Chef Jake Thompson - Comfort Food Specialist
👨‍🍳 Comfort Food Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 Culinary Arts Graduate ⏰ 18+ Years Experience 🍽️ Bread & Pastry Expert

❤️ My Recipe Story

"These garlic butter cheese bombs were born from my love of combining two of life's greatest pleasures - melted cheese and garlic bread. After perfecting the technique for sealing in the cheese, I discovered the secret to achieving that perfect golden, buttery exterior."

Jake specializes in comfort food that brings people together around the table. He's passionate about creating dishes that are both impressive and approachable for home cooks of all skill levels.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Golden-brown garlic butter cheese bombs with melted mozzarella oozing out, brushed with herb-infused garlic butter and garnished with fresh parsley

The Secret to Perfect Cheese Bombs

Creating perfect cheese bombs requires understanding the balance between dough thickness and cheese quantity. Too much cheese will burst through the dough, while too little won't give you that satisfying cheese pull. The key is using the right amount of mozzarella and sealing the dough properly.

The garlic butter mixture serves a dual purpose - it flavors the exterior and helps create that beautiful golden-brown color during baking. Applying it both before and after baking ensures maximum flavor penetration and visual appeal.

💡 Professional Tip

Chill the assembled cheese bombs for 10-15 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape and prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can assemble the cheese bombs up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate. Brush with garlic butter just before baking. They're best served fresh from the oven.

Pizza dough or refrigerated biscuit dough both work well. Pizza dough gives a chewier texture, while biscuit dough creates a fluffier result. Both are delicious!

Make sure to pinch the seams tightly and place them seam-side down on the baking sheet. Don't overstuff with cheese, and chilling before baking helps too.

Absolutely! Cheddar, pepper jack, or even cream cheese work well. Mozzarella is preferred for its excellent melting properties and mild flavor that pairs well with garlic.

You can use garlic powder, but fresh garlic provides the best flavor. Use about 2 teaspoons of garlic powder if substituting for the fresh minced garlic.

Marinara sauce is classic, but ranch dressing, alfredo sauce, or even a spicy aioli make great dipping options. They also pair well with soups and salads.

Yes, freeze assembled unbaked cheese bombs for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it will make the exterior soggy, though the cheese will still be delicious.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Cheese Leaking Out

Problem: Cheese oozes out during baking

Solution: Seal seams more tightly, don't overstuff with cheese, chill before baking, and ensure oven is properly preheated.

✅

Dough Too Tough

Problem: Finished cheese bombs are tough or chewy

Solution: Don't overwork the dough, ensure oven temperature is accurate, and don't overbake - they should be golden but still tender.

✅

Uneven Browning

Problem: Some cheese bombs brown faster than others

Prevention: Ensure uniform size, rotate baking sheet halfway through cooking, and use heavy-duty baking sheet for even heat distribution.

✅

Bland Flavor

Problem: Cheese bombs lack garlic or herb flavor

Recovery: Use fresh garlic, don't skip the second butter application after baking, and be generous with seasonings in the butter mixture.

✅

Soggy Bottom

Problem: Bottom of cheese bombs is soggy or undercooked

Prevention: Use parchment paper, ensure oven is fully preheated, and place baking sheet on middle rack for proper air circulation.

✅

Texture Issues

Too Sweet: Add more red pepper flakes or black pepper for heat

Too Salty: Balance with extra fresh herbs or serve with a mild dipping sauce

Bland: Increase garlic, add more Italian seasoning, or finish with fresh herbs

Fresh ingredients for garlic butter cheese bombs including pizza dough, mozzarella cubes, fresh garlic, butter, and Italian herbs arranged on a wooden cutting board

Choosing the Right Ingredients

The foundation of exceptional cheese bombs starts with quality dough and cheese. Fresh pizza dough from your local pizzeria or grocery store deli often provides the best texture and flavor. For cheese, whole milk mozzarella melts beautifully and provides that classic cheese pull everyone loves.

Fresh garlic makes all the difference in the butter mixture. Pre-minced garlic from a jar can work in a pinch, but fresh garlic provides the pungent, aromatic quality that makes these cheese bombs irresistible.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Dough Selection: Fresh pizza dough is ideal, but refrigerated biscuit dough works too. Let pizza dough come to room temperature for easier handling.
  • Cheese Quality: Use whole milk mozzarella for the best melt and flavor. Low-moisture mozzarella works better than fresh mozzarella, which can make the bombs soggy.
  • Butter Choice: Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level. European-style butter with higher fat content creates an even richer flavor.
Golden garlic butter cheese bombs baking in the oven with melted cheese slightly oozing and tops brushed with herb-infused garlic butter

Mastering the Assembly Technique

The key to successful cheese bombs lies in the assembly technique. Each piece of dough should be stretched thin enough to wrap around the cheese completely, but not so thin that it tears. The sealing method is crucial - pinch the edges firmly and place seam-side down to prevent opening during baking.

Timing the garlic butter application correctly ensures maximum flavor and visual appeal. The first application before baking helps the seasonings adhere and promotes browning, while the second application after baking adds fresh garlic flavor and a beautiful glossy finish.

The Perfect Seal

Stretch dough gently around cheese, gather edges at the bottom, and pinch firmly. Roll gently in your palms to create a smooth ball with the seam sealed underneath.

Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs

Prep 15 min
Cook 18 min
Serves 12 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

For the Cheese Bombs

  • 120g butter, melted
    Creates rich, flavorful coating
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
    Fresh garlic is essential
  • 60g Parmesan cheese, grated
    Adds nutty, sharp flavor
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
    Classic herb blend
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
    Enhances garlic flavor
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley
    For color and freshness
  • Marinara sauce
    Perfect for dipping

For the Garlic Butter

  • 450g pizza dough or biscuit dough
    Forms the golden exterior
  • 240g mozzarella cheese, cubed
    Creates gooey, melted centers
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
    Adds savory depth
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
    Optional gentle heat
  • 1 tsp salt
    Enhances all flavors
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
    Prevents sticking
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
    Balances flavors

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dough and Cheese

    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide pizza dough into 12 equal portions. Cut mozzarella into 12 cubes, about 1-inch each.

  2. Make Garlic Butter

    In a bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.

  3. Assemble Cheese Bombs

    Flatten each dough portion and place a cheese cube in the center. Wrap dough around cheese, pinching seams tightly to seal. Place seam-side down on prepared baking sheet.

  4. Add Garlic Butter

    Brush each cheese bomb generously with garlic butter mixture, reserving some for later. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and additional Italian seasoning.

  5. Bake and Finish

    Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Brush with remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Serving Tips

Serve immediately while hot for the best cheese pull effect. These are perfect as appetizers, side dishes, or even as a fun snack for game day or movie night.

Storage

Best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.

Variations

Try stuffing with different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack. Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the garlic butter, or include cooked bacon bits for extra indulgence.