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Garlic Butter Cheese Rollups combine everything tasty about garlic bread with melty cheese in a warm, golden bite. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, every mouthful packs a buttery garlic punch. They’re perfect for game nights, quick snacks, or sides for dinner.
I made these for the first time on a hectic Friday, wanting something cheesy that wasn’t pizza. They were gobbled up before dinner even began, and now they’re a regular request for movie nights and weekend treats.
Ingredients
- White or whole wheat sandwich bread: trim off the crusts for neat rolling and better crisping
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: classic for meltiness; whole milk mozzarella gives a better gooey texture
- Shredded cheddar cheese: adds sharpness; use a good quality block and shred fresh for a better melt
- Grated Parmesan cheese: delivers a salty kick and browns nicely
- Unsalted butter: melted for richness and easier mixing
- Fresh garlic: minced for a strong smell; choose firm, hefty cloves
- Garlic powder: intensifies the garlic flavor and blends into the butter
- Fresh parsley: adds brightness; pick vibrant bunches or swap for dried if you prefer
- Salt: just the right amount to balance the creamy cheesiness
- Your favorite dipping sauces: marinara, ranch, or spicy ketchup take these rollups to another level
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Heat your oven to three hundred seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred ninety degrees Celsius to ensure it's hot when you’re ready. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat to make cleanup easy.
- Flatten the Bread:
- Grab each slice and roll it flat with a rolling pin. Aim for even thickness for smooth rolling and easy filling.
- Add the Cheese Filling:
- Place a mix of mozzarella and cheddar in a line across the lower third of each slice. Roll them tightly towards the top to form a log. If needed, use a bit of melted butter on the edge to stick it closed so it doesn’t open while baking.
- Make the Garlic Butter:
- In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, parsley, and salt. Mix well to distribute the garlic flavor throughout the butter.
- Brush and Bake:
- Set each rollup seam side down on the prepared tray. Generously brush the tops and sides with garlic butter for maximum flavor and crispiness. Bake for about twelve to fifteen minutes until golden brown. If you're using an air fryer, set it to three hundred sixty degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred eighty degrees Celsius and cook for eight to ten minutes, flipping once.
- Serve Hot:
- Let them cool for a minute or two so the cheese is melty but not burning. Serve warm with marinara, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
There’s no resisting the scent of fresh parsley and garlic melting into butter. My kids know these mean something special, and they always enjoy helping to roll them up, making for some fun moments around our table.
Storage Tips
If you have leftover rollups, let them cool down completely. Then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven to regain that crisp texture. I’d skip the microwave since it makes the bread soft.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap mozzarella for provolone, gouda, or even cream cheese for a different oozy feel. Any soft melting cheese works well. Whole wheat or gluten-free breads roll just as nicely.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm rollups in a basket for game night. They pair great as a side with tomato soup or alongside a fresh salad. I think they’re best served with bowls of various sauces for everyone to dip in.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the summer, toss in chopped fresh basil or roasted red pepper strips. In winter, trade parsley for sage or rosemary for a stronger taste. During spring, stir in chopped spinach or arugula for a pop of green.
Success Stories
I took a double batch of these to a family BBQ and watched them disappear in no time. The highlight was seeing everyone go back for seconds and asking for the recipe.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Assemble the rollups and freeze them unbaked on a tray. Once they’re solid, pack them into bags and label. When you're ready to bake from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to achieve perfectly golden edges.
These rollups always win over a crowd. A batch never sticks around for long, so make extra just to be safe.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What bread works best for these rollups?
Soft white or whole wheat sandwich bread is great. It flattens easily and holds the filling well.
- → Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and cheddar melt nicely, you can swap in Monterey Jack or provolone for something different.
- → How do I keep the rollups from unrolling?
Use a little melted butter to seal the edge after rolling them. Place them seam-side down before baking for the best results.
- → Is there an option for a crispier texture?
Air frying or baking will get you a crunchy outside. The air fryer gives extra crispiness in less time.
- → Which sauces pair well with these rollups?
Great dipping options include marinara, ranch, garlic herb, or spicy ketchup.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Sure thing! You can put them together in advance and bake them right before serving for the freshest taste.