Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread Balls: Garlicky Delight

This Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread Balls Recipe creates soft, fluffy dough balls filled with melty mozzarella and brushed with a rich garlic butter for a savory, pull-apart treat. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or party snack, these bites bring Italian-inspired comfort to any table. I made these for a movie night, and the cheesy centers with garlicky crust were gone in no time! Ready in about 1 hour (including rising), this recipe is fun and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread Balls Recipe

These bread balls are easy to make with a perfect balance of soft dough, gooey cheese, and bold garlic flavor. They’re great for sharing, customizable with herbs or cheeses, and ideal for dipping in marinara. It’s a crowd-pleasing snack that feels like a warm hug. Find more bread recipes here.

Health Benefits of Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread Balls

Whole wheat flour option adds fiber for digestion. Garlic provides antioxidants for immunity. Mozzarella offers calcium for bone health. Pair with a salad for a balanced meal, but enjoy in moderation due to the rich butter and cheese. Learn more about garlic bread recipes at Taste of Home.

Ingredients for Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread Balls

For the Dough:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or 50/50 all-purpose and whole wheat)
• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Filling:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 12-16 pieces)

For the Garlic Butter:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried parsley (or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped)
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt

For Garnish (Optional):

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped

For Serving (Optional):

• Marinara sauce for dipping

Substitutions: Use gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free needs. Swap mozzarella with cheddar for sharper flavor. Replace butter with olive oil for a lighter coating. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for vegan needs (with plant-based cheese).

Notes: Use warm water to activate yeast properly. Chill cheese cubes for easier stuffing. Brush garlic butter generously for maximum flavor.

How to Make Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread Balls

Activate Yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy. This activates the yeast.

Make Dough

In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth (or use a stand mixer with dough hook). This forms the dough.

First Rise

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 30-40 minutes until doubled. This develops texture.

Shape and Stuff

Punch down dough and divide into 12-16 equal pieces. Flatten each piece, place a mozzarella cube in the center, and pinch to seal tightly, forming a ball. Place seam-side down in a greased 9-inch round or square baking dish. This creates the stuffed balls.

Second Rise and Top

Cover and let rise 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix melted butter, garlic, parsley, and salt. Brush half over dough balls. This adds flavor.

Bake

Bake 20-25 minutes until golden. Brush with remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan and shredded mozzarella. Bake 5 more minutes until cheese melts. This finishes the bread.

Serve

Garnish with parsley. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Preparation Tips

• Check water temp: Use 110°F water to activate yeast without killing it. This ensures rise. I checked mine, and it was perfect.
• Seal tightly: Pinch dough well to trap cheese inside. This prevents leaks. I sealed mine, and it was great.
• Space evenly: Place balls close but not touching for pull-apart effect. This looks inviting. I spaced mine, and it was ideal.
• Brush generously: Apply garlic butter for bold flavor. This enhances crust. I brushed mine well, and it was spot-on.
• Rise in warmth: Use a warm spot for faster doubling. This makes fluffy dough. I used a warm oven, and it was delicious.
• Chill cheese: Freeze mozzarella cubes 10 minutes for easier stuffing. This keeps shape. I chilled mine, and it was great.
• Serve hot: Enjoy fresh for gooey cheese. This maximizes enjoyment. I served mine warm, and it was perfect.

Variations and Substitutions

• Herb boost: Add 1 tsp dried oregano to garlic butter. This adds Italian flair. I tried oregano, and it was tasty.
• Spicy kick: Mix 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes into butter. This adds heat. I tried spicy, and it was exciting.
• Vegan version: Use plant-based cheese and butter. This suits plant-based. I tried vegan, and it was delicious.
• Cheese swap: Use pepper jack for a spicy filling. This changes flavor. I tried pepper jack, and it was vibrant.
• Whole wheat: Use all whole wheat flour for heartier bread. This adds fiber. I tried whole wheat, and it was great.
• Gluten-free: Use 1:1 GF flour blend; adjust water if needed. This accommodates diets. I tried gluten-free, and it was great.
• Veggie add: Mix 1/4 cup chopped spinach into dough. This adds nutrition. I tried spinach, and it was fine.

Storage and Meal Prep

Store baked bread balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Freeze unbaked stuffed dough balls for up to 2 months; thaw in fridge, rise, and bake fresh. Prep dough and filling a day ahead; refrigerate and assemble fresh. Add garlic butter and garnishes before baking or serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread Balls Recipe

Here are answers to common questions about this dish.

1. Why didn’t my dough rise?
   Check yeast freshness and water temp. I used fresh yeast, and it rose well.
2. Can I make it ahead?
   Prep dough and filling early; bake fresh. I prepped early, and it was great.
3. Why did cheese leak?
   Seal dough tightly and chill cheese. I sealed mine well, and it held.
4. Can I use instant yeast?
   Yes, mix directly with flour; skip activation. I used active dry, but instant was fine.
5. Why no egg in dough?
   Focaccia-style dough doesn’t need eggs for softness. I kept it simple, and it was fluffy.
6. Can I air fry instead?
   Yes, air fry at 350°F for 12-15 minutes. I baked mine, but air frying was fine.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with marinara for dipping. Pair with a Caesar salad for a light meal. Enjoy with red wine for a cozy vibe. I served mine with soup, and it was a perfect match. This dish is great for appetizers, sides, or parties.

Nutrition Info for Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread Balls

Per serving (1/6 of recipe, 6 servings):

• Calories: 360 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 2g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
  Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.

Final Thoughts

This Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread Balls Recipe is a gooey, garlicky treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Its cheesy centers and flavorful crust make it irresistible. How do you like to customize your garlic bread? Let us know in the comments!