Cheesy garlic butter roll ups are the ultimate comfort snack—flaky, gooey, and bursting with garlicky, buttery flavor. Made with pre-packaged crescent dough, these roll ups are a perfect match for busy home cooks who want something tasty in minutes. Whether you’re prepping a quick appetizer, after-school snack, or party finger food, this simple yet flavorful recipe delivers every time.
This dish brings together three irresistible elements: crescent dough for that airy, buttery texture; cheese for melty richness; and garlic butter for that aromatic, savory punch. The ease of assembly makes it ideal even for novice cooks, while the flavor payoff is satisfying enough for seasoned foodies.
Using store-bought dough like crescent roll dough means you’ll spend less time in the kitchen without compromising taste or texture. The savory blend of mozzarella and cheddar delivers the best of both worlds—mild stretchiness and sharp depth. Add in a homemade garlic butter sauce enriched with Italian seasoning, and you’ve got an irresistible base for creativity or classic simplicity.
Pair your roll ups with marinara sauce (learn more about marinara sauce here) or creamy ranch for dipping, and you’ll find yourself making these over and over again. Perfect for any occasion, they’re also great additions to a platter of easy appetizer ideas, or served with soup for a comforting meal.
In the sections that follow, you’ll discover tips, techniques, and variations to help you make the perfect cheesy garlic butter roll ups every single time.
Why Use Crescent Dough?
When it comes to making cheesy garlic butter roll ups, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right dough. Crescent dough is a popular choice because it offers the ideal combination of flakiness, soft texture, and buttery flavor, without the hassle of making dough from scratch. This makes it a convenient go-to for both beginner and experienced cooks.
One of the major advantages of using crescent roll dough is the ease of handling. It comes pre-cut into triangles, which is perfect for this recipe. Simply unroll, add your fillings, and roll back up—no kneading or shaping required. If you’re curious about other ways to use this dough, check out these crescent roll recipes for more ideas.
The dough also bakes quickly, making it ideal for last-minute entertaining or weeknight snacking. In about 10 to 12 minutes, you’ll have golden, buttery rolls that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Because of its mild flavor, it pairs well with garlic, cheese, and herbs like parsley, enhancing the overall richness of the dish without overpowering it.
If you’re looking for alternatives, puff pastry or biscuit doughs can be used, but they won’t provide the same light, layered texture that crescent dough offers. For example, puff pastry is richer and more delicate, while biscuit dough tends to be denser. But for that perfect balance of chewiness and crispness, crescent dough remains unmatched.
Choosing high-quality dough is just as important as the ingredients inside. Look for brands with real butter or minimal additives for better flavor and texture. To enhance your understanding of dough types and how they perform, explore more about mozzarella cheese and its compatibility with different pastry types.
Creating the perfect cheesy garlic butter roll ups starts with understanding each ingredient’s role. Every component in this recipe works together to deliver that crispy, melty, and savory bite. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters.
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1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
This is the foundation of the recipe. Crescent dough is buttery, soft, and flaky when baked. It’s already pre-rolled and cut into triangles, making it extremely convenient. You can browse other creative uses on Pinterest’s crescent roll recipes. -
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella is known for its melting quality and mild flavor. It gives the roll ups that signature cheesy stretch. Learn more about this cheese’s characteristics on Wikipedia. -
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Cheddar adds sharpness and depth to the flavor. It balances the milder mozzarella and enhances the overall cheese profile. For more on cheddar’s varieties, see cheddar cheese. -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Butter is the base of the garlic butter mixture. Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness of the dish while adding richness to every bite. -
2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic brings that unmistakable aromatic punch. It becomes golden and fragrant when baked, infusing the rolls with flavor. Explore garlic’s culinary background here. -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
This herb blend adds complexity and earthy tones to the butter. It usually contains oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme. You can dive deeper into its history and ingredients via Italian seasoning. -
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Parsley gives a burst of color and freshness after baking. It also complements the richness of the butter and cheese. Find out more about its culinary uses at Wikipedia’s parsley page. -
Marinara or ranch dressing for dipping (optional)
These dips add moisture and another flavor dimension. Marinara brings acidity and tang, while ranch adds a creamy, herby contrast. You can learn more about marinara sauce if you’re interested in making your own.
