Cheesy Garlic Crescent Rolls

There is something instantly comforting about pulling apart a warm cheesy garlic crescent roll at the dinner table The golden flaky crust gives way to melty cheese and a fragrant buttery garlic kick that fills your kitchen with that classic homemade aroma These rolls deliver big flavor in a foolproof beginner friendly package perfect for quick snacks family gatherings or a cozy night in

I remember making these rolls for a last minute friend get together They disappeared so fast that now my crew asks for them every time the weather turns chilly

Ingredients

• Canned crescent roll dough: This creates the light and flaky base No need to fuss with making your own dough when store bought turns out so beautifully every time Look for dough that is cold and not torn
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter seals in the flavor and makes each bite rich and delicious Choose a high quality butter without added flavors
• Fresh garlic: Minced garlic is key for that authentic robust flavor Use garlic cloves that feel firm and heavy for their size with no sprouting
• Garlic powder: It bumps up the depth of garlic taste Choose pure garlic powder not blends
• Onion powder: This adds a gentle sweetness and background savoriness Select onion powder that is fresh and free of lumps
• Dried parsley: A pop of color and freshness Make sure your herbs are green and fragrant not faded
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella gives the gooey melt you crave Go for pre shredded or shred a block for best melt
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and tangy cheddar complements the mozzarella perfectly Use freshly shredded cheese if possible for best results
• Salt and black pepper: These elevate and balance all the other flavors Pick fine sea salt and freshly ground pepper for the best finish

Step by Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Get your oven hot following the temperature on your crescent roll dough package usually around three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit Place parchment or a silicone mat down so nothing sticks

Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture:

Melt your butter and mix in minced garlic garlic powder onion powder and dried parsley Stir really well The heat helps blend those flavors together

Unroll the Crescent Dough:

Gently unroll your chilled dough onto a clean surface and separate the triangles If the dough is sticky lightly dust the counter with flour to make handling easier

Brush the Dough with Garlic Butter:

Using a pastry brush coat each triangle completely with your garlic butter Try to get to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite

Add the Cheese:

Sprinkle an even layer of mozzarella and cheddar on each triangle Leave a little space from the edges to keep the cheese inside when the dough is rolled

Roll Up the Crescents:

Starting at the wide end roll the dough toward the narrow tip Tuck in the edges a bit as you go to keep cheese from spilling out The crescents should look like little horns

Arrange the Rolls on a Baking Sheet:

Place each rolled crescent onto your lined pan leaving some space so the heat reaches each roll evenly

Brush with More Garlic Butter:

Grab any extra garlic butter and brush it over the top of each roll Make sure they are all glossy and well coated

Season the Rolls:

Sprinkle a touch of salt and black pepper across the tops for a final boost of flavor

Bake the Crescent Rolls:

Bake for about ten to twelve minutes or until rolls are puffed up and beautifully golden brown Remove as soon as they are ready so they stay soft and not dry

Serve:

Let the rolls cool just a minute or two then serve warm so the cheese is still soft and gooey

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Cheese is the star for me I have the fondest memories of sharing these with my sister as kids endlessly stretching and twirling the gooey cheese every time we pulled a roll apart Now I love making them for my own family and seeing the same delight

Storage Tips

Let leftover rolls cool completely before storing This keeps them from getting soggy Place them in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb any moisture You can keep them at room temperature for a day or in the fridge for up to three days Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to re crisp the crust

Ingredient Substitutions

Try using Monterey jack or pepper jack if you want a little spice Parmesan adds a nutty edge in place of cheddar You can swap fresh garlic for roasted if you want a sweeter flavor and any soft fresh herb like chives or basil works if parsley is not available

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Serving Suggestions

Serve these rolls alongside pasta tomato soup or a big crisp salad They make a fantastic side for lasagna or as a cheesy addition to holiday brunch plates You can also slice them up and turn them into mini sandwich bases for a fun party bite

Cultural and Historical Context

Crescent rolls became popular in American homes as an easy shortcut for buttery bread in the mid twentieth century Inspired by the French croissant they are usually flakier and quicker to make than traditional yeast breads Over time home cooks started filling them with cheese garlic or both to amp up the comfort food factor

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use fresh dough instead of refrigerated crescent dough?

Yes, homemade dough works well. Just roll it thin, cut into triangles, and proceed with the filling and rolling steps.

→ Which types of cheese work best for filling?

Mozzarella and cheddar are recommended for their melt and flavor, but you can also try gouda, fontina, or pepper jack for variety.

→ How do I prevent cheese from leaking during baking?

Do not overfill the triangles and be sure to tuck in the sides as you roll. Baking seam-side down helps seal in the filling.

→ Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate unbaked rolls up to several hours ahead. Bake just before serving for best freshness.

→ Are there ways to add extra flavor?

Try adding chopped fresh herbs, roasted garlic, or a sprinkle of parmesan over the tops before baking for added richness.

→ What is the best way to serve them?

Serve warm out of the oven as a side with soups, salads, or alongside breakfast and brunch dishes.