Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s beginner-friendly, quick to make, and incredibly versatile. It takes basic ingredients like bread and cheese and turns them into something impressive. The combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and garlic butter makes them irresistibly savory, while the rollup style keeps things fun and portable. Plus, they’re oven- or air-fryer-friendly, so I can make them however I prefer.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the rollups:
8 slices white or whole wheat sandwich bread, crusts removed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
For the garlic butter:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional dipping sauces:
Marinara sauce
Garlic herb sauce
Ranch dressing
Spicy ketchup
Directions
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I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
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Using a rolling pin, I flatten each bread slice until thin and even, which helps the rollups hold their shape.
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I sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese across the bottom third of each slice, then roll tightly from the cheese side up into logs. If needed, I seal the edge with a dab of melted butter.
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In a small bowl, I mix the melted butter with minced garlic, garlic powder, parsley, and salt to make a flavorful garlic butter.
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I place the rollups seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet and brush them generously with the garlic butter.
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I bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown and crisp. If I’m using the air fryer, I cook at 360°F (180°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
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I let them cool for a minute, then serve warm with dipping sauces.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 8 rollups, perfect for sharing. It takes just 25 minutes total—about 10 minutes prep time and 12–15 minutes baking time. Fast enough for a quick snack but fancy enough for entertaining.
Variations
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Different cheeses: I sometimes swap in provolone, gouda, or pepper jack for a new flavor twist.
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Add fillings: A thin slice of ham, pepperoni, or sautéed mushrooms adds more depth.
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Make them sweet: I replace the garlic butter with cinnamon sugar butter and stuff them with cream cheese for a dessert version.
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Herb boost: I add Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes to the butter for extra punch.
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Vegan version: I use dairy-free cheese and vegan butter for a plant-based alternative.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I bake them at 350°F for about 5 minutes or pop them in the air fryer until crisp again. I avoid the microwave, since it can make them soggy. I don’t recommend freezing these—they’re best fresh.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, I often assemble them a few hours in advance, store them in the fridge, and bake right before serving.
What kind of bread works best?
Soft sandwich bread works best because it rolls easily without cracking. Whole wheat or white both work.
Can I fry these instead of baking?
Yes, pan-frying them in a little butter makes them extra crispy, almost like grilled cheese sticks.
How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
I avoid overfilling and make sure the seam is sealed well, sometimes brushing it with a touch of butter before baking.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. This recipe scales up easily—just use multiple baking sheets or cook in batches in the air fryer.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups are everything I want in a snack—crispy, cheesy, garlicky, and ridiculously easy to make. I love serving them with marinara, ranch, or even spicy ketchup for dipping. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or just myself, these rollups never last long on the plate.
PrintCheesy Garlic Butter Rollups
Golden, crispy rollups stuffed with melty cheese and brushed with garlic butter—an irresistible snack or party appetizer ready in minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 rollups (serves 8)
- Category: Party & Snacks
- Method: Baking, Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Rollups
8 slices white or whole wheat sandwich bread, crusts removed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
For the Garlic Butter
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
¼ tsp salt
Optional Dipping Sauces
Marinara sauce
Garlic herb sauce
Ranch dressing
Spicy ketchup
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Flatten each slice of bread with a rolling pin until thin.
Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar evenly along the bottom third of each slice. Roll tightly into a log, sealing the edge with melted butter if needed.
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, parsley, and salt.
Place rollups seam-side down on the baking sheet. Brush generously with garlic butter.
Bake 12–15 minutes, until golden and crispy. For an air fryer, cook at 360°F (180°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Let cool slightly before serving with dipping sauces.
Notes
Use soft bread for easy rolling.
Don’t overfill to prevent cheese leakage.
Brush generously with garlic butter for maximum flavor.
Air fryer gives a crispier finish in less time.