These warm, soft, cheesy garlic butter bombs are the perfect pull-apart snack. Fluffy dough, gooey melted cheese, and a rich garlic-herb butter finish make them a crowd-pleasing appetizer for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These garlic butter cheese bombs are quick to assemble, incredibly flavorful, and require only simple pantry ingredients. They bake into soft, golden rolls with irresistible cheesy centers and a fragrant garlic butter topping. They’re ideal for parties, side dishes, or a comforting snack.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:
2 tablespoons sugar
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon instant yeast
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 cup warm milk (about 43°C)

For the filling:
18–20 small cubes of mozzarella cheese (about 2 cm each)

For the garlic butter topping:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast begins to foam.
2. Add the flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 6–8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 18–20 equal pieces.
6. Flatten each piece, place a cube of mozzarella inside, and pinch the dough closed to seal it completely.
7. Arrange the filled dough balls on a lined baking sheet, seam-side down.
8. Cover and let them rest for 15 minutes while you preheat the oven to 190°C.
9. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Meanwhile, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and paprika in a small bowl.
11. Brush the warm cheese bombs generously with the garlic butter mixture.
12. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 18–20 cheese bombs.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 60 minutes
Rest time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

• Use cheddar or gouda cubes for a sharper flavor.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes to the garlic butter for a mild heat.
• Sprinkle the tops with sesame seeds before baking.
• For a richer taste, mix 1 tablespoon of grated parmesan into the garlic butter.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled cheese bombs in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 160°C oven for 5–7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the dough chewy.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, dissolve it in the warm milk with sugar and wait 10 minutes until foamy before adding other ingredients.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, shape the balls without the cheese, freeze them, then thaw, fill, and bake as usual.

Can I freeze baked cheese bombs?

Yes, freeze them fully baked. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 160°C for 10–12 minutes.

Can I make these without cheese?

You can, but the cheese is what gives them their signature gooey center.

What other herbs can I add to the garlic butter?

Try oregano, basil, or thyme.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate the dough after the first rise for up to 12 hours.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

You can replace up to 1 cup of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but the texture will be denser.

My dough is too sticky. What should I do?

Add small amounts of flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough becomes smooth enough to knead.

Can I air-fry these?

Yes, air-fry at 180°C for 8–10 minutes, checking for golden color.

Why did my cheese leak out?

Make sure the dough is fully sealed and that the cheese cubes are centered and well-covered.

Conclusion

These homemade garlic butter cheese bombs deliver soft, warm dough filled with melty cheese and finished with aromatic garlic butter. They are simple, satisfying, and perfect for sharing—or enjoying all on your own.

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