Cheesy Garlic Crescent Rolls

This cheesy garlic crescent roll recipe transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible appetizer that disappears within minutes at any gathering. The combination of buttery crescent dough wrapped around melty mozzarella and infused with garlic and herbs creates that perfect balance of comfort and indulgence.

I first made these rolls for my nephew who was going through a picky eating phase. The moment he bit into that first cheesy pull, his eyes lit up and he asked for seconds. Now these are requested at every family gathering.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated crescent rolls: Form the quick and easy base, eliminating the need for making dough from scratch
• String cheese: Provides that perfect melty texture and that satisfying cheese pull everyone loves
• Butter: Creates richness and helps the herbs and garlic stick to every bite
• Fresh garlic: Gives intense flavor that dried simply cannot match, choose firm heads without sprouting
• Italian seasoning: Adds complex herb notes without requiring multiple spice jars
• Dried parsley and basil: Enhance the aromatic profile and visual appeal

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Space:

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature creates the perfect environment for the rolls to rise and brown while allowing the cheese to melt without burning. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.

Create The Flavor Base:

In a small bowl, combine melted butter with Italian seasoning, minced garlic, dried parsley, and basil. Stir thoroughly to ensure the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the butter. This infused butter is the magic that transforms ordinary crescent rolls into something special.

Assemble The Rolls:

Unroll the crescent dough and separate into triangles. Brush each triangle generously with your garlic herb butter, making sure to save some for brushing the tops later. Place a half stick of string cheese at the widest end of each triangle, then roll up the dough, making sure to tuck in the edges to completely seal the cheese inside.

Bake To Golden Perfection:

Brush the tops of your assembled rolls with more of your garlic butter mixture. This final layer adds flavor and helps achieve that beautiful golden color. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the rolls are lightly golden brown with just enough time for the cheese to melt completely inside.

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The first time I made these for my husband, he actually ate six in one sitting. The combination of the soft dough and melty center creates such a satisfying texture contrast that makes it nearly impossible to eat just one. I especially love adding extra garlic because it reminds me of the garlic knots from my favorite childhood pizzeria.

Make Ahead Instructions

These crescent rolls can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Simply assemble the rolls as directed, place them on your parchment-lined baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, brush with a fresh coat of garlic butter, and add 1-2 minutes to the baking time. This makes them perfect for holiday entertaining when you want to minimize last-minute preparation.

Flavor Variations

While the classic recipe is delicious on its own, you can customize these rolls in countless ways. Try adding a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits before rolling up the dough, or mix some finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the butter mixture. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the butter or wrap the cheese in a thin slice of pepperoni before rolling. My family particularly loves when I add a pinch of smoked paprika to the butter mixture for a subtle smoky depth.

Serving Suggestions

These cheesy garlic crescent rolls pair beautifully with so many dishes. Serve them alongside a hearty Italian soup like minestrone or pasta e fagioli for a complete meal. They make an excellent accompaniment to salads when you need something more substantial. For entertaining, arrange them on a platter with marinara sauce for dipping. We often serve them as part of our Sunday family dinner alongside a big bowl of spaghetti, where they replace traditional garlic bread with much more enthusiasm from everyone at the table.

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The melty center and irresistible garlic herb flavor have made these crescent rolls a permanent favorite in our household!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different types of cheese for these crescent rolls?

Absolutely! While mozzarella string cheese creates that classic pull-apart effect, you can substitute cheddar sticks, pepper jack, or even cubed cheese varieties. Just ensure the cheese is properly sealed inside the dough to prevent leaking during baking.

→ How do I store leftover cheesy garlic crescent rolls?

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds until warm. For best texture, avoid reheating in the microwave for too long as it can make them tough.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

You can assemble these rolls up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, you may need to add 1-2 minutes to the baking time since they'll be starting from cold.

→ What can I serve with cheesy garlic crescent rolls?

These versatile rolls pair beautifully with pasta dishes, soups, and salads. They also make excellent appetizers served with marinara sauce for dipping. For a complete meal, serve alongside lasagna, minestrone soup, or a Caesar salad.

→ Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?

Yes! If using fresh herbs, triple the amount called for in the dried herbs. For this recipe, use approximately 1.5 tablespoons fresh parsley, 1.5 tablespoons fresh Italian herbs, and 1.5 teaspoons fresh basil. Chop them finely before mixing with the butter.

→ Are there any variations I can try?

Try adding pepperoni slices, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or a dash of red pepper flakes for variety. You can also incorporate a spread of pesto or a light layer of marinara sauce before adding the cheese for additional flavor dimensions.