Name: Cheesy Garlic Bread Buns
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-486069H50M36S
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast; 1 cup warm water or milk; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp salt; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese; 1 tsp dried parsley or Italian herbs

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Cheesy Garlic Bread Buns are a delightful twist on traditional garlic bread, combining fluffy bread rolls, rich garlic butter, and a generous layer of melted cheese. Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, these buns are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy, garlicky, and irresistibly fluffy
Perfect as a side for pasta, soups, or stews
Great for parties, potlucks, or holiday spreads
Simple to make with basic ingredients
Kid-friendly and fun to serve
Can be prepped ahead of time
Freezer-friendly for convenience
Customizable with different cheese blends or herbs
Great for dipping in marinara or ranch
Delicious both fresh and reheated

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Active dry yeast
Warm water or milk
Sugar
Salt
Unsalted butter
Minced garlic
Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Dried parsley or Italian herbs

directions

In a bowl, activate yeast with warm water and sugar. Let sit until frothy.
Mix flour and salt in a large bowl. Add yeast mixture and knead until a soft dough forms.
Cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Divide dough into equal portions and roll into balls. Place on a greased baking sheet.
In a saucepan, melt butter with minced garlic and herbs. Brush over the buns.
Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, or until golden and cheese is bubbly.
Let cool slightly and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10–12 buns
Prep time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Bake time: 15–18 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

Add chopped jalapeños for a spicy twist
Use a blend of mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone
Mix roasted garlic into the dough for extra flavor
Make mini buns for party snacks
Use store-bought pizza dough for a quicker version

storage/reheating

Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes or until warm. These buns also freeze well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these with store-bought dough?

Yes, pizza or dinner roll dough works well as a shortcut.

What cheese is best for this recipe?

Mozzarella is classic, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend adds more flavor.

Can I add herbs inside the dough?

Yes, you can knead in herbs like rosemary or basil for added aroma.

How do I keep the cheese from burning?

Bake on the middle rack and avoid overbaking; you can tent with foil if needed.

Are these buns freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze baked buns and reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, use about 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder as a substitute.

What dipping sauces go well with these?

Marinara, ranch, or a garlic cream sauce are excellent choices.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend and follow proper rising techniques.

Should the butter be salted or unsalted?

Unsalted is preferred to control the overall saltiness of the buns.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the dough and refrigerate overnight, or fully bake and reheat before serving.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Bread Buns deliver all the flavors of classic garlic bread in a fun, fluffy, and cheesy bun format. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish or enjoying them as a snack, these buns offer satisfying comfort and irresistible flavor in every bite. A must-have for garlic bread lovers and cheese enthusiasts alike.

Cheesy Garlic Bread Buns

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Cheesy Garlic Bread Buns combine fluffy homemade bread with savory garlic butter and gooey melted cheese for a delightful, shareable twist on classic garlic bread. Perfect as a side dish or snack.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15–18 mins
Total Time: 1 hour 45 mins
Yield: 10–12 buns 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

In a bowl, combine warm water or milk with sugar and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and knead until a soft dough forms.
Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Divide the dough into 10–12 equal portions and roll into balls. Place on a greased baking sheet.
In a small saucepan, melt butter with minced garlic and dried herbs.
Brush the garlic butter over the buns and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
Let cool slightly and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.