Why You’ll Love Garlic Cheese Balls Recipe

It’s incredibly easy — minimal prep and straightforward steps.
Just a few common ingredients (dinner rolls or biscuit dough, cheese, garlic butter) deliver impressive flavor and texture.
The result is a warm, gooey, cheesy center with a buttery, garlicky crust — always a hit with friends or family.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
12 thawed dinner rolls or 1 can of biscuit dough
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp black pepper
Optional: marinara sauce for dipping

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Lightly flour a work surface and flatten each dinner roll or biscuit dough into a round about 1/4‑inch thick.
Place about 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella in the center of each flattened dough piece. Be careful not to overfill.
Fold the edges of the dough over the cheese, pinching to seal completely. Roll into a smooth ball.
In a small bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic (or garlic powder), oregano, and black pepper.
Dip each dough ball into the garlic butter mixture, ensuring even coating.
Arrange the coated balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1–2 inches between them.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
As soon as they come out of the oven, brush them with any remaining garlic butter.
Serve hot. Optional: provide marinara sauce or your favorite dip on the side.

Servings and timing

Yields 12 garlic cheese balls.
Total time: approximately 25 minutes

Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 18–22 minutes

Variations

Use biscuit dough instead of dinner rolls — both work well.
For extra cheesiness, tuck a small piece of mozzarella string cheese inside instead of shredded mozzarella.
For added flavor or texture, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top before baking.
Experiment with different herbs or seasonings in the butter (e.g., rosemary, thyme, chili flakes) to suit your taste.

Storage/Reheating

Let leftover cheese balls cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat:

Oven: Preheat to 350 °F and bake for 5–7 minutes.
Air fryer: Heat at 350 °F for 3–4 minutes.
Microwave: Heat for 20–30 seconds (note: texture will be softer).

FAQs

Can I use fresh dough instead of frozen dinner rolls or biscuit dough?

Yes, fresh dough works well. Just make sure to portion it into small rounds before filling and shaping.

What kind of cheese works best?

Mozzarella is ideal for its gooey melt, but you can try cheddar, provolone, or a cheese blend.

Can I skip the garlic butter coating?

Technically yes, but you’ll miss out on the flavor and golden color that the garlic butter provides.

Will the cheese leak out during baking?

Not if you seal the dough well. Be sure to pinch seams tightly and avoid overfilling.

Can I make these ahead of time and bake later?

Yes, you can assemble them ahead, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

What dips go well with garlic cheese balls?

Marinara is a classic. Ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy tomato dips also work great.

Are these suitable for freezing?

Freezing isn’t ideal, as the texture may suffer. They’re best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated short-term.

Can I make them spicier or more herby?

Absolutely. Add chili flakes or smoked paprika for heat, or mix in herbs like rosemary or thyme.

How do I make them extra crispy?

Bake until golden and brush with butter after baking. Reheating in the oven or air fryer also helps.

Can I make mini versions or larger ones?

Yes, just adjust dough size and baking time. Smaller ones bake faster; larger may take a few extra minutes.

Conclusion

Garlic cheese balls are the ultimate quick appetizer — easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always delicious. Whether you’re prepping for a party or satisfying a snack craving, these golden, cheesy bites are guaranteed to be a hit.