Name: Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12-16 rollups
Ingredients: 1 package (13.8 ounces) refrigerated pizza dough; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup melted butter, for brushing; Sea salt, for sprinkling

Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups: Prepare to meet your new favorite appetizer, side dish, or even late-night snack! Imagine warm, flaky dough, swirled with a generous helping of savory garlic butter and oozing with melted cheese. These aren't just any rolls; they're an experience, a comforting hug in every bite.

While the exact origins of garlic rolls are debated, the combination of garlic, butter, and bread has been a culinary love affair for centuries, spanning cultures and continents. The addition of cheese elevates this classic to a truly irresistible treat. Think of them as a deconstructed garlic bread, but with a fun, interactive twist!

What makes cheesy garlic butter rollups so universally loved? It's the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The soft, pillowy dough contrasts beautifully with the crispy, golden-brown exterior. The garlic butter infuses every layer with a rich, savory aroma, while the melted cheese adds a creamy, decadent element. Plus, they're incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff. Whether you're hosting a party, looking for a quick weeknight side, or simply craving a comforting indulgence, these rollups are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to bake up a batch of pure happiness!

Ingredients:

1 package (13.8 ounces) refrigerated pizza dough
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup melted butter, for brushing
Sea salt, for sprinkling

Preparing the Dough and Garlic Butter

Let's start by prepping our dough. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the rollups from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Unroll the pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. If the dough is a bit sticky, sprinkle a little more flour on top. Gently stretch the dough into a large rectangle, about 12x16 inches. Don't worry about making it perfectly even; a little imperfection adds character!
Now, for the star of the show: the garlic butter! In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix everything together until it's well combined and creamy. The aroma alone is going to make your mouth water!
Spread the garlic butter evenly over the entire surface of the pizza dough rectangle. Make sure to get all the way to the edges! This is where all the flavor comes from, so don't be shy.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the garlic butter. I like to use a generous amount of cheese because, well, who doesn't love cheesy goodness?

Rolling and Slicing the Rollups

Time to roll! Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log. Try to keep the roll as even as possible to ensure all the rollups are the same size.
Once you have a nice, tight log, use a sharp, serrated knife to slice it into 1-inch thick rounds. You should get about 12-16 rollups, depending on the size of your dough rectangle.
Arrange the rollups, cut-side up, in the prepared baking dish. Place them close together, but not so tightly that they can't bake evenly.

Baking and Finishing Touches

Into the oven they go! Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rollups are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
While the rollups are baking, melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter in a small bowl. This will be used to brush the tops of the rollups for extra flavor and a beautiful golden sheen.
Once the rollups are out of the oven, brush them generously with the melted butter. This will make them even more irresistible!
Sprinkle the rollups with a pinch of sea salt. The salt enhances the flavors of the garlic, butter, and cheese.
Let the rollups cool for a few minutes before serving. This will prevent you from burning your mouth on the molten cheese!

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These cheesy garlic butter rollups are perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a snack. They're great for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. Here are a few serving suggestions and variations to try:

Serve with marinara sauce: A classic pairing! The tangy marinara sauce complements the richness of the garlic butter and cheese.
Add pepperoni: For a meatier version, add small pepperoni slices before rolling up the dough.
Use different cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone, cheddar, or Monterey Jack.
Add herbs: Try adding other herbs, such as basil, thyme, or rosemary, to the garlic butter.
Make them spicy: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
Garlic Herb Dip: Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, dried parsley, dried dill, salt, and pepper for a cool and creamy dip.
Jalapeno Popper Rollups: Add diced jalapenos and cream cheese to the garlic butter mixture for a spicy and creamy twist.
Spinach and Artichoke Rollups: Mix cooked spinach and artichoke hearts with the garlic butter and cheese for a flavorful and healthy-ish option.

Tips for Success

Use softened butter: Softened butter is essential for creating a smooth and creamy garlic butter. If you forget to take the butter out of the refrigerator ahead of time, you can soften it quickly by microwaving it for a few seconds at a time.
Don't overbake: Overbaking the rollups will make them dry and tough. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as they're golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Let them cool slightly: Letting the rollups cool for a few minutes before serving will prevent you from burning your mouth and allow the cheese to set slightly.
Make ahead: You can prepare the rollups ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake them. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Freeze for later: Baked rollups can be frozen. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Troubleshooting

Rollups are too dry: Make sure you're using enough garlic butter and cheese. You can also brush the rollups with extra melted butter after baking.
Rollups are too greasy: Use a paper towel to blot off any excess grease after baking.
Rollups are not browning: Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. You can also broil the rollups for a minute or two at the end of baking to help them brown. Watch them carefully to prevent burning!
Dough is too sticky: Sprinkle more flour on your work surface and on the dough itself.
Garlic is burning: Make sure the garlic is finely minced. If it's still burning, try adding it to the butter a little later in the cooking process.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy these cheesy garlic butter rollups as much as I do! They're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and are sure to become a family favorite. Happy baking!

Conclusion:

These Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups are truly something special, and I genuinely believe you need to try them. They're more than just a side dish; they're an experience! The combination of the soft, pillowy dough, the rich, savory garlic butter, and the gooey, melted cheese creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!). Seriously, prepare to be amazed at how quickly these disappear. But why are they a must-try? Beyond the incredible taste, they're surprisingly easy to make. The recipe is straightforward, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator. Plus, the active time is minimal, making them perfect for busy weeknights or when you're entertaining guests and want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. They're also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Speaking of versatility, let's talk serving suggestions and variations! These rollups are fantastic on their own as a snack or appetizer. Imagine serving them warm at your next party – they're guaranteed to be a hit! They also pair beautifully with a variety of main courses. Think alongside a hearty bowl of pasta, a juicy steak, or even a simple salad. They're also perfect for dipping in marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even a creamy garlic aioli. Want to take things up a notch? Consider adding some finely chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or rosemary to the garlic butter mixture. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes will add a touch of heat. For a vegetarian twist, try stuffing them with sautéed spinach and artichoke hearts. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even add some cooked bacon or pepperoni for a meaty indulgence. The possibilities are truly endless! For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this recipe. Use gluten-free pizza dough or crescent roll dough for a gluten-free version. Dairy-free cheese alternatives work perfectly well, and you can substitute olive oil for butter to make them dairy-free and vegan-friendly. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you! These Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I'm confident that you'll love them as much as I do. They're the perfect combination of comfort food and culinary delight, and they're sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of these incredible rollups. I'm so excited for you to try them! And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did you serve them with? What did your family and friends think? Please, share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can't wait to see your creations and hear all about your Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups adventures! Happy baking!