Buttery Cheese-Filled Crescent Rolls

This cheesy garlic butter rollup recipe transforms simple crescent roll dough into an irresistible treat that disappears within minutes at my family gatherings. The combination of gooey mozzarella, savory Parmesan, and garlic butter creates bite-sized pieces of heaven that everyone reaches for first.

I originally created these rollups when unexpected guests showed up one evening, and they've become my signature party appetizer. My nephew actually requested these instead of cake for his birthday last year.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated crescent roll dough: Provides the perfect flaky base without any fuss
• Mozzarella cheese: Creates that irresistible cheese pull when warm
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor dimension that elevates the entire bite
• Unsalted butter: Lets you control the salt level perfectly
• Fresh garlic cloves: Deliver more vibrant flavor than garlic powder
• Italian seasoning: Brings a blend of complementary herbs in one convenient sprinkle
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings them together

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless. Allow your oven to fully preheat as this ensures even cooking and perfect browning.

Prepare the Dough:

Carefully unroll the crescent dough and separate into triangles on a clean work surface. Handle gently to avoid tearing. If the dough feels sticky, lightly dust your fingers with flour.

Assemble the Rollups:

Distribute mozzarella and Parmesan evenly across each triangle, leaving a small border at the edges. This prevents cheese from leaking out during baking. Start rolling from the wide end and tuck the tip underneath to secure the rollup.

Make the Garlic Butter:

Whisk together melted butter, finely minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt until well combined. Ensure the garlic is minced very finely for even distribution of flavor throughout the butter mixture.

Brush with Garlic Butter:

Use a pastry brush to generously coat each rollup with the garlic butter mixture. Make sure to get into the crevices where the dough overlaps for maximum flavor infusion.

Bake:

Place the rollups in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Look for golden brown edges and slight bubbling of cheese as indicators of doneness. The dough should feel firm to the touch.

Finish and Serve:

Brush any remaining garlic butter over the hot rollups to intensify the flavor. Serve immediately while the cheese is still stretchy and molten.

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My secret to making these rollups extra special is using a combination of cheeses. While the recipe calls for mozzarella, I often mix in a bit of sharp cheddar or creamy Monterey Jack. The first time I served these at a family potluck, my usually reserved father-in-law asked for the recipe which was the ultimate compliment.

Make-Ahead Options

These rollups can be completely assembled and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply prepare them up to the point of baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding 1-2 additional minutes to the baking time.

Perfect Pairings

These cheesy garlic butter rollups are fantastic on their own, but they really shine when served with dipping options. Marinara sauce provides a tangy contrast to the rich, buttery flavor, while ranch dressing adds a creamy, herbaceous element. For a more sophisticated approach, serve them alongside a roasted red pepper dip or balsamic glaze.

Flavor Variations

The basic recipe is delicious, but there are countless ways to customize these rollups to suit your taste or occasion. For an Italian twist, add a sprinkle of dried oregano and a few small pieces of pepperoni before rolling. Create a breakfast version by incorporating scrambled eggs and crispy bacon bits. For a sweeter option, replace the savory ingredients with cinnamon sugar and a thin layer of cream cheese.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of cheese for these rollups?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for mozzarella and Parmesan, you can substitute with any good melting cheese like cheddar, provolone, or fontina. For the best flavor profile, consider using a combination of a stretchy cheese (like mozzarella) and a more flavorful cheese (like sharp cheddar or Gruyère).

→ How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?

To minimize cheese leakage, make sure to roll the dough tightly and place the rollups seam-side down on your baking sheet. Avoid overfilling with cheese—about 1-2 tablespoons per triangle is ideal. Additionally, using a blend of cheeses that includes Parmesan helps as it has a lower melting point than mozzarella alone.

→ Can I make these rollups ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, possibly adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, you can fully bake them, refrigerate, and then reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

→ What can I serve with these Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups?

These versatile rollups pair wonderfully with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. They make an excellent appetizer on their own, a delicious side dish to soups or salads, or a complementary addition to pasta dishes. For a full meal, serve them alongside grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.

→ How can I add more flavor variations to these rollups?

The possibilities are endless! Try adding thinly sliced pepperoni, diced ham, or crumbled bacon for a meaty variation. For vegetarian options, incorporate chopped spinach (make sure it's dry), sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers. You can also customize the herb mix by using fresh herbs like basil or rosemary instead of Italian seasoning.

→ Are these rollups freezer-friendly?

Yes, these rollups freeze beautifully. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the frozen rollups on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.