Delicious Garlic Cheese Bread Rolls

Featured in Snacks That Bring People Together.

Easy and fun appetizer! These cheesy bread rolls are filled with mozzarella, brushed with garlic butter, and shaped for game day flair.

Rose
Updated on Sat, 01 Mar 2025 23:51:31 GMT
Golden baked pull-apart bread loaded with gooey cheese, sprinkled with fresh herbs, and served alongside a creamy dip. Pin it
Golden baked pull-apart bread loaded with gooey cheese, sprinkled with fresh herbs, and served alongside a creamy dip. | tastybysophie.com

Discover a crowd-pleasing appetizer that's become a kitchen classic - Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible treat, combining melted cheese with aromatic garlic butter for the perfect party snack or family favorite.

Why These Rolls Stand Out

The beauty of these rolls lies in their simplicity. Store-bought pizza dough provides convenience without compromising taste, while the filling options remain endlessly customizable. The technique produces consistently delicious results, ideal for both novice and experienced bakers.

Essential Ingredients

  • Pizza Dough: Store-bought, room temperature
  • Mozzarella: High-quality string cheese
  • Egg Wash: For golden-brown crust
  • Unsalted Butter: Room temperature
  • Parmesan: Freshly grated
  • Garlic: Minced fresh cloves
  • Fresh Herbs: Basil and parsley
  • Seasonings: Sea salt and black pepper

Starting the Process

Begin by preheating the oven to 400°F. Portion the dough evenly - using a kitchen scale ensures uniform rolls that bake consistently.

Creating the Garlic Butter

The signature garlic herb butter elevates these rolls beyond ordinary bread. Combine melted butter with minced garlic, fresh herbs, and grated parmesan for an aromatic blend that infuses every bite.

A freshly baked cheesy pull-apart bread topped with herbs, resting on a wooden cutting board, accompanied by bowls of sauce and chopped herbs. Pin it
A freshly baked cheesy pull-apart bread topped with herbs, resting on a wooden cutting board, accompanied by bowls of sauce and chopped herbs. | tastybysophie.com

Forming Perfect Rolls

Arrange rolls with slight spacing to achieve ideal pull-apart texture. The dough expands during baking, creating perfectly connected sections with defined separation points.

Professional Tips

Use cold cheese to prevent leaking during baking. Seal edges thoroughly and apply egg wash generously for optimal browning.

Serving Suggestions

Present with warm marinara sauce for dipping. The melted cheese creates appetizing stretchy pulls between portions.

Flavor Variations

Incorporate pepperoni, alternate cheese blends, or spicy elements like diced jalapeños to create unique flavor combinations.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover rolls in airtight containers. Reheat in oven until cheese melts and exterior crisps for optimal texture.

A freshly baked, cheesy pull-apart bread topped with parsley, served with a small bowl of dipping sauce. Pin it
A freshly baked, cheesy pull-apart bread topped with parsley, served with a small bowl of dipping sauce. | tastybysophie.com

Dietary Modifications

Successfully adaptable using gluten-free pizza dough. Handle modified dough gently to maintain texture.

Family Cooking Project

An excellent recipe for cooking with children. Young helpers can assist with cheese stuffing and dough shaping.

Entertainment Solution

Reliable party fare that travels well and impresses guests. Can be prepared ahead for convenient entertaining.

Complementary Dishes

Pairs excellently with pasta dishes, hearty soups, or fresh salads. Substantial enough for light meals or ideal as shared appetizers.

Cheese Selection Guide

While traditional mozzarella works perfectly, experiment with cheese combinations. Consider adding soft cheeses or sharp varieties for depth.

A freshly baked cheese pull-apart bread topped with herbs sits on parchment paper. Pin it
A freshly baked cheese pull-apart bread topped with herbs sits on parchment paper. | tastybysophie.com

Advance Preparation

Prepare rolls ahead, refrigerate covered, then brush with egg wash before baking. Perfect for organized meal planning.

Dough Selection

Fresh pizza dough provides superior texture compared to pre-packaged varieties. Allow proper temperature adjustment before handling.

Final Baking Step

Brief broiling creates appealing golden tops. Monitor closely to achieve ideal coloration without burning.

Sauce Pairings

Offer varied dipping options including classic marinara, creamy ranch, and warm garlic butter for enhanced serving versatility.

Recipe Appeal

These garlic cheese rolls represent comfort food at its finest. The combination of fresh-baked bread, melted cheese, and aromatic seasonings creates an undeniably appealing dish.

A golden, cheesy bread loaf topped with melted cheese and fresh parsley, sitting on parchment paper with dipping sauces in the background. Pin it
A golden, cheesy bread loaf topped with melted cheese and fresh parsley, sitting on parchment paper with dipping sauces in the background. | tastybysophie.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of dough should I choose?

Pick a dough that's easy to handle and not sticky. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle with a bit of flour to make rolling easier.

→ Can I swap the cheese for another type?

Mozzarella-based cheeses work best since they melt beautifully, but you can try other soft cheese blends too!

→ Why is the football shape recommended?

The football shape is great for themed gatherings, especially on game days! Feel free to get creative with other arrangements if you'd like.

→ Is it okay to prep these rolls early?

They're tastiest when fresh from the oven. But, you can prepare the parts ahead of time and bake just before serving.

→ What's the purpose of brushing with milk or egg?

The milk or egg wash adds a golden finish to the crust while it bakes. Both options work, so use whichever you prefer.

Conclusion

Easy and fun appetizer! These cheesy bread rolls are filled with mozzarella, brushed with garlic butter, and shaped for game day flair.

Garlic Cheese Pull-Apart Bites

Soft bread bites stuffed with gooey mozzarella and topped with buttery garlic herb spread. A fun fit for football parties!

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes

Category: Party & Snacks

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 32 Servings (32 rolls)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 16–19 oz of pizza dough.
02 8 sticks of string mozzarella cheese.
03 Half a tablespoon of milk or one egg, beaten.
04 Flaky salt for sprinkling, if you'd like.
05 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted.
06 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan.
07 Two small garlic cloves, finely chopped.
08 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley.
09 1 tbsp freshly chopped basil.
10 Salt and pepper, add as much as you want.
11 A slice of cheese for decoration.
12 Marinara sauce for dipping.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Cut your cheese sticks down to make 32 pieces, and then split the dough into 32 portions too.

Step 02

Flatten the dough into small rounds, plop some cheese in the middle, fold it up snug, and roll each into a ball. Arrange them all into a football-like shape on a lined sheet pan.

Step 03

Coat the dough balls with milk or egg wash, sprinkle with salt if using. Let them bake for 18 minutes, then broil for 2–3 minutes to get a golden crust.

Step 04

Whisk the melted butter with the herbs and grated Parmesan, then brush it over the baked balls. Use the sliced cheese to make 'laces' on the rolls. Serve with marinara sauce on the side.

Notes

  1. Go for pizza dough that’s not too sticky so it’s easier to work with.
  2. A kitchen scale can help you divide up the cheese and dough evenly.

Tools You'll Need

  • Sheet pan for baking.
  • Parchment for lining the pan.
  • Pastry brush for coating.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy.
  • Wheat is included.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 54
  • Total Fat: 2 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 7 g
  • Protein: 2 g