If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, absolutely irresistible treat, look no further than this Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups Recipe. Think soft, fluffy rolls swirled with rich garlic butter and gooey melted cheese—every bite bursting with that perfect harmony of savory flavors and buttery goodness. These rollups are not just a side dish; they are the star attraction at any gathering, the perfect accompaniment to soups and salads, or just a snack to elevate any day into something special.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is delightfully simple, yet each plays its own vital role in creating texture, flavor, and that irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen. From yeast that brings life to the dough, to fresh garlic and luscious butter that infuse the rollups with their signature taste, nothing is superfluous here.
- Active Dry Yeast: Ensures the dough rises beautifully for a light, fluffy texture.
- Warm Milk: Activates the yeast and adds tenderness to the dough.
- Honey: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base for the dough, providing structure.
- Bread Flour: Boosts gluten to give the rollups a slightly chewier bite.
- Sugar: Helps the crust develop a golden brown color when baking.
- Milk Powder: Enhances richness and contributes to a soft crumb (can be swapped with extra milk).
- Egg Yolks: Enrich the dough adding depth of flavor and a tender crumb.
- Butter: Used in the dough and for brushing, it adds moisture and indulgence.
- Garlic: Roasted to mellow out sharpness and deepen the aroma.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts perfectly, bringing creamy, gooey deliciousness.
- Chopped Parsley: Offers a fresh contrast and color.
- Additional Butter: For brushing the tops of the rollups to get a glossy, flavorful finish.
- Herbs (Optional): Fresh rosemary or thyme can add an earthy twist if you like.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by whisking the active dry yeast into warm milk along with honey, then let it sit until foamy. This signals your yeast is alive and kicking, essential for light, airy rolls. Patience here pays off big time in the final texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Combine your flours, sugar, and milk powder in a large bowl. Add the egg yolks and the yeast mixture, then incorporate softened butter. Knead the dough until smooth and stretchy, about 8 to 10 minutes. This is where the magic happens as the gluten develops, giving the rollups structure and that irresistibly chewy crumb.
Step 3: First Rise
Cover your dough and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—this usually takes about an hour. Seeing that dough puff up is so satisfying and a clear sign you’re on your way to something spectacular.
Step 4: Prepare Garlic Butter Filling
Roast the whole garlic until soft and sweet, then mash it into softened butter, stirring in chopped parsley for brightness. This flavorful spread is the heart of your rollups, bringing that rich, aromatic kick with each bite.
Step 5: Assemble the Rollups
Roll your dough out into a rectangle, then generously spread the garlic butter over it and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella. Roll it up like a jelly roll, then slice into even pieces. These little spirals will bake into warm, cheesy treasures.
Step 6: Second Rise and Bake
Place the slices cut-side down in a baking dish, cover, and let rise again until puffy. Brush the tops with extra melted butter, sprinkle with herbs if you want, then bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups Recipe

Garnishes
For a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes on top right after baking. This adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances out the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
These rollups pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a bowl of comforting tomato soup. Their rich, cheesy flavor complements fresh, acidic sides that brighten the palate and make the whole meal shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the rollups in a rustic basket lined with a colorful cloth or arrange them on a wooden board surrounded by bowls of dipping sauces like marinara or herbed olive oil. It turns eating into an interactive, fun experience everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any uneaten rollups in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To keep them from drying out, you can add a damp paper towel inside the container.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these rollups later, freeze them after the first rise but before baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, let rise again, then bake as usual.
Reheating
To bring your rollups back to life, pop them in the oven at 325°F for 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that crispy top and gooey cheese inside.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella melts beautifully and provides great stretch, you can try cheddar, provolone, or even a mix for different flavors. Just make sure to pick a cheese that melts well.
Is it necessary to roast the garlic?
Roasting mellows the garlic’s sharpness and develops a sweeter, nuttier flavor that complements the richness of the butter. You can use raw garlic, but it will be more pungent and intense.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe relies on gluten for its structure, but you could experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for yeast breads. Results may vary, but it’s definitely worth a try!
How long does the dough need to rise?
The initial rise usually takes about an hour until doubled in size, while the second rise is shorter — around 30 to 45 minutes — just enough to get those fluffier layers before baking.
Can I add herbs into the dough?
Yes, fresh or dried herbs like rosemary and thyme add wonderful flavor and aroma. Mix them into the dough or sprinkle on top before baking to personalize your Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups Recipe, it will quickly become a go-to indulgence you can’t live without. The combination of soft, buttery bread, roasted garlic, and ooey-gooey cheese is simply unbeatable. So grab your ingredients, get rolling, and prepare for a deliciously satisfying treat that feels like a warm hug from your oven!
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Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups are soft, fluffy bread rolls filled with a rich garlic butter and mozzarella cheese mixture, then baked to golden perfection. These indulgent rollups combine the warmth of roasted garlic, the freshness of parsley, and the creamy melt of cheese, making them a perfect appetizer or side for any meal.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast (Always check for freshness.)
- 1 cup Warm Milk (Helps activate the yeast.)
- 2 tablespoons Honey (Adds sweetness and aids yeast activation.)
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour (Can substitute with bread flour.)
- 1 cup Bread Flour (Higher protein content.)
- 1 tablespoon Sugar (Enhances browning.)
- 1 quarter-cup Milk Powder (Can substitute with extra milk.)
- 3 large Egg Yolks (Yogurt can be used as substitute.)
Filling Ingredients
- 1 stick Butter (Use unsalted or salted as desired.)
- 1 whole Garlic (Roasted for best flavor.)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (Can substitute with favorite cheese.)
- 1 quarter-cup Chopped Parsley (For freshness.)
- Herbs (optional) (Fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme.)
- 2 tablespoons Additional Butter (For brushing.)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast with warm milk (about 110°F) and honey. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, bread flour, sugar, and milk powder. Add the activated yeast mixture and egg yolks. Mix until the dough begins to form, then knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- First Proof: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Make the Garlic Butter Filling: Roast the whole garlic until soft and fragrant. Once cooled, mash the roasted garlic and combine it with softened butter, chopped parsley, and optional fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. Mix well to create a flavorful garlic butter spread.
- Prepare the Rollups: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the garlic butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Shape the Rolls: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Slice the log into 6 equal-sized rolls and place them in a greased baking pan, leaving space between each roll.
- Second Proof: Cover the rolls with a cloth and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the rolls with additional melted butter for a golden crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the rolls cool slightly before serving warm. Enjoy these cheesy garlic butter rollups as a delicious appetizer or side dish.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Roasting the garlic enhances its flavor and mellows sharpness.
- You can substitute mozzarella with any cheese that melts well, like cheddar or provolone.
- For extra flavor, add finely chopped fresh herbs into the dough or butter spread.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