For visual inspiration on how others assemble their roll ups, explore garlic butter ideas on Pinterest. Each ingredient above plays a key part in crafting an appetizer that’s simple yet packed with flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Roll Ups (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Making cheesy garlic butter roll ups is quick, fun, and foolproof. With just a few steps, you’ll have golden, gooey snacks fresh out of the oven, ready to dip and devour. Here’s the full process broken down.
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Preheat and Prepare
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
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Make the Garlic Butter
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In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.
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Stir until the garlic is fully infused into the butter.
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This garlic butter mixture will add flavor inside and out.
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Unroll the Dough
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Open your crescent dough can and gently separate the dough into individual triangles along the perforated lines.
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Lay them flat on a clean surface or directly on the baking sheet if you prefer.
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Brush and Fill
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Brush each triangle with the garlic butter mixture, making sure to cover the entire surface.
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Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over each triangle, being careful not to overfill.
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This combo of cheeses gives the roll ups a gooey stretch and sharp finish.
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Check out how others layer theirs by browsing kid-friendly snacks.
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Roll and Arrange
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Starting from the wide end, gently roll each triangle toward the tip, forming a crescent shape.
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Place the roll ups seam-side down on your lined baking sheet to prevent unrolling.
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Final Touches Before Baking
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Brush the tops with any remaining garlic butter mixture for extra flavor and a golden finish.
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You can sprinkle a bit more cheese on top if desired for extra melt.
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Bake
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Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the roll ups are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
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Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid over-browning.
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Garnish and Serve
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Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley if using.
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Serve warm with your favorite dip like ranch or marinara.
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This step-by-step method ensures your roll ups turn out consistently delicious every time. And if you’re looking to upgrade the experience, try pairing them with a warm bowl of tomato soup or check out more easy appetizer ideas.
Quick Tips for Perfect Roll Ups
Mastering this recipe is all about paying attention to the little things. Here are a few tips to make sure your cheesy garlic butter roll ups come out perfectly every time.
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Avoid Overfilling
Too much cheese can lead to spillage during baking. Stick to the suggested amounts to ensure a neat, contained roll. -
Keep Dough Slightly Cool
Crescent dough is easier to handle when it’s chilled. If it gets too warm, it may become sticky or tear easily. -
Use Parchment Paper
It not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup quicker. Plus, it promotes even browning. -
Reserve Garlic Butter
Set aside a small amount of garlic butter to brush over the tops of the rolls for an extra burst of flavor and shine. -
Cool Briefly Before Serving
Let the roll ups sit for a minute after baking. This helps the cheese set slightly and makes them easier to handle.
These tips will ensure every batch is golden, flavorful, and foolproof. To see visual hacks and pro techniques, explore more on garlic butter ideas.
Variations of Cheesy Garlic Butter Roll Ups
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to match different flavor profiles or dietary needs. Here are some delicious twists on the classic.
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Try Different Cheeses
Swap out the mozzarella and cheddar for alternatives like pepper jack (for spice), gouda (for smokiness), or parmesan (for salty sharpness). Each cheese offers a unique melt and flavor. -
Add Protein
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Add slices of pepperoni or chopped ham for a meatier bite.
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Crumbled bacon also works well and adds a crispy texture.
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Include Vegetables
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Try adding chopped spinach, caramelized onions, or thin strips of jalapeño for a little kick.
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Be sure vegetables are dry and pre-cooked if necessary to avoid soggy dough.
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Make it Spicy
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Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the garlic butter for a fiery twist.
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Sweet-Savory Version
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Use mild cheese and drizzle with a little honey or serve with a fruit preserve for a sweet-savory combo.
