sauces. They also work well as a side for pasta dishes, roasted chicken, or barbecue meals. For a cozy snack, enjoy them with a cup of hot tea or a chilled glass of sparkling lemonade.

FAQ

Can I use frozen dough for this recipe? Yes, thaw the dough completely before rolling it out to ensure it’s pliable and easy to work with.
What cheeses work best? Mozzarella and cheddar are ideal, but you can mix and match with provolone, gouda, or pepper jack for different flavors.

Can I make these vegan? You can substitute vegan butter and plant-based cheese to make these rollups fully vegan.
How long can I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Can I add herbs or spices? Absolutely! Fresh parsley, chives, garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning can all enhance the flavor.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking? Make sure to roll the dough tightly and seal the seam well. Using slightly thicker slices also helps contain the cheese.
Can I freeze the baked rollups? Yes, place cooled rollups in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm and bubbly.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups are a versatile, comforting, and utterly delicious treat that will quickly become a favorite in your home. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and endless variations, they’re perfect for snacking, entertaining, or pairing with a meal. Whether you make them for a family dinner, a party, or a cozy night in, these rollups deliver buttery, cheesy, and garlicky goodness in every bite. Don’t be surprised if they disappear faster than you can say “more, please!” Enjoy the process, experiment with flavors, and share this irresistible recipe with friends and family.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups

Author: Sarah White
Total Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 12–14 rollups 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Soft, golden rollups filled with gooey cheese and garlicky butter, perfect as a snack, side, or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

package refrigerated dough (or homemade dough, about 12×8 inches rolled out)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)

1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Unroll refrigerated dough onto a clean surface, or roll homemade dough into a 12×8 inch rectangle.
Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat, add minced garlic, and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Brush garlic butter evenly over the dough, covering the edges for full flavor.

Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the buttered dough, and optionally add parsley or chives.
Roll dough from the long edge into a tight log, pressing the seam to seal and prevent cheese from leaking.
Slice the log into 1–1.5 inch pieces and arrange cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.

Brush tops with extra garlic butter and sprinkle with salt or Parmesan if desired.
Bake 15–20 minutes until golden brown and cheese is bubbly, watching to avoid over-browning.
Cool slightly on a wire rack and serve warm with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
Freeze unbaked rollups on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months; bake directly from frozen, adding extra time.
Pair with soups, salads, pasta, roasted chicken, or as an appetizer with dips.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer

Method: Baking
Cuisine: American