Irresistible Cheesy Garlic Crescent Rolls

Category: Perfect Side Dishes to Complete Any Meal

Dig into warm, fluffy crescent rolls packed with a gooey cheddar-moist mozzarella mix, all wrapped in a butter-brushed dough with fresh garlic, dry parsley, and a touch of onion flavor. Every roll gets a garlic-butter glow and turns out crispy on the outside, cheesy and stretchy inside. Just unroll the dough, add your toppings, close them up, and toss them in the oven. They work great with soup, salad, or as an easy snack for any crowd. Best enjoyed fresh and hot so you get that perfect stretchy cheese pull.

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Authored By Elisa
Updated on Fri, 06 Jun 2025 00:18:41 GMT
A plate of croissants with cheese and herbs. Bookmark
A plate of croissants with cheese and herbs. | recipesbyelisa.com

Pulling apart one of these hot buttery garlic crescent rolls totally hits the spot. That crisp crust cracks open to loads of cheesy, garlicky goodness. Your whole kitchen ends up smelling amazing and homey. These are a breeze even if you've never baked, great for hangouts, a chill evening, or speedy snacks.

One time I whipped these up for friends out of the blue, and they were gone before I blinked. Now, whenever the cold weather hits, my family begs for them every time.

Irresistible Ingredients

  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar gives a sharp kick and melts well. Freshly shredded is best for that gooey texture.
  • Fresh garlic: Chopped up garlic brings deep flavor. Pick large firm cloves and skip any with little green shoots growing out.
  • Canned crescent dough: Shortcut to breezy baking. Store-bought stuff keeps things easy and puffs up just right. Use cold, intact dough.
  • Dried parsley: Gives an herby pop and looks nice. Pick ones that still look bright and smell fresh.
  • Garlic powder: Doubles down on garlic flavor. Go for 100% garlic, not seasoning blends.
  • Shredded mozzarella: Melts into that signature stretchiness. Blocks you shred yourself work even better than the packaged kind.
  • Onion powder: Adds just a little sweet and savory lift. Old powder that clumps won’t cut it.
  • Salt and black pepper: The magic that wakes up all the flavors. Sprinkle with fine sea salt and grind up extra fresh pepper.
  • Unsalted butter: If you want deep buttery flavor, melt real butter, not margarine, and brush it on everything.

Easy Step Guide

Start Baking:
Lay down a silicone mat or parchment so things don’t stick. Heat your oven as the dough tube instructs—usually around 375°F.
Last Touch with Garlic Butter:
Give the tops another good brush with your leftover garlic butter mix for max shine.
Cheese Time:
Scatter cheddar and mozzarella across each triangle. Keep cheese away from the edges to lessen leaks after rolling.
Get the Dough Ready:
Roll out the chilled crescent dough and split into triangles. Dust with flour if it’s a bit soft or sticky.
Line Up the Rolls:
Set your rolled crescents onto the prepared pan, spacing them so hot air can get all around.
Bake Until Golden:
Let them cook till fluffy and browned on top—roughly ten to twelve minutes. Pull them out so they don’t get tough.
Spread Out the Garlic Butter:
Slather the garlic butter over your dough triangles, making sure every bit’s covered right to the edges.
Wrap Up the Crescents:
Roll each one from the wide side towards the skinny end. Give the edges a small tuck so the cheese stays inside—like a little croissant horn.
Mash Up Your Garlic Mix:
Melt butter then toss in your minced garlic, onion powder, parsley, and garlic powder. Stir till everything’s mixed and smells amazing.
Add on That Final Seasoning:
A quick dash of salt and pepper on top boosts every bite at the end.
Ready to Serve:
Don’t wait too long—let them cool a minute, then eat while cheesy middles are super gooey.
A plate of croissants topped with fresh herbs. Bookmark
A plate of croissants topped with fresh herbs. | recipesbyelisa.com

The cheese always draws everyone in. Growing up, my sister and I would battle over who got the stretchiest piece. Now, my own family is hooked too and it’s awesome to see them smile at each unraveled bite.

Storing Made Simple

Let your leftover rolls get totally cool first so the bottoms don’t get soggy. Store in something airtight with a paper towel inside to grab extra moisture. Leave them out one day tops, or stick them in the fridge for up to three. Pop them in a hot oven to bring back the crunchy outside anytime.

