This Game Day Cheese & Garlic Pull-Apart Bread is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for any party or Super Bowl gathering. Each bite-sized roll is stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese, baked to golden perfection, and brushed with a flavorful garlic herb butter. Whether you’re watching the big game or just craving a cheesy, buttery snack, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Serve it with warm marinara sauce for the ultimate dunking experience!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Rolls:

16-19 oz store-bought pizza dough
8 mozzarella string cheese sticks (cut into 1-inch pieces) OR 32 Land O Lakes Creamy Italian Blend Cheese Cubes
½ tbsp milk OR 1 egg (for brushing)
Flaky sea salt (optional)

For the Garlic Herb Butter:

4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted & cooled slightly
¼ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
2 small cloves garlic, minced (or 1 large clove)
1 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tbsp chopped basil
Salt & pepper to taste

To Serve:

1 slice of cheese (mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar) for garnish
Warm marinara sauce for dipping

Directions

Preheat & Prepare:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut Dough & Cheese:
- Slice each mozzarella cheese stick into four pieces (32 pieces total). If using cheese cubes, skip this step.
- Divide the pizza dough into 32 equal pieces.
Stuff & Shape:
- Flatten each piece of dough into a small rectangle.
- Place a piece of cheese in the center and wrap the dough around it, sealing the edges to form a ball.
Arrange & Bake:
- Place the dough balls seam-side down on the baking sheet in the shape of a football.
- Brush with milk or egg wash and sprinkle with flaky sea salt (if using).
- Bake for 18 minutes, then switch to broil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
Prepare Garlic Butter:
- Mix melted butter, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Brush this mixture over the baked rolls.
Decorate & Serve:
- Cut the slice of cheese into thin strips and arrange on top to resemble football laces.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy!

Nutrients (Per Roll)

Calories: 54 kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg
Sodium: 123mg
Fiber: 0.2g
Sugar: 1g
Calcium: 13mg
Iron: 0.4mg

This cheesy, garlicky pull-apart bread is an easy, fun, and delicious appetizer that will make any game day extra special! 🏈🧄🧀

Why This Recipe is a Game-Changer

There are plenty of game day appetizers out there, but this pull-apart bread stands out for several reasons:

Irresistible Cheese Pull – Every bite oozes with warm, melted cheese, making it impossible to eat just one.
Easy to Make – Using store-bought pizza dough saves time, and the assembly process is simple enough for anyone to master.
Garlic Herb Butter Perfection – A delicious blend of butter, garlic, and fresh herbs coats each piece, elevating the flavor to restaurant-quality levels.
Football-Themed Fun – The rolls are arranged in the shape of a football, making them the perfect snack for sports fans.
Dippable & Shareable – Serve it with warm marinara sauce for the ultimate dunking experience that keeps everyone coming back for more.

The Magic of Mozzarella and Parmesan

One of the best parts of this recipe is the cheese combination. The mozzarella stuffing creates that classic stretchy cheese pull, while the addition of parmesan in the garlic butter gives the rolls a sharp, nutty flavor. The contrast between the mild creaminess of mozzarella and the slightly salty, umami-packed parmesan makes every bite incredibly satisfying.

Using string cheese or pre-cut cheese cubes ensures an even distribution of cheese, so every piece is perfectly stuffed. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick.

The Secret to Perfectly Baked Rolls

Baking these pull-apart rolls to perfection is all about getting the texture just right. Here are a few pro tips to make sure your rolls come out golden, fluffy, and perfectly cheesy:

Use fresh pizza dough – Fresh dough stretches and seals better, preventing cheese from leaking out during baking.
Seal the edges well – Making sure each dough ball is tightly sealed around the cheese helps prevent the filling from oozing out prematurely.
Egg wash or milk? – Brushing with egg wash gives a shinier, richer crust, while milk creates a softer, more delicate finish. Either works, depending on your preference.
Broil at the end – A quick broil for 2-3 minutes after baking adds a crispy, golden-brown finish that makes the rolls even more tempting.

Garlic Herb Butter: The Flavor Booster

While the cheesy interior is the star, the garlic herb butter plays a crucial supporting role in making this dish truly unforgettable. The combination of melted butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and basil creates an aromatic and savory topping that enhances the overall taste. Adding grated parmesan to the butter mixture introduces an extra layer of umami, making each roll taste even more indulgent.

Brushing the rolls with this buttery mixture right after baking ensures that the flavor absorbs into the dough while it’s still warm. The result? An appetizer that tastes just as good as it looks.

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Game Day Spread

This cheese and garlic pull-apart bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of dips and accompaniments. While warm marinara sauce is the classic choice, here are a few more ideas to switch things up:

Ranch Dressing – The creamy, tangy flavor of ranch pairs well with the garlicky rolls.
Buffalo Sauce – For those who love a spicy kick, buffalo sauce adds a fiery contrast to the cheesy rolls.
Pesto Sauce – A fresh basil pesto dip adds an herby, nutty twist.
Queso Dip – More cheese? Why not! A rich, creamy queso dip makes this an extra indulgent treat.

Want to turn this appetizer into a full party spread? Serve it alongside wings, nachos, sliders, and a big bowl of guacamole for the ultimate game day feast.

Creative Variations to Try

While this recipe is already a winner, you can customize it to suit different tastes and dietary needs:

Spicy Kick – Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the cheese stuffing for a bit of heat.
Meaty Twist – Wrap small pieces of pepperoni or crumbled sausage inside each roll for a pizza-inspired version.
Herb & Garlic Explosion – Double the garlic and mix in extra herbs like rosemary or thyme for a more aromatic flavor.
Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pizza dough to make this snack accessible for everyone at the party.
Sweet & Savory – Swap out the garlic butter for a honey butter glaze and use brie or gouda for a unique sweet-savory variation.

Why This is the Best Game Day Appetizer

When it comes to game day food, simplicity, flavor, and shareability are key. This Game Day Cheese & Garlic Pull-Apart Bread checks all the boxes: it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing. The bite-sized portions allow guests to grab and go without any mess, making it an ideal snack for watching the big game.

Not only is this recipe a guaranteed hit with football fans, but it’s also a fantastic choice for any gathering—whether it’s a holiday party, potluck, or casual get-together. Its cheesy, garlicky goodness makes it impossible to resist, ensuring that everyone at the table leaves satisfied.

Conclusion: A Must-Try Recipe for Every Party

If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s delicious, easy, and guaranteed to impress, this Game Day Cheese & Garlic Pull-Apart Bread is a must-try. The combination of gooey melted cheese, golden-brown pizza dough, and rich garlic butter makes it an instant favorite at any event. Plus, with so many ways to customize and serve it, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit different tastes and occasions.

So whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, a family gathering, or just a cozy night in, give this recipe a shot. Your guests will thank you—just don’t be surprised when they ask for seconds (or thirds)!

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