Baked Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs

Golden on the outside, gooey on the inside, and brushed with irresistible garlic butter.

There are few things in life as universally satisfying as warm bread filled with melted cheese and coated in fragrant garlic butter. Baked Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs are the ultimate comfort food—perfect as an appetizer, party snack, game-day treat, or indulgent side dish. They are simple to prepare yet impressive in flavor and texture.

This complete guide walks you through everything you need to know—from ingredient selection and preparation techniques to baking perfection and creative variations.

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Ingredients (Makes 12–16 Cheese Bombs)

For the Dough

• 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (8 large biscuits)
  OR

• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

For the Filling

• 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra melt)

• ¼ cup cream cheese (optional for creamy center)

For the Garlic Butter

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 3–4 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Optional Toppings

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Extra parsley

• Flaky sea salt

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Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat

• Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl

• Pastry brush

• Knife and cutting board

• Mixing bowl

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Step-by-Step Instructions

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Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.

This step ensures your cheese bombs bake evenly and develop that golden-brown exterior.

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Step 2: Prepare the Dough

If using biscuit dough:

• Separate each biscuit.

• Cut each biscuit in half to make 16 portions.

If using pizza dough:

• Divide dough into 12–16 equal pieces.

• Roll each piece into a small ball, about 2 inches wide.

Flatten each portion into a circle about 3 inches in diameter. Keep the center slightly thicker than the edges to prevent tearing.

Tip: If dough sticks, lightly flour your hands.

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Step 3: Add the Cheese Filling

Place one cube of mozzarella in the center of each flattened dough piece.

For extra indulgence:

• Add a small pinch of shredded mozzarella.

• Add a tiny dab (½ teaspoon) of cream cheese for creamy contrast.

Be careful not to overfill, or the cheese may leak during baking.

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Step 4: Seal the Cheese Bombs

Carefully fold the edges of the dough up and around the cheese.

Pinch the seams tightly to seal completely.

Roll gently between your palms to form a smooth ball.

Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Important: Make sure the dough is sealed well to prevent cheese from escaping.

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Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl:

• Combine melted butter and minced garlic.

• Stir in parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

• Add red pepper flakes if desired.

Let the mixture sit for 2–3 minutes so the garlic infuses the butter.

Pro Tip: Fresh garlic gives the strongest flavor, but garlic powder (½ teaspoon) can substitute in a pinch.

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Step 6: Brush and Season

Brush the tops and sides of each dough ball generously with garlic butter.

Reserve some butter for brushing after baking.

Optional:

• Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

• Add a light pinch of flaky salt.

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Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 13–17 minutes, or until:

• The tops are golden brown.

• The bottoms are lightly crisp.

• The dough is fully cooked through.

Ovens vary, so begin checking at 12 minutes.

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Step 8: Final Garlic Butter Finish

Remove from oven and immediately brush with the remaining garlic butter.

This second coating adds shine, moisture, and bold flavor.

Sprinkle with extra parsley or Parmesan if desired.

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Texture & Flavor Breakdown

When done properly, you should experience:

• Crisp golden exterior

• Soft, fluffy interior

• Gooey, stretchy melted cheese center

• Rich garlic butter coating

• Subtle herb aroma

The contrast between crispy outside and molten center is what makes these irresistible.

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Serving Suggestions

Baked Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs pair beautifully with:

• Marinara sauce

• Ranch dressing

• Garlic aioli

• Spicy buffalo sauce

• Honey butter (for sweet-savory twist)

Serve warm for maximum cheese pull.

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Variations

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1. Pepperoni Pizza Bombs

Add 2–3 mini pepperoni slices inside with the cheese.

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2. Jalapeño Popper Bombs

Add diced jalapeños and cream cheese.

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3. Spinach Artichoke Bombs

Mix chopped spinach and artichoke with mozzarella before stuffing.

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4. Bacon Cheddar Bombs

Replace mozzarella with sharp cheddar and add crispy bacon bits.

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5. Sweet Garlic Parmesan Version

Add a teaspoon of honey to garlic butter and increase Parmesan topping.

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Homemade Dough Option

For a from-scratch version:

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast

• 1 cup warm water

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 2 ½ cups flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Method

1. Activate yeast in warm water with sugar (5 minutes).

2. Add flour, salt, oil.

3. Knead 5–7 minutes.

4. Let rise 1 hour.

5. Divide and proceed with filling.

Homemade dough gives slightly chewier texture and deeper flavor.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator:

• Store in airtight container up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Oven at 350°F for 5–8 minutes.

• Avoid microwave (makes dough rubbery).

Freezing:

• Freeze unbaked bombs on tray.

• Once frozen, store in freezer bag up to 2 months.

• Bake from frozen, adding 3–5 extra minutes.

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Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

1. Cheese Leaking Out
   Seal dough tightly. Avoid overfilling.

2. Undercooked Dough
   Ensure center is fully baked—especially with thick dough.

3. Burnt Garlic
   Mix garlic into butter, don’t bake garlic dry on top.

4. Soggy Bottoms
   Use parchment paper and don’t overcrowd pan.

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Make-Ahead Tips

• Assemble bombs earlier in day and refrigerate.

• Brush with butter just before baking.

• Perfect for parties.

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Why These Work So Well

Garlic butter contains fat, which:

• Enhances flavor

• Promotes browning

• Adds moisture

Mozzarella melts evenly and stretches beautifully due to its moisture and protein structure.

The sealed dough traps steam, creating fluffy interior.

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Nutritional Overview (Approximate Per Bomb)

• Calories: 150–220

• Fat: 9–12g

• Carbs: 15–18g

• Protein: 5–7g

These are indulgent but portion-controlled treats.

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Elevating the Recipe

For gourmet results:

• Use fresh mozzarella pearls.

• Add roasted garlic instead of raw.

• Brush with browned butter for nutty flavor.

• Sprinkle with truffle salt.

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Party Presentation Ideas

• Serve in cast iron skillet.

• Arrange in circular pull-apart pattern.

• Add fresh basil garnish.

• Provide dipping sauce trio.

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Final Flavor Tips

• Don’t skimp on butter.

• Fresh herbs add brightness.

• Serve immediately for best texture.

• Slight underbake is better than overbake.

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Conclusion

Baked Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs are the ultimate bite-sized comfort food—crispy, buttery, cheesy, and deeply satisfying. Whether you make them for a gathering, family dinner, or simply to treat yourself, they deliver consistent crowd-pleasing results.

They are easy enough for beginners, customizable for creative cooks, and indulgent enough to feel special.

Once you master the base recipe, the variations are endless—and dangerously addictive.