Swap Out Your Ingredients

Use Monterey jack or pepper jack for some heat. Try parmesan if you want a nutty tang instead of cheddar. You can trade fresh garlic for roasted for a bit of sweetness, or toss in basil or chives if there’s no parsley handy.

A plate of croissants filled with cheese and sprinkled with herbs. Bookmark
A plate of croissants filled with cheese and sprinkled with herbs. | recipesbyelisa.com

Ways to Enjoy

Pair up these buttery bites with soup, pasta, or a crunchy salad. They’re awesome with lasagna or at a brunch, and if you slice them in half, you’ve got a perfect little sandwich base for a party.

Backstory & Traditions

Crescent rolls became a go-to in American kitchens around the 1950s, mainly because they made baking fuss-free. They borrowed their look from French croissants but bake up much faster and flakier. Over time, people started filling them up—cheese and garlic are favorites for max comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

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

Definitely, homemade dough is awesome here. Just roll it out thin, slice into triangles, fill, roll, and you're all set.

→ Which types of cheese work best for filling?

You can't go wrong with cheddar or mozzarella, but gouda, fontina, or even pepper jack add fun new flavors if you want to mix things up.

→ How do I prevent cheese from leaking during baking?

Don't overstuff and remember to tuck in the sides nice and tight as you roll. Baking with the seam facing down keeps the filling inside.

→ Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?

Yep! You can put them together, keep them chilled until you're ready, then pop them into the oven so they're warm for serving.

→ Are there ways to add extra flavor?

Feel free to toss on fresh chopped herbs, roasted garlic, or even sprinkle parmesan on top before baking for a richer bite.

→ What is the best way to serve them?

They're at their best when fresh and warm, especially next to soups, salads, or as a savory start with breakfast or brunch.

Garlic Cheese Rolls

Fluffy rolls are loaded with herbs, garlic, and lots of cheese. These are a no-fuss favorite for brunch or anytime snacking.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
15 minutes
Total Time Required
25 minutes
Authored By: Elisa

Type of Recipe: Side Dishes

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine Type: American

Servings Count: 8 Number of Servings (8 crescent rolls)

Dietary Preferences: Suitable for Vegetarians

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Cheese Filling

Ingredient 01 30 g cheddar, shredded
Ingredient 02 30 g mozzarella, grated

→ Seasoning

Ingredient 03 A little salt to your liking
Ingredient 04 Cracked black pepper, as much as you want

→ Garlic Butter

Ingredient 05 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
Ingredient 06 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Ingredient 07 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Ingredient 08 2 garlic cloves, chopped up
Ingredient 09 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter

→ Dough

Ingredient 10 1 tube (227 g) store-bought crescent dough

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Put the warm rolls on a rack for a quick cool-off before they hit the table.

Step 02

Stick the pan in for 12–15 minutes till the crescents look deliciously browned and the cheese's all gooey.

Step 03

Sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper over the rolls before they go in the oven.

Step 04

Dab the last of the garlic butter mix on top of the shaped rolls.

Step 05

Space the stuffed crescents seam-side down on your lined tray, making sure they don't crowd each other.

Step 06

Starting at the fat end, roll each crescent up tight, tucking the sides in so nothing escapes.

Step 07

Toss the mozzarella and cheddar over the triangles, but don’t let it pile up on the edges.

Step 08

Swipe each triangle with the tasty garlic butter by using your pastry brush, getting it everywhere.

Step 09

Pop the crescent dough can, lay the sheet on a floured counter, and split them up at the lines.

Step 10

Stir up melted butter with the garlic, onion powder, dried parsley, and garlic powder in a small bowl.

Step 11

Fire up your oven to 190°C, then cover a baking tray with a nonstick mat or parchment.

Extra Tips and Tricks

  1. Pull the rolls out when they're light golden instead of dark so they stay soft.
  2. You'll want to avoid stuffing too much cheese so it all stays inside while baking.
  3. Let them sit a minute after baking. It'll keep the cheese from spilling out everywhere.

Must-Have Equipment

  • Baking tray
  • Silicone mat or parchment sheet
  • Mixing bowl (small)
  • Pastry brush

Allergy Information

Always double-check ingredient lists for allergens and seek advice if you're unsure.
  • Has wheat (gluten)
  • Has dairy

Nutritional Information (per portion)

The provided details are purely informational and should not replace professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 155
  • Fat Amount: 9 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 13 grams
  • Protein Amount: 4 grams