Cheesy Garlic Crescent Rolls

Imagine biting into a warm, buttery crescent roll, infused with savory garlic butter and oozing with melty, gooey cheese—it’s the perfect combination of flaky, cheesy, and garlicky goodness! These Cheesy Garlic Crescent Rolls are the ultimate side dish, snack, or appetizer that will leave everyone reaching for seconds.

Made with store-bought crescent roll dough, this recipe is quick and easy—ready in under 25 minutes! Whether you’re serving them alongside pasta, soup, or as a party appetizer, these rolls are a crowd-pleaser that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

Best of all? You can customize them with different cheeses, add extra seasoning, or even stuff them with additional ingredients like pepperoni, jalapeños, or herbs. Once you try these cheesy, garlicky crescent rolls, you’ll never want plain ones again!

Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Garlic Crescent Rolls

There are so many reasons to fall in love with these cheesy, buttery crescent rolls!

First, they’re ridiculously easy to make. Thanks to pre-made crescent roll dough, there’s no kneading or rising required—just roll, fill, and bake!

Second, the combination of garlic butter and cheese is irresistible. Each bite is flaky, cheesy, and infused with savory garlic butter, making them the perfect comfort food.

Finally, they’re incredibly versatile. Serve them as a side for pasta, soups, or steak, or enjoy them as a snack or party appetizer. You can even add extras like herbs, spices, or deli meats for fun variations!

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 crescent rolls

Nutritional Information (Per Roll)

• Calories: 180
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on cheese type and dough brand.)

Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Crescent Rolls

For the Crescent Rolls:

• 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 4 mozzarella string cheese sticks, halved (or 1 cup shredded mozzarella/cheddar blend)

For the Garlic Butter:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Topping (Optional):

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes (for spice lovers!)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Garlic Crescent Rolls

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Set aside for brushing the rolls.

Step 3: Unroll and Fill the Crescent Dough

1. Open the crescent roll dough and separate it into 8 individual triangles.
2. Place half a mozzarella stick or a tablespoon of shredded cheese at the wide end of each triangle.
3. Carefully roll the dough from the wide end to the tip, making sure to seal the edges so the cheese doesn’t leak out while baking.

Step 4: Brush with Garlic Butter

1. Place the rolled crescents seam-side down on the baking sheet.
2. Generously brush each roll with the prepared garlic butter mixture.
3. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for extra cheesy goodness!

Step 5: Bake Until Golden Brown

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and puffed up.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Remove from the oven and let cool for 2–3 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for spice!
3. Serve warm and enjoy with marinara sauce, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Ingredient Background

Each ingredient in these Cheesy Garlic Crescent Rolls plays a key role in creating their irresistible, flaky, buttery texture and cheesy flavor.

Crescent Roll Dough

Store-bought crescent roll dough is a huge time-saver. It bakes up flaky, golden, and buttery, making it the perfect base for these stuffed rolls. If you want to make homemade crescent dough, you can use a buttery bread dough or puff pastry for a similar effect.

Mozzarella Cheese

Using mozzarella string cheese makes these rolls extra gooey while preventing excess moisture that could make the dough soggy. If you prefer, you can substitute cheddar, Monterey Jack, or provolone for different flavors.

Garlic Butter

The melted butter and garlic mixture infuses the rolls with rich, savory flavor. Adding Italian seasoning and parsley enhances the taste, making them taste like garlic bread, but cheesier!

Parmesan Cheese (Optional Topping)

Grated Parmesan adds a salty, umami-packed finish. When baked, it creates a slightly crispy layer on top, making the rolls even more flavorful.

Technique Tips for Cheesy Garlic Crescent Rolls

To get the best texture, flavor, and ooey-gooey cheese pull, follow these expert tips:

1. Keep the Crescent Dough Cold

For the flakiest texture, work with cold dough. If the dough gets too soft, pop it back in the fridge for 5 minutes before rolling. This helps prevent it from becoming sticky or difficult to work with.

2. Seal the Rolls Properly

To prevent the cheese from leaking out, pinch the edges of the dough firmly after rolling. You can also press the seams together lightly with a fork for a decorative touch.