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With endless possibilities, you can adapt this recipe to fit any occasion. For more inspiration, check out Pinterest’s kid-friendly snacks to see how others are customizing their roll ups.
What to Serve With Garlic Butter Roll Ups
These cheesy garlic butter roll ups are tasty on their own, but even better when paired with complementary dips or dishes.
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Dipping Sauces
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Marinara sauce offers a rich, tomato-based contrast.
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Ranch dressing delivers cool, creamy balance.
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Spicy aioli or cheese sauce can elevate the flavor even more.
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Soups
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Serve alongside tomato soup for a grilled-cheese-like experience.
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Broccoli cheddar soup pairs wonderfully thanks to the overlapping cheesy flavors.
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Main Dishes
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Pair as a side with pasta dishes or a big salad to turn your snack into a full meal.
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These roll ups make a great companion for all sorts of meals. Explore more combinations through Pinterest’s appetizer ideas for serving inspiration.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
These roll ups are best fresh, but leftovers can still be delicious with the right storage and reheating techniques.
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Refrigeration
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Store cooled roll ups in an airtight container.
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They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
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Reheating
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Use an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes. This restores the crispiness.
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The microwave works for speed but may result in a softer texture.
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Freezing
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You can freeze unbaked roll ups. Assemble them, then freeze on a tray until solid.
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Store in a freezer-safe bag or container.
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Bake directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the original bake time.
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Reheating from Frozen
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Preheat oven to 375°F.
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Bake for about 15 minutes or until golden and heated through.
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With proper storage, you can always have a quick snack or side dish ready to go.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a simple recipe like this one can go wrong without attention to a few common pitfalls. Avoid these mistakes for the best results:
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Overstuffing with Cheese
Too much cheese will ooze out during baking, creating a mess and uneven texture. -
Skipping Garlic Butter Base
Brushing the inside of the dough with garlic butter adds essential flavor. Don’t skip it. -
Overbaking
Watch closely in the final minutes. Too much time in the oven leads to dry, overly crisp rolls. -
Not Preheating the Oven
A hot oven ensures the dough puffs up properly and cooks evenly. Cold ovens result in soggy dough.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll enjoy consistently perfect results. For more baking wisdom, see how pros avoid errors through visual tutorials on Pinterest’s garlic butter ideas.
FAQs
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Yes, but puff pastry is flakier and more delicate. It bakes differently and may take longer. You’ll also need to seal the edges well to prevent leaks.
How do I keep cheese from leaking out?
Avoid overfilling and roll the dough tightly. Make sure to press down the tip of the triangle so it sticks during baking.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble them a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Brush with garlic butter just before baking for freshness.
What other dipping sauces work well?
Beyond marinara and ranch, try spicy cheese sauce, garlic aioli, or even pesto. Each adds a unique twist to the flavor.
Are these good for kids’ lunchboxes or parties?
Absolutely. They’re handheld, non-messy, and appealing to both kids and adults. Pack them with a small container of dip for extra fun.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Roll Ups with Crescent Dough
Cheesy Garlic Butter Roll Ups are an easy, flavor-packed snack or appetizer made with crescent dough, mozzarella, cheddar cheese, and homemade garlic butter. Rolled into flaky crescents and baked until golden, these roll ups are perfect for dipping in marinara or ranch and are loved b
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Marinara or ranch dressing for dipping (optional)
Instructions
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate into triangles.
- Brush each triangle with the garlic butter mixture.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over each triangle.
- Roll up each triangle starting from the wider end to form a crescent roll.
- Place the rollups on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with any remaining garlic butter mixture.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve warm with marinara or ranch for dipping.
Notes
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Keep crescent dough cold until ready to use for easier handling.
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Don’t overfill with cheese to prevent leaks.
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Brush garlic butter generously inside and on top for maximum flavor.
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These roll ups are freezer-friendly—assemble and freeze before baking for later use.
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Best served warm, straight from the oven for that perfect gooey cheese pull.
