Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups

This cheesy garlic butter rollup recipe transforms simple sandwich bread into an irresistible snack that's perfect for casual gatherings or movie nights. The combination of melty cheese and aromatic garlic butter creates a mouthwatering treat that disappears within minutes of hitting the table.

I first made these rollups for my nephew's birthday party when I needed a last-minute appetizer. They were such a hit that the kids and adults fought over the last piece, and now they're requested at every family gathering.

Ingredients

• Sandwich bread: the backbone of our rollups, providing structure while staying soft inside and crispy outside. Choose quality bread that's not too thin or it may tear during rolling.
• Mozzarella cheese: delivers that perfect cheese pull we all love. Use freshly shredded for best melting properties rather than pre-packaged.
• Cheddar cheese: adds a sharp flavor contrast to the mild mozzarella. Medium or sharp varieties work equally well depending on your preference.
• Parmesan cheese: optional but recommended for an umami boost that elevates the entire snack.
• Unsalted butter: forms the base of our garlic butter. Use unsalted to control the overall saltiness.
• Fresh garlic: provides aromatic punch. Look for firm bulbs without any sprouting for the freshest flavor.
• Garlic powder: reinforces the garlic flavor while ensuring even distribution throughout the butter mixture.
• Fresh parsley: adds color and a hint of freshness. When using fresh, Italian flat-leaf variety offers more pronounced flavor than curly parsley.

How To Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups

Prepare Your Workspace:

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Having everything ready makes assembly much more efficient. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.

Flatten The Bread:

Using a rolling pin, gently press each bread slice until it becomes thin and pliable, about 1/8 inch thick. Work slowly to avoid tearing. This crucial step ensures the bread will roll properly and seal effectively without unraveling during baking.

Cheese Distribution:

Sprinkle your cheese mixture across the bottom third of each flattened bread slice. Be generous but avoid overloading or the cheese will leak out during baking. Leave a small margin at the edges to help with sealing.

Rolling Technique:

Starting from the cheese-covered end, tightly roll the bread while applying gentle pressure. Think of rolling a tiny carpet or sushi. The tighter the roll, the better it will hold together when baked. Seal the edge with a dab of butter if needed.

Butter Bath:

Mix your garlic butter ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the garlic is evenly distributed. The warm melted butter helps infuse the garlic flavor quickly. Brush this mixture generously over each rollup, making sure to coat all sides for maximum flavor and browning.

Baking To Perfection:

Position each rollup seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart to allow for even browning. Bake until they develop a golden crust and the cheese inside begins to bubble and ooze slightly at the ends, approximately 12-15 minutes.

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The moment these come out of the oven is pure magic in our house. My daughter loves helping me brush on the garlic butter, carefully coating each rollup while telling me about her day. These simple cooking moments have become our special time together, creating memories alongside these delicious treats.

Make-Ahead Options

These rollups shine as a make-ahead appetizer. You can prepare them entirely up to the baking stage, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply brush with a fresh coat of garlic butter and bake as directed, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time since they'll be cold from the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked rollups on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.

Creative Variations

While the classic cheese combination is delightful, these rollups welcome endless variations. Try adding a thin layer of pepperoni under the cheese for pizza rollups, or incorporate finely chopped spinach and feta for a Greek-inspired version. For breakfast rollups, use cheese with a sprinkle of cooked bacon bits. Mexican-style rollups with pepper jack cheese and a pinch of taco seasoning offer a spicy twist. The bread itself can be swapped too – try using flatbread, lavash, or even crescent roll dough for different textures and flavors.

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Serving Suggestions

Elevate your cheesy garlic butter rollups by pairing them with complementary dips and accompaniments. Warm marinara sauce offers a classic pizza-like experience, while ranch dressing provides cooling creaminess against the garlic butter. For an elegant presentation, arrange the rollups standing upright in a glass or tall serving dish, interspersed with fresh herb sprigs. These make excellent companions to soup or salad for a light meal, or alongside a charcuterie board for entertaining. For a complete game day spread, serve alongside buffalo wings, veggie sticks, and potato skins.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use whole wheat bread instead of white?

Yes, whole wheat bread works perfectly for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. Both options yield delicious results.

→ Can I add other fillings to the rollups?

Absolutely! You can experiment with fillings like cooked spinach, sautéed mushrooms, diced jalapeños, or even cooked bacon for non-vegetarian options.

→ What dipping sauces pair best with the rollups?

These rollups go well with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, spicy ketchup, or garlic herb sauce. Feel free to choose your favorite condiment!

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

You can assemble the rollups in advance and refrigerate them. When ready to serve, bake them fresh to retain their crispy texture.

→ Can I make this in an air fryer?

Yes, air fry the rollups at 360°F (180°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. They will come out just as crispy and flavorful.

→ What substitutes can I use for garlic?

If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use extra garlic powder or even garlic-infused oil for a similar flavor.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

You can use dairy-free or vegan cheese alternatives and a plant-based butter substitute to make these rollups dairy-free.