Cheesy Garlic Butter Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best cheese pull, serve the rolls immediately after baking. If you need to keep them warm, place them in a low oven (200°F) for up to 20 minutes, but note that the cheese may lose some stretchiness.

To reheat later, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

If you want a more intense garlic flavor, let the minced garlic sit in the melted butter for 5 minutes before brushing.

This allows the garlic to infuse the butter. You can also add a pinch of salt if your butter is unsalted, though the parmesan adds saltiness.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter for a spicy twist. This adds warmth without overpowering the cheesy flavor.
• Herb Swap: Replace the parsley with fresh basil, oregano, or chives for a different herbal note. Use about the same amount, chopped finely.
• Cheese Change: Use provolone or fontina cubes instead of mozzarella for a different melt and flavor. These cheeses are also great for pulling.
• Garlic Lovers: Increase the garlic to 6 cloves for a more pronounced garlic punch. Roast the garlic first for a sweeter, mellow flavor.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Freezer

Freeze unbaked stuffed rolls in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 15-18 minutes.

Reheat

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warm and cheese is melted. Avoid microwaving to keep the rolls crisp.

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to restore crispness; avoid microwaving, as it will make the rolls soggy.

You can prepare the rolls up to the point of brushing with butter, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. When ready to bake, brush with additional butter if needed and bake as directed, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Serving ideas

Serve these pull-apart rolls as an appetizer or side dish. They pair beautifully with soups, salads, or pasta.

The warm marinara is essential for dipping, but you could also serve with extra parmesan for sprinkling. For a party, place the baking dish in the center of the table and let everyone pull their own roll.

These rolls are best enjoyed warm and fresh from the oven. The contrast of the crisp, buttery exterior and the soft, cheesy interior is irresistible.

If you have leftovers, they can be repurposed into a delicious bread pudding or croutons for salad.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Cheesy Garlic Butter Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls

Prep 10 minCook 10 minTotal 20 minServes 12

Ingredients

• 12 pre-baked bakery dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls
• 12 mozzarella string cheese cubes
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup warm marinara sauce

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a paring knife, cut a small cross into the top of each dinner roll. Press a finger into the cross to create a deep hollow cavity, being careful not to tear the bottom. Repeat with all 12 rolls.
2. Push one mozzarella string cheese cube deep into each hollow cavity until it is securely nested inside the roll. Ensure the cheese is fully covered by the roll's edges so it doesn't leak out during baking.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and grated parmesan cheese until well combined.
4. Arrange the stuffed rolls in a baking dish. Using a pastry brush, brush the garlic herb parmesan butter generously over the tops and between every roll, letting it seep into the crevices.
5. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, until the rolls are toasted and golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
6. Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Pull the rolls apart while the cheese is still warm and stretchy. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

250

Protein

9 g

Carbohydrates

28 g

Fat

12 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.