Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls

Olivia Marino

Posted on February 16, 2026

by Olivia Marino

Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls

These pillowy, crispy rolls are filled with gooey mozzarella cheese and topped with fragrant garlic butter, making them the perfect appetizer or side dish for any occasion.
Cheesy stuffed garlic bread rolls fresh out of the oven, perfect for sharing.

Be warned, these Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls disappear fast.
The first bite is warm, the butter melts across your fingers, and the mozzarella stretches like a little white ribbon.
You smell roasted garlic and fresh parsley before you see the golden tops.
If you like cozy kitchen nights and comfort food that doubles as a show-off trick, this is your new Sunday best.
If you want a basic roll refresher before we start, take a peek at this classic garlic bread rolls guide for simple ideas that pair well with our cheesy twist.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls

Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls

Think of these rolls as the hug you can eat. They are pillowy on the inside, crisp on top, and stuffed with gooey cheese that earns every “ooh” and “ahh” at the table.
They are a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners, game nights, and those last-minute potlucks that seem to magically appear on your calendar.
Kids will chase the cheese pull and grown-ups will smile because the garlic butter hits nostalgia right in the sweet spot.

This recipe blends the warm comfort of garlic bread with the playful indulgence of a cheese-filled pastry.
That combination makes these rolls perfect as a side for pasta, a main for a cozy sandwich night, or a snack to steal straight from the pan.
They are forgiving, fast to make, and flexible enough to please picky eaters and adventurous palates alike.

These Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls have a way of turning ordinary evenings into small celebrations.
Once you pull the pan from the oven, you’ll understand why people bring them to every family gathering they can.
They warm hearts and plates at the same time.

How to Make Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls

“If your kitchen smells like butter and brown sugar, you’re doing it right.”

Before you plug in the oven, know that the work here is joyful and simple.
You roll, you stuff, you brush, you bake. The best part is the sticky, cheesy reward at the end.
Expect butter to sizzle and garlic to bloom into a scent that makes the whole house come running.

For a quicker method of shaping and baking, you can borrow a few ideas from this quick and easy garlic bread roll tips to speed up your prep without losing flavor.
Once the dough comes together, you will see tiny air bubbles, soft glossy folds, and edges that want to brown but not burn.
That is your cue that everything is balanced and ready for the oven.

The Sweet Line-Up

1 loaf of garlic bread dough
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Marinara sauce for dipping

Use real butter for the best flavor. It makes the crust shine and the aroma sing.
Don’t skip the pinch of salt; it makes the savory notes sing and complements the cheese.
Shred your own mozzarella if you can. Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother and strings longer.

Step-by-Step Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Set the rack in the middle.
    Make sure the oven reaches temperature before you slide the rolls in. Consistent heat gives even browning.

  2. Roll out the garlic bread dough and cut it into small squares, about 3 inches across.
    Use a floured surface so the dough does not stick. Keep the squares uniform so baking finishes evenly.

  3. Place a small amount of mozzarella cheese in the center of each square.
    About a tablespoon per roll works well. Too much cheese can burst the seam, so be gentle.

  4. Fold the dough over the cheese and pinch to seal tightly.
    Press the seams with your fingers or a fork to secure. A tight seal keeps the cheese inside and makes a neat roll.

  5. Place the stuffed rolls on a greased baking sheet, leaving space for them to rise.
    Give at least an inch between rolls. They puff up a bit while baking and you want those golden crowns.

  6. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and mix in the minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
    Warm the butter until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown; it should soften and perfume the butter.

  7. Brush the garlic herb butter over the rolls.
    Get into every nook to ensure flavor in every bite. Reserve a little butter for a second brush if you like a shinier finish.

  8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
    Check at 12 minutes; ovens vary. Look for even color and a soft, springy top.

  9. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
    Let the rolls cool a minute so the cheese sets slightly. Serve hot so the stretch is picture-perfect.

Mini baking tips: Don’t overfill; we want tidy pockets, not cheese eruptions.
Use room-temperature butter for smoother brushing. If your dough feels cold, let it rest 10 minutes so it rolls easier.
If the tops brown too fast, tent with foil and finish baking.

Serving Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls With Love

Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls

Serve these warm and watch the table come alive. A little bowl of marinara sauce for dipping turns them into a playful appetizer.
If you want to make a meal, add a fresh salad on the side and some roasted vegetables. The simplicity keeps the focus on the rolls.

For family-style dinners, place the pan in the center and let everyone dig in.
These rolls are perfect between courses, in lunchboxes, or as a party snack that holds the room’s attention.
Kids will love tearing them open and chasing the cheese; grown-ups will appreciate the buttery herb finish.

To add a cozy flourish, lay the pan on a wooden board and serve with small ramekins of extra butter and herbs.
A little sprinkle of extra parsley or freshly cracked black pepper just before serving adds polish and aroma.
Trust me, the small details make people smile and come back for more.

How to Store and Enjoy Later

If you have leftovers, store the cooled rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
To reheat, use a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes. This keeps the crust crisp and the inside warm.

