Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs

These golden, gooey Cheese Bombs wrapped in buttery garlic dough are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Crispy on the outside, molten cheese on the inside—they’re perfect as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or indulgent side.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: ~22 minutes
Servings: 8 cheese bombs

Ingredients

• 1 can (≈230 g) refrigerated cookie dough (e.g., Pillsbury)

• 8 small mozzarella cubes or pieces (≈2.5 cm each)

• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced

• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (optional)

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step‑by‑Step Cooking Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat to 190 °C (375 °F). Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease it.

2. Prepare the dough: Open the cookie dough and separate individual pieces. Flatten each to about 0.5 cm thick.

3. Add the cheese: Place one mozzarella cube in the center. Gather the edges upward, seal tightly, and roll into smooth balls. Position seam-side down on the baking sheet.

4. Make the garlic butter: Mix melted butter, minced garlic, Italian herbs, and salt in a small bowl.

5. Brush before baking: Generously brush the tops of the dough balls with the garlic butter mixture.

6. Bake: Bake 10–12 minutes until golden and puffed.

7. Finish with more butter: Immediately brush with any remaining garlic butter, and—if desired—sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley.

8. Serve hot: Serve warm so the cheese is melty. Great as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.

Nutritional Information (per cheese bomb)

• Calories: ~180 kcal

• Fat: 10 g

• Carbs: 14 g

• Protein: 4 g

• Sodium: ~180 mg

Origins and Popularity

Garlic butter cheese bombs evolved from the beloved garlic knot and cheese-stuffed dough traditions of Italian-American cuisine. The current viral version blends convenience (canned dough) with irresistible cheese filling and garlic butter—a trifecta that’s taken social media by storm.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortlessly indulgent with simple, store-bought ingredients

• Ultimate cheesy pull with gooey mozzarella inside

• Crispy, buttery topping with fragrant garlic

• Party-friendly—easy to make ahead and serve

• Customizable cheese and herbs let you experiment

Health Benefits

While indulgent, these bombs also offer:

• Calcium and protein from mozzarella and Parmesan

• Garlic benefits—boosts immunity and has anti-inflammatory properties

• Homemade control—you choose the cheese and butter quality

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with marinara sauce, ranch dip, or spicy mayo

• Serve alongside pasta, soup, or salad

• Add to a party platter with wings, sliders, and veggie dips

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Seams left open—cheese may leak

• Baking too long—bombs can dry out

• Flavored dough—extra sugar can overpower savory notes

• Excess dough thickness—makes doughy instead of crisp

Pairing Recommendations

• Wine: Light Pinot Grigio or sparkling Prosecco

• Beer: Pilsner, lager, or wheat beer

• Non‑alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon or iced herbal tea

Cooking Tips

• Add spice: Mix in red pepper flakes with garlic butter

• Cheese upgrades: Use pepper jack, smoked Gouda, or cheddar cubes

• Herb boost: Mix fresh rosemary or thyme into the butter

• Double batch: Make extra—they freeze and reheat well

Similar Recipes to Try

• Stuffed garlic breadsticks

• Cheesy jalapeño poppers

• Parmesan stuffed pretzel bites

• Mini calzones with assorted fillings

• Pizza muffins with pepperoni

Variations to Try

• Cheddar-Jalapeño Bombs: replace mozzarella with cheddar and add diced jalapeño

• Everything-bagel style: roll bombs in everything bagel seasoning

• Sweet-savory twist: add small apple butter inside for a combo flavor

• Low-carb version: use keto biscuit dough and serve with ranch

Ingredient Spotlight: Mozzarella

Mozzarella’s mild flavor and meltability make it ideal for cheese-filled dough. It offers gooey pull and creamy texture, and pairs beautifully with garlic butter and sweet cookie dough.

Conclusion

These Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs are proof that indulgent flavors don’t have to be complicated. With minimal steps and pantry ingredients, you can serve a snack so irresistible it disappears fast. Whether you’re feeding friends or craving comfort food, this recipe hits the spot every time.

10 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other cheeses?
   Yes—cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked Gouda are delicious alternatives.

2. Can I prepare them ahead of time?
   You can assemble and refrigerate up to 4 hours before baking. Bake fresh for best crispiness.

3. Are they freezer-friendly?
   Yes. Freeze on a tray, then store in freezer bags. Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes.

4. Can I make vegan bombs?
   Use vegan mozzarella, dairy-free butter, and dairy-free dough.

5. How do I reheat them?
   Bake at 175 °C (350 °F) for about 5 minutes or until warmed and crispy.

6. Is this safe for kids?
   Absolutely! Just use milder cheeses and reduce garlic if needed.

7. Can I add herbs on top?
   Yes—sprinkle fresh basil or oregano after baking for garnish.

8. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, double all ingredients and bake on two sheets or in batches.

9. Do they need dipping sauces?
   They’re great alone, but marinara, ranch, and spicy mayo are excellent options.

10. What’s the best dough to use?
    Canned sugar cookie dough works well, but biscuit dough also works; avoid sweet dessert dough.