Name: Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 18 min
Ingredients: 4 cups 500 g all‑purpose flour, plus more for dusting; 2¼ tsp instant yeast (one 7 g packet); 2 Tbsp granulated sugar; 1½ tsp salt; 1¼ cups warm water (105–115 °F / 40–46 °C); ½ cup warm whole milk; 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted); 12 oz block mozzarella (cut into 1″ cubes); 4 oz cheddar (cut into 1″ cubes (optional)); For the garlic butter:; 4 Tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 2 Tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped); 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan (optional); Pinch of salt & pepper

Elevate your appetizer game with these irresistible Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs! Soft, pillowy dough encases a gooey cheese center, all bathed in a luscious garlic butter glaze. This Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs Recipe brings together the best of bread and cheese, creating bite‑sized morsels that disappear almost as quickly as you bake them.

Introduction

Imagine the moment: you bite into a warm ball of soft dough, and molten cheese oozes out, mingling with garlic‑infused butter and fresh herbs. These Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs bring together the comforting flavors of garlic bread and mozzarella sticks in a portable, crowd‑pleasing package. Perfect for parties, game days, or a fun weeknight snack, this Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs Recipe will become a staple in your culinary arsenal.

What Are Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs?

Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs are small, hand‑held rolls of enriched yeast dough, each pocketed with cheese and bathed in a garlic butter glaze. Unlike traditional garlic knots or cheese sticks, these bombs combine both textures and flavors: the soft chew of homemade dough and the stretchy, melty cheese core—enhanced by a buttery, garlicky exterior.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs Recipe

Ultimate Comfort Food: Combines two irresistible cravings—bread and cheese—into one.
Customizable: Easily swap cheeses, add herbs or spices, or turn them into a meal by stuffing with cooked proteins.

Show‑Stopping Appetizer: Impress guests with a homemade treat that tastes like it came from a gourmet bakery.

Make‑Ahead Friendly: Dough can be prepared in advance or frozen; garlic butter can be made ahead for speed.

Ingredients

For the Dough

All-purpose flour – 4 cups (approximately 500 g), plus extra for dusting
Instant yeast – 2¼ tsp (one 7 g packet)

Granulated sugar – 2 Tbsp

Salt – 1½ tsp
Warm water (105–115 °F / 40–46 °C) – 1¼ cups

Whole milk – ½ cup, warmed

Unsalted butter – 2 Tbsp, melted

Chef’s Note: Using a stand mixer with dough hook greatly streamlines the process, but you can knead by hand too.

For the Cheese Filling

Mozzarella cheese – 12 oz block (about 340 g), cut into 1-inch cubes

Cheddar cheese (optional) – 4 oz, cubed, for extra flavor depth

For the Garlic Butter

Unsalted butter – 4 Tbsp (½ stick)
Garlic – 4 cloves, finely minced (about 1 Tbsp)

Parsley – 2 Tbsp fresh, finely chopped

Grated Parmesan – 2 Tbsp (optional, for garnish)
Salt & pepper – pinch each, to taste

Equipment You’ll Need

Stand mixer with dough hook (or large mixing bowl + wooden spoon)

Kitchen scale (for precise measurements)
Rubber spatula

Rolling pin

Baking sheet(s)
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat

Pastry brush

Sharp knife or pizza cutter

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, whisk together warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top. Let stand 5–7 minutes until foamy.

Combine dry ingredients: In the mixer bowl, whisk flour and salt.

Add liquids: With mixer on low speed, pour in yeast mixture, warm milk, and melted butter.
Knead: Increase speed to medium. Knead 6–8 minutes until dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. (By hand: turn onto floured surface and knead 10 minutes.)

First rise: Shape dough into a ball. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or clean towel. Let rise in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Cheese Filling

While the dough rises, cube your mozzarella (and cheddar, if using). Pat dry any excess moisture with paper towels—this prevents a watery cheese center.

3. Assemble the Cheese Bombs

Divide the dough: Gently punch down the risen dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 12–16 equal pieces (about 2 oz / 55 g each).

Shape & fill: Flatten each piece into a 3‑inch disk. Place one cheese cube in the center. Gather edges to seal, pinch firmly so no cheese peeks through. Shape into smooth balls.

Second rise: Arrange bombs seam‑side down on parchment‑lined baking sheets, spacing 1–2 inches apart. Cover loosely. Let rest 20–30 minutes until puffy.

4. Make the Garlic Butter

While bombs undergo their second rise:

Melt butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter.

Infuse garlic: Add minced garlic. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Season: Remove from heat. Stir in parsley, a pinch of salt, and pepper.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat oven: 375 °F (190 °C).

Brush with garlic butter: Generously brush each bomb with the garlic butter mixture.
Bake: Place baking sheet on middle rack. Bake 15–18 minutes, until tops are golden brown.

Pro Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even coloring.

6. Finishing Touch

As soon as the bombs come out of the oven, brush once more with any remaining garlic butter. Optional: sprinkle with grated Parmesan and extra parsley for visual appeal and flavor boost.

Chef’s Tips for Best Results

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure milk and butter are warm, not hot—too much heat kills yeast.
Avoid Overflouring: A slightly tacky dough yields a more tender crumb.

Seal Completely: Prevent cheese leakage by pinching seams tightly and placing seam‑side down.

Steam Kick: Place a small oven‑safe dish of water on the bottom rack during baking for an extra‑soft exterior.
Flavor Variations: Mix garlic butter with ½ tsp smoked paprika, buffalo sauce, or pesto for unique twists.

Test Bomb: Bake one bomb first to check seal integrity and adjust dough sealing if needed.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Bombs: Add a slice of pickled jalapeño with the cheese, and stir ½ tsp cayenne into the garlic butter.
Herb & Goat Cheese Bombs: Swap mozzarella for goat cheese, and mix chopped fresh rosemary and thyme into the dough.

Pepperoni Pizza Bombs: Include 2 slices of pepperoni around the cheese cube, brush bombs with pizza seasoning‑infused butter.

Vegan Option: Use dairy‑free butter and vegan mozzarella alternative. Increase parsley and garlic for savory punch.

Serving Suggestions

Appetizer Platter: Serve with marinara sauce, ranch, or pesto for dipping.

Party Spread: Pair with charcuterie, olives, and fresh veggies.

Comfort Meal: Serve alongside a bowl of tomato soup for dunking.
Kids’ Lunchbox: Pack warm cheese bombs in an insulated container with dipping sauce.

Storage & Reheating

Room Temperature: Store cooled bombs in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Refrigeration: Keep in fridge for 4–5 days. Reheat in a 350 °F (175 °C) oven for 5–7 minutes until warm.
Freezing: Flash‑freeze assembled bombs on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes to baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make dough ahead?
A: Absolutely! After the first rise, punch down and refrigerate dough (well‑wrapped) for up to 24 hours. Allow to come to room temperature before shaping.

Q: What’s the best cheese for melting?
A: Mozzarella is classic for stretchiness. For flavor, blend with provolone or mild cheddar.

Q: How do I prevent soggy bottoms?
A: Use parchment paper or silicone mats to absorb excess moisture. Ensure oven is fully preheated.

Q: Can I add fillings besides cheese?
A: Yes—see “Recipe Variations” for inspiration like pepperoni, jalapeños, or cooked bacon bits.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs Recipe is a game‑changer for any gathering or cozy night in. From the homemade dough to the molten cheese center and garlic‑butter finish, every element works in harmony. Armed with the tips, variations, and serving ideas above, you’re ready to delight friends, family, or yourself with this show‑stopping treat. Ready to bake? Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to experience cheese bombs like never before!