Baked Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs are an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering. With their gooey cheese center wrapped in a buttery, garlic-flavored biscuit dough, these cheese bombs are sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make these mouthwatering bites from scratch.
Ingredients
1 can of refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count)
- Using a standard can of biscuit dough simplifies the recipe and ensures consistent results. The dough acts as the outer layer, encasing the delicious cheese and garlic filling.
8 ounces of mozzarella cheese, cut into 12 cubes
- Fresh mozzarella cheese is ideal for its gooey and melty texture. Cut the cheese into small cubes, ensuring they fit comfortably inside each biscuit.
1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- Butter adds richness and helps the garlic and seasonings stick to the biscuit dough. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level in the recipe.
3 cloves of garlic, minced
- Freshly minced garlic provides a robust and aromatic flavor. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning
- Italian seasoning blends herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, adding a savory depth to the cheese bombs.
1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor and complements the mozzarella and garlic beautifully.
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Chopped parsley can be used as a garnish to add a touch of color and a hint of freshness.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the cheese bombs will bake evenly and turn a perfect golden brown.
2. Prepare the Biscuit Dough:
- Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate each biscuit. Lightly flatten each biscuit using your hands or a rolling pin, making it large enough to encase the cheese cube.
3. Assemble the Cheese Bombs:
- Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of each flattened biscuit. Carefully fold the edges of the biscuit dough around the cheese and pinch the seams together to seal. Make sure there are no gaps or openings, as this will prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking.
4. Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture:
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, and dried Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine, ensuring that the garlic and seasoning are evenly distributed in the butter.
5. Coat the Cheese Bombs:
- Dip each cheese-filled biscuit ball into the garlic butter mixture, making sure it’s well-coated. This step adds flavor and ensures the biscuit dough will have a delicious garlic butter crust once baked.
6. Add Parmesan Cheese:
- Place the coated biscuit balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of each cheese bomb. This will create a flavorful, cheesy crust that enhances the overall taste.
7. Bake:
- Bake the cheese bombs in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them and bake until they are golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of the biscuit dough balls.
8. Garnish and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the cheese bombs from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. If desired, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve warm, ideally with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Cheese Bombs
- Seal the Edges Well: Ensure that the biscuit dough is properly sealed around the cheese to prevent leaks during baking. Pinch the seams tightly and press the dough together to create a secure ball.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and high-quality mozzarella cheese. If you use pre-shredded cheese, it may not melt as smoothly.
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or add herbs and spices to the filling to suit your taste preferences.
- Monitor Baking Time: Since oven temperatures can vary, keep a close eye on the cheese bombs as they bake. Remove them from the oven once they are golden brown to avoid over-baking.
Variations
- Herb Cheese Bombs: Add freshly chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives to the garlic butter mixture for additional flavor.
- Spicy Cheese Bombs: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the garlic butter mixture for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Garlic Knots: Twist the biscuit dough into knots instead of forming balls for a different shape and texture. Bake them similarly to the cheese bombs.
Baked Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs are a delightful and versatile treat that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Their crispy, buttery exterior and gooey cheese center make them a perfect appetizer, snack, or side dish. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a delicious homemade treat, these cheese bombs are sure to satisfy. Enjoy them fresh from the oven with your favorite dipping sauce, and watch them become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.
