Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups

Name: Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet refrigerated crescent dough or pizza dough; 180 grams shredded mozzarella cheese; 30 grams grated parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 55 grams unsalted butter, melted; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley; Pinch of salt

Recipe by Sam Rivera · Updated July 2025

There's something about the golden, bubbling cheese pull of these Garlic Butter Rollups that turns even the simplest gathering into a celebration. Home cooks love them for their irresistible aroma, the way they fill the kitchen with warmth, and how effortlessly they become the star of any potluck, game day spread, or family snack time. The flaky layers of dough encase a rich garlic butter swirl and melty cheese center, making every bite a little indulgence-perfect for sharing (or not). Whether you're hosting a casual movie night or just treating yourself to a midweek comfort boost, these rollups deliver on comfort and crowd-pleasing charm.

What Makes This Recipe Special

The dough gets its magic from a double layer of garlic butter-one brushed on before cheese, one poured after baking-to create layers of flavor and crunch.
Using a mix of mozzarella and parmesan ensures gooey stretch and sharp, savory depth without overpowering the garlic.
The dough is rolled tightly and sliced cleanly into spirals, giving each rollup an elegant, bakery-style presentation with even cheese distribution.
Italian seasoning ties everything together without overpowering, enhancing the garlic and butter with subtle herbal notes.

⏱ 33 mins

American

Servings 4

Ingredients

1 sheetrefrigerated crescent dough or pizza dough

180 gramsshredded mozzarella cheese

30 gramsgrated parmesan cheese

1 teaspoonItalian seasoning

55 gramsunsalted butter, melted

3 clovesgarlic, minced

1 tablespoonchopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Pinch of salt

Nutrition

180 caloriesCalories

Per serving · Values are estimates

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 190°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to form a rectangle.

Brush the surface of the dough lightly with some of the prepared garlic butter. Reserve the remaining garlic butter for later.

Evenly sprinkle mozzarella, parmesan, and Italian seasoning across the entire dough surface.

Roll up the dough tightly from the long edge to form a log. Slice into approximately 4-centimetre pieces.

Place the rollups, spiral side up, onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the remaining garlic butter.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown and cheese is bubbling.

Optionally sprinkle extra parmesan and parsley over the hot rollups immediately after baking. Serve warm with marinara or ranch dipping sauce.

Essential Tips

Room temperature dough

Let the refrigerated dough sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before rolling. This prevents cracking and makes it easier to stretch evenly without tearing.

Butter evenly

Use a pastry brush to coat the dough with melted garlic butter just before adding cheese. This creates a flavor base and helps the cheese stick in place during rolling.

Use a sharp knife

Slice the log with a serrated knife or dental floss for clean, even pieces. Avoid squishing-press gently to keep the roll tight.

Bake on parchment

Lining the tray with parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. It also ensures even browning since the rollups won't brown on the bottom too quickly.

Don't overbake

Rollups are done when the tops are golden and cheese is bubbling-usually 15-18 minutes. Overbaking dries out the dough and makes the cheese tough.

Smart Swaps & Variations

Herb Twist Swap Italian seasoning for 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary and 1 teaspoon thyme for a fresh, aromatic accent that pairs beautifully with the garlic.

Spicy Kick Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture for a subtle heat that balances the richness without overpowering.

Bacon Lover's Sprinkle 60 grams cooked and crumbled bacon over the cheese layer before rolling for a smoky, salty twist that elevates every bite.

Dairy-Free Use dairy-free mozzarella and omit parmesan, or swap for nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without lactose.

What to Serve With This

Warm marinara sauce for dipping-classic, tangy, and perfect for soaking up every cheesy bite.
Cool ranch dressing thinned with a splash of buttermilk for a creamy, herby contrast.
A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness and add freshness.
Ice-cold sparkling water with lemon slices-hydrating and refreshing alongside the buttery, garlicky rollups.

Storage & Reheating

Storage

Store cooled rollups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

Reheating

Reheat in a 175°C oven for 5-7 minutes to restore warmth and crispness without drying out the dough. Microwaving is not recommended-it makes the rollups soggy.

Expert Chef Tips

Use clarified butter for the garlic butter infusion-it has a higher smoke point and won't burn during baking, preserving the garlic's aroma and flavor.
Chill the rolled log for 15 minutes before slicing to prevent the dough from springing back and making clean cuts difficult.
Add a pinch of baking powder to the melted butter before brushing-it creates tiny air pockets during baking, giving the rollups an extra-flaky, bakery-style texture.

Equipment You’ll Need

Baking sheet with parchment paper
Rolling pin (or wine bottle in a pinch)
Pastry brush for butter application
Serrated knife or dental floss for slicing

Nutritional Benefits

Moderate in calories (180 per rollup) but high in protein from cheese for satisfying satiety.
Contains beneficial fats from butter and cheese, which help with nutrient absorption in fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E.
Provides calcium from mozzarella and parmesan for bone health, with about 15% DV per rollup.
Garlic offers antioxidants and potential anti-inflammatory benefits, especially when used fresh and not overcooked.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated?

Absolutely! Use pizza dough or a soft sandwich dough rolled to ¼-inch thickness. Homemade dough adds depth of flavor but may require slightly more butter for richness. Allow it to rise fully before rolling.

Why is my dough shrinking or cracking when I roll it?

Cold dough is stiff-always let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before rolling. If it still cracks, lightly knead it first to relax the gluten. Avoid over-flouring the surface to prevent dryness.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the rollups, place on the tray, and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 12 hours. Add 2-3 extra minutes to baking time if baking cold. For freezing, slice and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag for up to 1 month.

What's the best way to slice the log evenly?

Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and chill for 15 minutes-this firms up the butter and cheese layers. Use a serrated knife or dental floss for clean cuts. Press gently to avoid squishing the roll.

Can I add more cheese after baking?

Yes! Sprinkle extra mozzarella or parmesan over the tops right after baking and return to the oven for 2-3 minutes to melt. This creates an extra cheesy crust without overbaking the dough.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Mince the garlic finely and mix it into the cooled, melted butter before brushing. Avoid using raw garlic directly on the dough-it can scorch during baking. If using powdered garlic, reduce the amount by half.

Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?

Yes! Puff pastry works beautifully and adds an extra flaky, buttery layer. Roll it to ¼-inch thickness, proceed with the recipe, and bake at 200°C for 16-18 minutes. Expect a taller, more elegant rollup.

What's the best dipping sauce to pair?

Classic marinara is always a hit, but a garlic-herb aioli or warm beer cheese sauce adds decadence. For a lighter option, whisk together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon zest, and salt for a bright, tangy dip.