Some recipes are so simple and so delicious that they feel like a magic trick. These Golden Garlic Cheese Bombs are exactly that. They’re soft, fluffy, and bursting with cheesy, garlicky flavor. These aren’t your average dinner rolls; they’re little pockets of joy, perfect for dipping into marinara sauce, serving alongside a big bowl of pasta, or simply eating on their own, straight from the oven. Best of all, they come together in a snap, with no kneading required!
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a big fan of anything that is easy, cheesy, and delicious, and these garlic bombs hit all three points perfectly. The dough is incredibly forgiving and quick to mix up, thanks to the buttermilk and baking powder. The combination of shredded mozzarella mixed into the dough and Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top gives you two distinct layers of cheese flavor—one gooey and melty on the inside, and one crispy and savory on the outside. But the real star is the garlic butter glaze. Brushing it on top before baking ensures a beautiful golden crust and an irresistible aroma that fills your entire kitchen.
Ingredients
(Makes about 12-15 bombs)
- For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup buttermilk
- For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Swaps and Notes
- Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by adding a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup and filling the rest of the way to the 1-cup line with regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Cheese: You can use a different shredded cheese like cheddar or a Mexican blend instead of mozzarella, but the mozzarella gives you that classic, melty pull. For the topping, freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a must for the best flavor and texture.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a beautiful color and a fresh flavor, but you can use dried parsley in a pinch or swap it for chopped fresh chives or basil.
- Spices: Feel free to add a pinch of onion powder or a few red pepper flakes to the dough for a little extra kick.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup even easier.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder until they are well combined.
- Add Cheese and Buttermilk: Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and the chopped fresh parsley. Pour in the buttermilk and mix everything together with a spoon or spatula until a soft, shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make the buns tough.
- Form the Bombs: Use a large spoon or a cookie scoop to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each one to allow them to expand.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and the minced garlic. Brush the tops of the dough balls generously with this garlic butter mixture.
- Add Parmesan: Sprinkle each bun with a good amount of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the cheese bombs are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Let them cool for a minute or two before serving. They are best enjoyed warm, with a little extra garlic butter or a side of marinara for dipping.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: This is the most important tip. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, not smooth like a traditional bread dough.
- Use a Scoop: A cookie scoop is a great tool for this recipe, as it helps you get uniform-sized bombs that will cook at the same rate.
- Go Big on the Garlic: Don’t be shy with the garlic! The fresh minced garlic in the butter topping is what really makes these shine.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Golden Garlic Cheese Bombs are an incredibly versatile side or appetizer. They are fantastic dipped in a simple marinara sauce or a pesto aioli. They’d also be a perfect accompaniment to a hearty bowl of tomato soup, or served alongside any Italian meal. For a fun party spread, pair them with other dips and finger foods.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Please note: This is an estimated nutritional breakdown and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
- Calories: Approx. 200 kcal
- Protein: Approx. 8g
- Fat: Approx. 10g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 20g
Storage and Leftover Tips
These garlic cheese bombs are definitely best served fresh and warm. If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container for a day or two, but they will lose their fluffy texture. To reheat them, a quick 5-minute warm-up in a toaster oven or air fryer will help crisp them up again.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you love cheesy appetizers and party-friendly snacks, you’ll love these other recipes:
- For another delicious, savory dip, my Crockpot Nacho Dip is guaranteed to disappear in minutes.
- These Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders are perfect for a party or a quick meal.
- This Baked Brie Appetizer is my favorite effortless way to impress guests.
- This Beer Cheese Dip is an absolute favorite for a get-together.
- For a truly decadent dip, my recipe for turning a classic sandwich into the ultimate cheesy hot dip is a must-try.
Final Thoughts
These Golden Garlic Cheese Bombs are a perfect example of comfort food at its finest—quick, easy, and undeniably delicious. They are a surefire way to bring a little extra joy to your dinner table.
Let me know in the comments below if you tried this recipe! What did you serve them with? Happy baking!
My Favorite Golden Garlic Cheese Bombs: A Cheesy, Garlicky Delight
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese.
- Add the buttermilk and melted butter to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Using a spoon or your hands, form small balls of dough and place them on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve warm, ideally with marinara sauce for dipping.
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