Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups

Imagine biting into a warm, Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollup that’s crispy on the outside yet soft and gooey on the inside. These irresistible treats combine the aromatic punch of garlic, the richness of butter, and the stretchy satisfaction of melted cheese all wrapped in a perfectly golden exterior. Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups are the ultimate comfort food that transforms simple ingredients into an impressive appetizer or side dish that will have everyone reaching for seconds. You’ll learn how to create these mouthwatering rollups with minimal effort for maximum flavor impact.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups are about to become your new go-to recipe for so many reasons. First, they strike that perfect balance between crispy exterior and gooey, cheesy interior that makes each bite a textural delight. The combination of melted butter, fragrant garlic, and herbs creates an aroma that will fill your kitchen and make stomachs growl in anticipation.

What makes these rollups truly special is their versatility – they’re elegant enough for dinner parties yet simple enough for weeknight meals. The prep time is minimal, requiring just a handful of ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Unlike complicated appetizers that demand precision timing, these forgiving rollups can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving.

Perhaps best of all, these garlic cheese bread rollups offer that impressive “wow factor” when served, despite being remarkably easy to make. They’re the kind of recipe that elevates any meal without adding stress to your cooking routine.

Ingredients

For these delectable Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups, you’ll need:

• 1 loaf (16 oz) soft white bread, crusts removed
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into 4-inch sticks about ½-inch thick
• 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)

The bread should be soft and pliable – avoid using crusty artisan varieties that might tear when rolling. Fresh mozzarella works wonderfully for its superior melting quality, but pre-packaged string cheese can be a convenient time-saving alternative. The combination of butter and garlic creates that classic flavor foundation, while the herbs and Parmesan add depth and complexity.

Pro Tips

Perfect Garlic Butter: The secret to exceptional Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups lies in properly preparing your garlic butter mixture. For maximum flavor infusion, melt the butter slowly over low heat, then add minced garlic and let it gently sizzle for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Browning the garlic will create bitterness, so watch it carefully. Remove from heat immediately once fragrant and stir in your herbs.

Flattening Technique: When preparing your bread slices, use a rolling pin to gently flatten each piece before adding fillings. This seemingly small step makes a huge difference—it creates a more pliable base that’s less likely to tear and ensures even cooking. Apply gentle, even pressure rather than forcing the bread flat too quickly.

Sealing Strategy: The most common issue with cheese-filled rollups is leakage during baking. To prevent this, pinch the seams firmly and then roll the seam-side down. For an extra insurance policy, you can brush a tiny amount of beaten egg along the final edge before sealing. This creates a foolproof bond that keeps all that delicious cheese where it belongs—inside your rollup!

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the garlic butter mixture by melting 6 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the bread.

Step 2: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the crusts from each bread slice, then use a rolling pin to gently flatten the bread pieces until they’re about ¼-inch thick. This makes them easier to roll without tearing.

Step 3: Brush each flattened bread slice generously with the garlic butter mixture, making sure to reach all the edges. Sprinkle a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese over each slice, reserving some for the exterior.

Step 4: Place a mozzarella stick along one edge of each bread slice. Starting from the cheese side, tightly roll up each bread slice, enclosing the mozzarella completely. Press the seam firmly to seal and place seam-side down on your work surface.

Step 5: Brush the outside of each rollup with olive oil, then roll them in the remaining Parmesan cheese to coat. This creates that irresistible crispy exterior that makes Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups so special.

Step 6: Arrange the rollups on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch between each one to allow for even browning. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and the cheese inside is fully melted. You might see some cheese bubbling out from the ends – that’s a good sign!

Step 7: Allow the Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. This brief rest helps the melted cheese set slightly so it doesn’t all run out with the first bite. Serve warm, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired.

Variations

Spicy Pepperoni Rollups: Transform your Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups into mini pizza bites by adding a layer of thinly sliced pepperoni before the cheese stick. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture for an extra kick, and consider using mozzarella sticks with a thin strip of provolone for that authentic pizza flavor profile. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Mediterranean Style: Create a sophisticated variation by using feta cheese crumbles mixed with a little mozzarella for the filling. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, a sprinkle of oregano, and some finely chopped olives to the interior before rolling. The tangy feta and umami-rich sun-dried tomatoes create a complex flavor that pairs beautifully with the garlic butter base.

Herb and Cheese: For a fresh, herb-forward version, incorporate chopped fresh basil, chives, and dill into your standard Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups. Use a combination of Gruyère and mozzarella for the filling to create a more complex cheese flavor. This variation works beautifully alongside soups or as part of a brunch spread.

Storage and Serving

These Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the exterior is perfectly crisp and the cheese is at its melty peak. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwave reheating as it will make the exterior soggy.

For make-ahead preparation, you can assemble the rollups completely, then freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding about 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.

Serve these delicious rollups alongside a hearty tomato soup for a comforting meal, pair them with a fresh green salad for a light lunch, or arrange them on a platter as part of an appetizer spread for entertaining. For an extra special touch, provide a small bowl of warm marinara sauce or pesto for dipping.

FAQs

Can I use different types of bread for these rollups?
Yes, you can use various types of bread, but soft white sandwich bread works best because it’s easily flattened and rolled. Whole wheat bread can work too, though it may be slightly less pliable. Avoid very crusty or artisanal breads that might crack when rolled.

My cheese is leaking out during baking. What am I doing wrong?
This usually happens when the seams aren’t sealed properly. Make sure to pinch the edges firmly and place the rollups seam-side down on the baking sheet. You can also try wrapping the cheese more tightly or using slightly less cheese in each rollup.

Can I prepare these in advance for a party?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups up to the point of baking, then refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving for the best texture and melty cheese experience.

What’s the best cheese to use besides mozzarella?
While mozzarella provides that classic stretchy pull, you can experiment with cheddar, provolone, fontina, or Gruyère. Each offers a different flavor profile while still melting beautifully.

Can I make these rollups without garlic?
Yes, you can omit the garlic and create herb butter rollups instead. Simply increase the herbs and add a touch more salt to compensate for the missing garlic flavor.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups are comfort food at its finest — crispy, garlicky exterior giving way to gooey, stretchy cheese that pulls apart in the most satisfying way. They’re the kind of dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary with just a few simple techniques. Whether you’re serving them as an impressive appetizer, a crowd-pleasing side dish, or even a fun weekend snack, these rollups deliver big flavor with minimal effort. The combination of buttery garlic, herbs, and melted cheese creates an irresistible treat that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe. Give these a try, and watch how quickly they disappear from your table!

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