Name: Ultimate Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread Balls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Flour Sugar Salt Yeast Milk Butter Egg Mozzarella Garlic Parsley Olive oil

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Ultimate Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread Balls are the dreamiest bite-sized version of classic garlic bread you can imagine. These golden, buttery, and cheesy delights combine soft homemade dough, a garlicky butter glaze, and gooey mozzarella centers that melt perfectly when baked. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a family movie night, or just craving comfort food, this recipe is guaranteed to impress every time.

Why You’ll Love These Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread Balls

Cheesy, garlicky perfection — each bite oozes with melty mozzarella goodness.
Soft yet crisp texture — golden on the outside, fluffy on the inside.
Quick and easy to make — ready in under an hour if you use instant yeast.
Party favorite — perfect for sharing, dipping, and snacking.
Customizable — change up the fillings or herbs for fun flavor twists.

Ingredients for Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread Balls

For the Dough

2 ¾ cups (350 g) all-purpose flour
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 packet (7 g) instant yeast
¾ cup warm milk
2 tbsp softened butter
1 egg (optional for extra softness)
Warm water (1–2 tbsp as needed)

For the Filling

1 cup mozzarella cheese cubes (or cheese pearls)

For Garlic Butter

3 tbsp butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tsp olive oil (optional)
Pinch of salt

Ingredient Notes (Healthy Substitutions)

Butter substitute: Use olive oil or plant-based butter for a lighter or vegan option.
Cheese: Try cheddar, gouda, or low-fat mozzarella for variation.
Egg-free dough: Skip the egg; add 1–2 tbsp more milk if needed.
Garlic butter alternative: Mix olive oil, garlic powder, and parsley for a dairy-free topping.
Pork-free & alcohol-free: This recipe contains no restricted ingredients, making it fully family-friendly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Gradually pour in warm milk and butter, mixing until a soft dough forms. If needed, add a little warm water to bring it together. Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 2 – Let the Dough Rise

Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for 30–45 minutes until doubled in size. (If you’re using instant yeast, 20 minutes may be enough.)

Step 3 – Shape and Fill

Punch down the dough and divide it into 12–15 equal pieces. Flatten each piece, place a cube of mozzarella in the center, and pinch the edges to seal tightly, forming a smooth ball.

Step 4 – Second Rest

Arrange the stuffed balls on a parchment-lined baking tray. Cover and let them rest for another 15–20 minutes to puff slightly.

Step 5 – Make Garlic Butter

In a small pan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in minced garlic, parsley, and a touch of salt. Let it cool slightly.

Step 6 – Brush and Bake

Brush each dough ball generously with garlic butter. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

Step 7 – Finish with Flavor

Once baked, brush again with warm garlic butter for that irresistible shine and flavor. Serve immediately while the cheese is molten inside.

Pro Tips for Success

Use room-temperature ingredients to help the dough rise evenly.
Don’t overfill with cheese — a small cube melts better and prevents leaks.
Seal tightly by pinching the dough; this keeps the cheese from oozing out.
For extra crispiness, bake the balls on a pizza stone or preheated tray.
Serve hot — the cheese pull is best straight from the oven!
Brush twice with garlic butter for maximum flavor and shine.

Flavor Variations

Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or jalapeños inside the dough balls.
Italian Herb Mix: Sprinkle dried oregano or basil into the butter glaze.
Cheddar Explosion: Use sharp cheddar for a richer flavor.
Stuffed Veggie Balls: Add tiny bits of sautéed mushrooms or spinach with the cheese.
Sweet Twist: Try a cinnamon sugar butter topping (skip garlic) for a dessert-style bread ball.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread Balls with:

Marinara sauce for a classic pizza flavor
Ranch or garlic aioli for creamy dipping
Soup or pasta as a side dish
Salad platter for a balanced meal

They’re also perfect for movie nights, potlucks, and game-day snacks.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

To store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 4 days.
To reheat: Microwave for 15 seconds or bake at 350°F for 5 minutes to revive the texture.
To freeze: Freeze unbaked balls on a tray, then store in freezer bags up to 2 months. Bake from frozen for 25–30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	150 kcal
Protein	5 g
Carbohydrates	18 g
Fat	6 g
Fiber	1 g
Sodium	190 mg

FAQ About Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread Balls

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

Make sure the dough is sealed completely around the cheese. Pinch well and roll the ball smooth before baking.

Can I make these without yeast?

Yes — substitute 1 tbsp baking powder and reduce milk slightly for a quick no-rise version. The texture will be more biscuit-like.

🧄 What type of cheese works best?

Low-moisture mozzarella gives the best pull and prevents sogginess. You can also mix mozzarella with cheddar for extra flavor.

Can I prepare them ahead of time?

Definitely! Prepare and refrigerate the shaped balls, then bake them fresh before serving.

What’s the best dipping sauce?

Classic marinara or spicy tomato sauce pairs perfectly. You can also try pesto, ranch, or cheese sauce for variety.

Final Thoughts

The Ultimate Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread Balls bring all the comfort of classic garlic bread in a fun, bite-sized form. With their buttery crust, melty cheese center, and rich aroma of garlic and herbs, they’re an absolute crowd-pleaser. Once you make them, they’ll become your go-to snack for any occasion!