These Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups transform simple crescent roll dough into an irresistible appetizer or side dish that’s bursting with flavor. Combining the gooey richness of melted cheese with aromatic garlic butter and herbs, these rollups offer the perfect blend of convenience and indulgence. They’re reminiscent of garlic bread but with a fun, portable twist that makes them perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish – perfect for last-minute entertaining
• Uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen
• Customizable with different cheeses and seasonings to suit your taste
• Kid-friendly but sophisticated enough for adults to enjoy
• Works as an appetizer, side dish, or even a quick snack

Ingredients

• Crescent Roll Dough: Refrigerated crescent rolls provide a convenient and flaky base – look for the original style rather than butter flavored for the best results.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Choose a good quality shredded mozzarella for that perfect stretch and mild flavor, or substitute with provolone for a slightly stronger taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Fresh grated Parmesan provides the best flavor, but pre-grated works in a pinch – it adds a wonderful savory depth.
• Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness, but salted butter can be used if you reduce the added salt elsewhere.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides the most vibrant flavor, though garlic powder can work as a backup option.
• Italian Seasoning: This herb blend adds complexity, but you can create your own mix with dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
• Salt: Helps enhance all the flavors – use kosher salt for the best distribution.
• Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley brings color and a hint of brightness to the finished rollups.

Variations

Pizza Rollups

Transform these into mini pizza bites by adding a tablespoon of pizza sauce to each triangle before adding cheese. Sprinkle with pepperoni bits or your favorite pizza toppings before rolling up. The pizza sauce adds moisture and that classic pizza flavor that everyone loves.

Spinach and Feta Rollups

For a Mediterranean twist, mix chopped spinach (make sure it’s well-drained if using frozen) with crumbled feta cheese instead of mozzarella. Add a pinch of nutmeg and some lemon zest to the garlic butter for an elevated flavor profile that pairs beautifully with Greek dishes.

Buffalo Chicken Rollups

Spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese on each triangle, then top with shredded rotisserie chicken tossed in buffalo sauce before adding the mozzarella. Replace the Italian seasoning in the butter with a ranch seasoning mix for a crowd-pleasing appetizer with a kick.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dough

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for perfectly golden rollups. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Carefully unroll the crescent dough and separate along the perforations to create 8 triangles, arranging them on a clean work surface.

Step 2: Add Cheese and Roll

Distribute the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly across each triangle, concentrating most of the cheese toward the wider end. Starting from the wide end, roll each triangle toward the pointed tip, ensuring the cheese stays tucked inside. Place each rollup on the prepared baking sheet with the seam side down to prevent them from unraveling during baking.

Step 3: Create and Apply Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt until well integrated. Using a pastry brush, generously coat each rollup with the garlic butter mixture, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor. Reserve a small amount of the garlic butter for brushing on after baking for an extra flavor boost.

Step 4: Bake and Garnish

Bake the rollups for 10-12 minutes, watching carefully as they turn golden brown and the cheese begins to melt and bubble. Once removed from the oven, immediately brush with any remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese while still hot to enhance both flavor and presentation.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Make sure your crescent dough is cold when you work with it – warm dough becomes sticky and difficult to shape
• Don’t overstuff with cheese or your rollups may burst open during baking
• If the dough is sticking to your hands, lightly dust your fingers with flour
• For extra garlicky flavor, let the minced garlic sit in the melted butter for 5 minutes before brushing onto the rollups
• For a more golden finish, brush with an egg wash (1 beaten egg with 1 tablespoon water) before applying the garlic butter
• Allow the rollups to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving to prevent burnt mouths from the hot, molten cheese

How to Serve

These Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups are best served warm when the cheese is still gooey and the exterior is crisp. They make an excellent accompaniment to pasta dishes, soups, or salads. For entertaining, arrange them on a serving platter with a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. If serving as an appetizer, consider placing them on a wooden board alongside olives, cherry tomatoes, and other antipasto items for a beautiful presentation.

Make Ahead

You can prepare these rollups up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble the rollups as directed, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Make the garlic butter mixture separately and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove the rollups from the refrigerator, brush with the softened (not melted) garlic butter, and bake as directed, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time since they’ll be starting cold.

Alternatively, you can freeze the assembled unbaked rollups for up to one month. Place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time, and prepare the garlic butter fresh.

FAQs

Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough?

Yes, puff pastry makes an excellent substitute for a more sophisticated version. Cut the puff pastry into triangles similar in size to crescent roll triangles and proceed with the recipe as written. Note that puff pastry may require a slightly longer baking time and will result in a flakier texture.

How do I know when the rollups are done baking?

The rollups should be golden brown on the outside, and you may see some cheese bubbling out of the seams. If you’re unsure, carefully lift one rollup to check that the bottom is also golden brown and not doughy.

Can I make these without dairy?

Yes, you can use dairy-free butter alternatives and vegan cheese substitutes. Look for vegan mozzarella and parmesan alternatives that melt well. The texture will be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.

How do I reheat leftover rollups?

For the best texture, reheat leftover rollups in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Microwaving is quicker (30-45 seconds) but may result in a softer texture. A toaster oven on medium setting also works well to restore some crispness.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups deliver impressive flavor with minimal effort, making them the perfect solution for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing dish in minutes. The combination of flaky dough, melty cheese, and aromatic garlic butter creates an irresistible treat that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether served alongside your favorite Italian dish or enjoyed as a standalone snack, these rollups are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Print