Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls

These Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls are a delightful appetizer, perfect for any gathering, from parties to game day celebrations. Each roll is filled with gooey mozzarella cheese and baked to golden perfection, making them irresistible. Brushed with a flavorful garlic herb butter and served with warm marinara sauce, they stand out as a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of melted cheese and garlic-infused butter creates an explosion of taste in every bite.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can whip these rolls up effortlessly.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual gathering or a festive celebration, these rolls fit right in and impress guests.
• Fun to Share: Pull apart these cheesy rolls for a communal dining experience; they’re made for dipping and sharing!
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or herbs to match your flavor preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smoother, gather the essential tools before starting. Having everything on hand will streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Knife or bench scraper
• Mixing bowl
• Pastry brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy base for baking the rolls evenly without burning.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking, making cleanup easy and ensuring your rolls come out perfectly.
• Knife or bench scraper: Helps in cutting dough and cheese neatly, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Pastry brush: Ideal for applying the garlic butter mixture smoothly over the rolls.

Ingredients

These Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls require the following ingredients:

For the Dough

• 16-19 oz pizza dough (see note)
• ½ tbsp milk (or 1 egg)
• Flaky salt (optional)

For the Cheese Filling

• 8 mozzarella string cheese sticks (or 32 Land O Lakes Creamy Italian Blend Cheese Cubes)
• 1 slice cheese of choice (mozzarella, provolone, cheddar)

For the Garlic Herb Butter

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted & cooled slightly)
• ¼ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
• 2 small cloves of garlic (minced or 1 large clove)
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped basil
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

To Serve

• Marinara sauce

How to Make Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling

Using a knife or bench scraper:
1. Cut each mozzarella stick into 1-inch pieces; you should have about 32 pieces total.
2. If using Land O Lakes Cheese Cubes, skip cutting.

Step 3: Portion the Dough

Divide the pizza dough into approximately 32 pieces. If you want precise portions, use a scale for accuracy.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

With your fingers:
1. Flatten each piece of dough into small rectangles.
2. Place a chunk of cheese in the center and wrap the dough around it.
3. Pinch closed and roll into a ball.

Step 5: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place dough balls seam side down on the prepared baking sheet in a football shape. Ensure they are touching but not overcrowded.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Brush milk (or whisked egg) over the top of each dough ball. If desired, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Transfer to oven and bake for about 18 minutes. Then switch to broil for an additional 2-3 minutes until tops are golden brown. Allow rolls to cool slightly afterward.

Step 8: Add Garlic Herb Butter

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine melted butter, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper.
2. Brush this mixture generously over the top of each roll.

Step 9: Add Football Laces

Cut your slice of cheese into seven thin rectangles. Arrange them on top of rolls to resemble football laces.

Step 10: Serve

Serve your Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls warm alongside marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy every gooey bite!

How to Serve Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls

These Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls make for a perfect appetizer or snack at any gathering. They are versatile and can be paired with a variety of dips and sides to enhance their flavor.

With Marinara Sauce

• Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping. The tangy sauce complements the cheesy filling perfectly.

As Finger Food

• These rolls are easy to grab and eat, making them ideal for parties or game days. Arrange them on a platter for guests to enjoy.

With Fresh Herbs

• Garnish the rolls with additional fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness.

Alongside a Salad

• Pair with a light salad for a balanced meal. A simple green salad with vinaigrette works wonderfully to cut through the richness of the rolls.

With Garlic Butter Dip

• Melt some extra garlic butter for dipping. This rich accompaniment enhances the garlicky flavor of the rolls.

How to Perfect Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls

Achieving the perfect Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls is all about technique and timing. Here are some tips to ensure your rolls turn out delicious every time.

• Use Fresh Dough: Fresh pizza dough rises better, creating fluffier rolls. You can buy it from a store or make your own.

• Don’t Overstuff: Use just the right amount of cheese in each roll. Overstuffing can cause them to burst during baking.

• Brush Generously: Apply melted herb butter generously on top after baking for added flavor and shine.

• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your rolls while they bake. Each oven varies, so adjust baking time as needed to avoid burning.

• Let Them Cool Slightly: Allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes before serving, as this helps set the cheese inside and makes them easier to handle.

Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls

Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls pair well with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, croutons, and parmesan create a fresh contrast.

2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add a healthy touch and balance the richness of the rolls.

3. Tomato Soup: A warm bowl of tomato soup is classic! It pairs beautifully with cheesy bread for dipping.

4. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides texture contrast and freshness, making it an excellent side dish.

5. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice, beans, or quinoa offer a hearty option alongside the rolls.

6. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing side that echoes the flavors in your rolls.

7. Spinach Artichoke Dip: Creamy spinach dip served with veggie sticks or chips adds another layer of flavor and fun to your spread.

8. Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles tossed in olive oil make for a low-carb option that complements the rich cheese rolls well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the final result.

• Skipping the Dough Preparation: Not allowing the pizza dough to rest can lead to tough rolls. Always let it sit for at least 30 minutes before shaping.
• Overstuffing the Rolls: Adding too much cheese can make sealing difficult and cause leaks during baking. Stick to a moderate amount of cheese in each roll.
• Incorrect Baking Temperature: Baking at a temperature that is too low may result in doughy centers. Preheat your oven properly to ensure even cooking.
• Neglecting Fresh Herbs: Using dried herbs instead of fresh can diminish flavor. Fresh herbs provide a burst of taste that elevates your rolls.
• Not Brushing with Butter Mixture: Skipping the garlic herb butter on top means missing out on delicious flavor. Always brush it generously for added taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Ensure they are completely cooled before freezing.

Reheating Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds, checking for warmth; avoid overheating as it may make them chewy.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat in a pan over low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for unique flavors.

How do I prevent soggy rolls?

Make sure the cheese is not too moist and don’t overcrowd the rolls when they bake.

Can I make the dough from scratch?

Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough adds a personal touch and enhances the flavor of your Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls.

What’s the best dipping sauce?

Marinara sauce is classic, but ranch or garlic butter also pair wonderfully with these rolls.

Final Thoughts

These Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread Rolls are perfect for any gathering or as a tasty snack. Their cheesy center and flavorful garlic butter topping make them irresistible. Feel free to customize with different cheeses or herbs based on your preference!