3. Don’t Overstuff

While it’s tempting to load up on cheese, using too much filling can cause the rolls to burst open while baking. Stick to half a cheese stick or a small handful of shredded cheese per roll.

4. Bake Until Golden Brown

Since crescent dough bakes quickly, keep an eye on them after 12 minutes. If they’re browning too fast, tent them with foil for the last few minutes of baking.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Looking to get creative with these cheesy garlic crescent rolls? Try these fun variations!

1. Mini Cheesy Crescent Bites

Instead of rolling full-sized crescents, cut the dough into smaller triangles for bite-sized cheesy snacks. Perfect for appetizers and game-day treats!

2. Garlic Cheesy Crescent Knots

Twist the dough instead of rolling it into a crescent shape to create soft, cheesy garlic knots. Brush with extra butter and sprinkle with Parmesan before baking.

3. Pizza-Stuffed Crescent Rolls

Add a pepperoni slice or a spoonful of marinara sauce inside each roll before baking for a cheesy pizza crescent roll!

4. Jalapeño Cheddar Crescents

For a spicy kick, add thin slices of fresh or pickled jalapeños along with shredded cheddar inside the rolls.

Freezing and Storing Cheesy Garlic Crescent Rolls

If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely!), here’s how to store and reheat them while keeping them fresh and crispy.

Storing in the Fridge

• Place cooled rolls in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes or air-fry at 300°F (150°C) for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness.

Freezing for Later

• Unbaked: Assemble the crescent rolls but do not bake. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, add 2–3 extra minutes to the baking time.
• Baked: Let them cool completely, wrap them in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in an oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until warm and crispy.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Want a lighter version of these cheesy crescent rolls? Try these easy swaps!

1. Use Reduced-Fat Crescent Dough

Many brands offer lighter versions of crescent dough with less butter and fewer calories. The texture stays flaky and delicious!

2. Swap the Cheese

Instead of full-fat mozzarella, try part-skim mozzarella, light cheddar, or vegan cheese for a healthier alternative.

3. Use Olive Oil Instead of Butter

Brushing the rolls with olive oil and garlic instead of butter reduces saturated fat while still keeping them flavorful and crispy.

4. Whole Wheat Crescent Dough

If you want extra fiber and nutrients, use whole wheat crescent dough for a slightly healthier twist!

Serving Suggestions for Events

These cheesy garlic crescent rolls are perfect for any occasion!

1. Side Dish for Pasta or Soup

Pair them with spaghetti, lasagna, tomato soup, or chicken alfredo for a comforting meal.

2. Party or Game Night Appetizer

Serve them with marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli as a shareable snack for gatherings.

3. Brunch or Breakfast Side

Enjoy them alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit for a savory breakfast spread.

4. Holiday Table Addition

Make a batch for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinner—these rolls disappear fast!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these crescent rolls ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble them ahead and store unbaked rolls in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. What’s the best cheese for these rolls?

Mozzarella melts beautifully, but you can also use cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for different flavors.

3. Can I add meat inside?

Absolutely! Try stuffing them with pepperoni, ham, or cooked crumbled sausage for an extra savory twist.

4. Why did my rolls open up while baking?

They may not have been sealed properly. Make sure to pinch the seams tightly before baking.

5. Can I air-fry these instead of baking?

Yes! Air-fry at 325°F (160°C) for 8–10 minutes, checking frequently for doneness.

6. How can I make them extra crispy?

For crispier rolls, brush them with butter before AND after baking, then broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.

7. What’s the best dipping sauce for these rolls?

They pair well with marinara, ranch, honey mustard, or sriracha mayo!

8. Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?

Yes! Puff pastry will create a flakier, more delicate texture. Just adjust the baking time as needed.

9. How do I make them extra cheesy?

Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top before baking for a crispy, cheesy crust!

10. Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Yes! Minced fresh garlic adds an even stronger, richer garlic flavor.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Garlic Crescent Rolls are the perfect blend of buttery, flaky, garlicky, and cheesy! Whether you’re making them for dinner, a party, or a quick snack, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and endless variations, this recipe is easy to customize and perfect for any occasion. So grab a can of crescent dough and start baking—cheesy, garlicky bliss is just 25 minutes away!

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