Introduction:
If you’re a fan of soft, golden bread with a gooey cheesy center and rich garlic butter flavor, these Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups are about to become your go-to snack, appetizer, or side dish. With only a few simple ingredients, they come together quickly and taste like something you’d get from a cozy Italian restaurant—perfect for game day, parties, or a cheesy sidekick to pasta night.
Origin:
These rollups are inspired by a blend of Italian-American garlic bread traditions and comfort food twists found in American kitchens. They combine garlic butter (a classic staple) with melted cheese, all wrapped in soft dough, reminiscent of pinwheels or pizza rolls.
Ingredients:
For the Rollups:
- 1 tube (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
Optional Ingredients:
- Add pepperoni slices or ham for a meaty twist
- Mix in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
- Use a blend of cheeses (cheddar, provolone, fontina) for more flavor
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top before baking
- Serve with marinara, ranch, or Alfredo sauce for dipping
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Roll out the crescent dough into a rectangle. If using perforated dough, pinch the seams together to seal.
- In a bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic, parsley, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Brush the dough with half of the garlic butter mixture.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the dough.
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice into 1-inch thick pieces using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.
- Arrange the rollups cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush tops with remaining garlic butter.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool for a couple of minutes and serve warm with your favorite dip.
Tips for Success:
- Chill the dough slightly before slicing to keep the rollups neat.
- Don’t overfill with cheese—too much can cause overflow.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in the butter.
- Bake on parchment paper for easier cleanup and better browning.
- Rotate the tray halfway through baking for even color.
Recommendations:
- Perfect for lunchboxes, parties, or game day snacks.
- Pair with soup or salad for a satisfying meal.
- Make them ahead and reheat in the oven or air fryer for crispiness.
- Try stuffing with spinach and ricotta for a vegetarian twist.
Nutrition (per rollup, based on 10 servings):
- Calories: 140
- Fat: 9g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Net Carbs: 10.5g
(Nutrition will vary depending on dough type and cheese brand.)