For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to two months.
When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 18-22 minutes, brushing with extra garlic butter halfway through.
This restores that fresh-from-the-oven texture better than microwaving.

If you must use a microwave, cover the roll with a damp paper towel to keep the interior moist, then finish in a toaster oven to get the top a little crisp.
Label your freezer bags with the date and a note about the cheese so you remember the best reheat method later.
A quick rewarm can make a weeknight feel like a celebration.

Tips, Tricks, and Sweet Secrets

  1. Keep your cheese dry: Pat freshly shredded mozzarella lightly with a paper towel if it seems wet. Less moisture means fewer leaks.
    For more ideas on rolling and proofing techniques that help neat seams, check out these rolling and proofing tricks that translate surprisingly well to savory rolls.

  2. Seal like a pro: When pinching the dough, press with a little water at the seam if it feels dry. Water acts like glue and helps the dough stick.
    Use a fork to crimp the edges if you like a decorative finish that stays shut.

  3. Flavor the butter: Add a pinch of Italian seasoning, a squeeze of lemon, or a dusting of parmesan to the garlic butter for a twist.
    A little lemon brightens the butter and makes the herbs pop without stealing the cheesy spotlight.

  4. Watch the oven: Every oven hotspots. Rotate the pan after 10 minutes for even browning. If the tops brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
    This keeps the outside from overcooking while the inside finishes.

  5. Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and parsley give the best aroma. Pre-minced garlic is fine in a pinch, but fresh changes the mood.
    Little choices like these are what turn good rolls into memorable ones.

Delicious Variations

Try a caprese-inspired version: tuck in a small basil leaf with the mozzarella and add a sliver of sun-dried tomato.
If you want inspiration for a cheesy Italian spin, try ideas similar to this caprese bread twist and adapt the fillings here.

For a spicy kick, mix a pinch of red pepper flakes into the butter and add a thin slice of pepperoni with the cheese.
For a comforting herb version, fold in some chopped rosemary and a sprinkle of parmesan on top before baking.

If you like brunch, turn these into a breakfast roll by adding a bit of cooked bacon or a small spoon of soft-scrambled egg into the cheese pocket.
They make a glorious portable morning treat and feel fancy without fuss.

Seasonal spins are fun too. In fall, a smear of roasted butternut squash puree with sage and mozzarella creates a sweet-savory holiday roll.
In summer, fold in basil and a piece of roasted cherry tomato for bright, sunshiny bites. These rolls are small canvases for big flavor.

FAQs About Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls

Q: What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
A: Dried parsley works, but use about one-third the amount. Fresh gives the best color and scent.

Q: Can I use other cheeses?
A: Yes. Cheddar, fontina, or a mix will melt nicely. Keep in mind that some cheeses are oilier and may need a bit less per roll.

Q: My rolls burst open while baking. Why?
A: Likely too much filling or seams not sealed tightly. Press edges firmly and use a little water to seal if needed.

Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: Yes. Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Brush with butter and bake from cold, adding a couple minutes to the bake time.

Q: Is marinara the only dip?
A: Not at all. Try garlic aioli, pesto, ranch, or a balsamic drizzle for different moods.

Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls

Conclusion

Bake, share, and smile. These Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls are the kind of recipe that turns a rushed weeknight into a warm moment. They are simple to make, easy to love, and perfect for sharing at any table. For another home-style version and serving ideas, take a look at Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls | Munchin’ With Maddie, and for a fluffier, extra-rising take on the same idea, see Extra Fluffy Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread – Tiffy Cooks.

Bake it once and you’ll be asked to bring it to every family gathering from now on.

Cheesy stuffed garlic bread rolls fresh out of the oven, perfect for sharing.

Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls

These pillowy, crispy rolls are filled with gooey mozzarella cheese and topped with fragrant garlic butter, making them the perfect appetizer or side dish for any occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

Dough and Filling
  • 1 loaf garlic bread dough
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded Freshly shredded for best melting
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter Use real butter for best flavor
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic preferred
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped Optional for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
  • Marinara sauce For dipping

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and set the rack in the middle.
  2. Roll out the garlic bread dough and cut it into small squares, about 3 inches across.
  3. Place a small amount of mozzarella cheese in the center of each square, about a tablespoon per roll.
  4. Fold the dough over the cheese and pinch to seal tightly.
  5. Place the stuffed rolls on a greased baking sheet, leaving space for them to rise.
Baking
  1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and mix in the minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  2. Brush the garlic herb butter over the rolls and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
  3. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 5gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 220mgSugar: 1g

Notes

If you have leftovers, store the cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls for up to two months. Use real butter for the best flavor and always ensure dough is sealed well to avoid cheese leaks.

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  • Olivia Marino

    I’m a Nashville-based school assistant and recipe creator sharing healthy breakfasts, weight loss drinks, and timeless kitchen hacks inspired by my grandmother. Real food, real roots one morning at a time.

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