If you love the comforting aroma and irresistible flavor of garlic bread but want to jazz it up, this Garlic Bread Roll-Ups Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine soft yet crispy bread rolled around gooey, melted mozzarella cheese, infused with a buttery garlic and herb blend that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. Perfect as a party appetizer, snack, or a side to your favorite Italian dishes, these roll-ups are simple to make yet deliver a gourmet taste that’s sure to impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Garlic Bread Roll-Ups Recipe plays a vital role: from the fresh garlic that gives bold flavor to the buttery spread that keeps every bite moist and rich. These simple staples come together to create a perfect balance of taste, texture, and even a pop of color.
- French bread or small baguette: Choose fresh bread with a crusty exterior and soft inside for the perfect roll-up base.
- Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, it helps meld the flavors and adds richness without overwhelming the garlic.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic brings that signature punch that makes garlic bread impossible to resist.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds a fresh herbal note and vibrant green specks throughout.
- Dried oregano: A sprinkle delivers an earthy, slightly peppery undertone that complements the garlic beautifully.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts to gooey perfection, giving the roll-ups a luscious texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the butter and garlic’s robustness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a salty, nutty flavor topping for an extra savory kick.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat to warm up the palate.
How to Make Garlic Bread Roll-Ups Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to go when you’ve assembled your roll-ups. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Whip Up the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with the minced garlic along with fresh parsley, dried oregano, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re adding a touch of spice. Mixing well ensures every bite has that perfect blend of garlic and herbs, making your Garlic Bread Roll-Ups Recipe truly pop with flavor.
Step 3: Slice and Butter the Bread
Slice your French bread into roughly 1-inch thick pieces. If working with larger slices, cut each one lengthwise in half so you have a flat surface for spreading. Then, generously spread your homemade garlic butter on every slice. This step is where the magic starts—the garlicky richness sets the tone for the whole roll-up.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the buttered side of each slice, making sure you cover the surface evenly. For an added burst of flavor and a little textural variety, sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese as well. The cheeses are what create that irresistible gooey and melty core inside your roll-ups.
Step 5: Roll It Up
Carefully roll each slice up tightly, like a mini cinnamon roll or a small burrito. Place each roll-up seam-side down on your lined baking tray to help them keep their shape and ensure the cheese stays inside while baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye out for that golden, slightly crispy exterior, and watch the cheese melt and bubble inside. Once done, your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible scent of buttery garlic and herbs that tease your taste buds.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, give your Garlic Bread Roll-Ups Recipe a few minutes to cool slightly so the cheese sets just enough without losing its ooey-gooey charm. Optionally, garnish with a little extra fresh parsley for a gorgeous finishing touch that’s as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
How to Serve Garlic Bread Roll-Ups Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped fresh parsley is the classic choice for brightening up the dish visually and adding a fresh note. You can also dust lightly with extra Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want to amp up the savory or spicy kick just before serving.
Side Dishes
These roll-ups are wonderful served alongside a warm marinara sauce for dipping, which complements the garlic and cheese with a tangy freshness. They also pair beautifully with hearty soups or a crisp green salad to balance their richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gatherings, arrange the roll-ups on a large platter with small bowls of different dipping sauces like ranch, pesto, or a spicy aioli. You can also slice the roll-ups into bite-sized pinwheels for easy finger food that’s both fun and satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They tend to retain their texture best when kept fresh and eaten promptly.
Freezing
To freeze, place the rolled up slices on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat your roll-ups in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-8 minutes, or until warmed through with the cheese melted again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the bread can become soggy rather than delightfully crisp.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella provides that perfect melt and mild flavor, you can experiment with cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or even a spicy pepper jack for a different twist on the Garlic Bread Roll-Ups Recipe.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley? Can I use dried?
Yes, dried parsley works fine—just remember to use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. The recipe includes the option for 1 tablespoon of dried parsley versus the fresh 2 tablespoons.
Is there a way to make these vegan or dairy-free?
Definitely! Swap the butter for a plant-based butter alternative and use dairy-free cheese substitutes that melt well. The garlic and herbs will still shine, making a delicious vegan-friendly Garlic Bread Roll-Ups Recipe.
Can I make these roll-ups ahead of time and bake later?
You can assemble the roll-ups and store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This is perfect for prepping ahead of a party or busy day to save time.
What’s the best way to add heat without overpowering the garlic?
Adding just a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes into the garlic butter mixture gives a gentle kick that complements rather than masks the garlic’s flavor. You can adjust according to your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing something homemade and delicious with friends or family, and this Garlic Bread Roll-Ups Recipe is just that kind of recipe. Easy to make, bursting with garlic goodness, and wonderfully versatile, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So go ahead, gather these simple ingredients and treat yourself to a batch—you won’t regret it!
Print
Garlic Bread Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Garlic Bread Roll Ups are a delicious and easy appetizer featuring soft French bread spread with a flavorful garlic butter, sprinkled with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then rolled up and baked until golden and bubbly. Perfect for parties or a cozy snack alongside pasta or soup.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf of French bread (or 8–10 pieces of small baguette-style bread)
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined and fragrant.
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the French bread into 1-inch thick slices or cut smaller pieces from a baguette. For larger slices, slice each piece in half lengthwise to have flat surfaces for spreading the garlic butter.
- Assemble the Roll-Ups: Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over each bread slice. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, and add grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Roll the Bread: Carefully roll each bread slice up tightly like a mini cinnamon roll or burrito. Place the roll-ups seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to keep them intact while baking.
- Bake the Roll-Ups: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the bread turns golden, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the garlic butter aroma fills your kitchen.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally garnish with additional chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful touch.
- Optional Serving Suggestion: Serve with marinara sauce or a creamy dipping sauce on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.
- Substitute mozzarella cheese with another melting cheese if preferred.
- The roll-ups can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- For a crispier texture, you can broil the roll-ups for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
