Introduction
I still remember the first time I made these Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups. It was a rainy afternoon, and I had a craving for something warm, gooey, and comforting—but I didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. So, I grabbed a pack of crescent roll dough, some shredded cheese, a few cloves of garlic, and a little butter. Within minutes, my kitchen was filled with the smell of toasted garlic and melting cheese. The rollups came out golden and irresistible, and I’ve been making them ever since.
These rollups became my go-to recipe for just about every occasion. Whether I needed a quick side dish, a party snack, or something to pack in a lunchbox, this recipe never failed me. Over the years, I’ve adjusted it slightly—more garlic here, a sprinkle of parsley there—and it’s now one of the most requested dishes among my friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Versatile
These rollups can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a quick bite on the go. You can fill them with different cheeses, herbs, or even add cooked turkey bacon or chicken ham for a heartier option. -
Budget-Friendly
With only a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe is easy on your wallet and can feed a crowd. No fancy equipment or specialty items required.
Ingredients for the Recipe
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1 can of refrigerated crescent roll dough (8-count)
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1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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2 cloves garlic, finely minced
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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¼ teaspoon salt
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Optional: cooked and crumbled turkey bacon or diced chicken ham for filling
How to Make This Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups is surprisingly simple, and you don’t need any special tools—just your hands, a baking sheet, and an oven. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick spray. This prevents sticking and helps with an even bake.
Unroll the crescent dough on a clean surface. Carefully separate the dough along the perforated lines into eight individual triangles. If the dough tears, gently press it back together with your fingers.
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and finely minced garlic. Add the garlic powder and salt to the mixture. Stir well until everything is fully combined. This will be your garlic butter glaze.
Using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon, spread a thin layer of the garlic butter over each triangle of dough. Don’t overdo it—too much butter can make the rollups greasy. Make sure to save a bit of garlic butter for brushing on top later.
Next, sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese onto each triangle, focusing more toward the wide end. If you’re adding extras like turkey bacon or diced chicken ham, now is the time. Place a small amount on top of the cheese layer. Be careful not to overload the rollups, or the filling may spill out during baking.
Now, it’s time to roll. Starting at the wide end, gently roll each triangle toward the pointed end. Tuck any loose cheese inside as you go. Once rolled, place each piece onto the prepared baking sheet, point side down. Leave space between them so they can expand as they bake.
Before putting them in the oven, brush the tops with the remaining garlic butter. If you like a touch of color and flavor, sprinkle with chopped parsley. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the rollups are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling slightly from the edges.
Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a minute or two. This allows the cheese inside to settle, making them easier to pick up and bite into without spilling molten cheese everywhere.
Quick and Easy
These rollups are ideal when you need something satisfying but don’t have much time. From start to finish, the recipe takes around 20 minutes, including prep and bake time. You don’t need to knead dough or cook anything in advance. Even cleanup is quick, especially if you use parchment paper.
The ingredients are likely already in your kitchen, which makes this recipe a lifesaver on busy evenings. It’s perfect for beginner bakers or anyone who wants to make something homemade with minimal effort.
Customizable
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or provolone for a richer flavor. If you want some heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or sprinkle a little inside each roll.
You can also change the herbs depending on what’s in your pantry. Try oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean twist. If you’re cooking for kids, consider leaving out the garlic chunks and just using garlic powder to make the flavor more subtle.
For a heartier version, add chopped cooked vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Just make sure they’re not too wet—pat them dry before adding to avoid soggy dough.
Perfect for Guests
Whether you’re hosting a casual game night, a holiday dinner, or a cozy movie evening, these Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups are always a hit. You can double or triple the batch depending on the size of your crowd. Serve them warm on a platter with a side of marinara or ranch dip, and they’ll be gone in minutes.
They also make great make-ahead appetizers. Prepare the rollups and keep them uncooked in the fridge for up to a few hours. Then bake them fresh just before guests arrive. This ensures you get that golden crunch and melted cheese perfection every time.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I make these rollups ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rollups up to 4 hours in advance. Assemble them completely, cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic and pop them straight into the oven.
Can I freeze Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups?
Absolutely. After baking, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8–10 minutes until warmed through.
What can I use instead of crescent roll dough?
If crescent dough isn’t available, you can use puff pastry or pizza dough. Roll it out and cut it into triangles before adding the filling. Baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the oven.
How do I make them less greasy?
To avoid too much butteriness, use just enough garlic butter to coat the dough lightly. Excess butter may pool on the baking tray and make the bottoms soggy.
Are these suitable for kids?
Yes. Most kids love the cheesy flavor, and you can reduce or omit the garlic if they prefer milder tastes.