Pillsbury Biscuit Garlic Butter Cheese Balls: A Cheesy Delight for Every Occasion
If you’re ever in need of a quick and delicious appetizer or snack that will please a crowd, look no further than these Pillsbury Biscuit Garlic Butter Cheese Balls. Simple yet full of flavor, these little bites are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy evening at home, a family gathering, or a party where you want something easy and crowd-pleasing. The best part? They require minimal ingredients and preparation time, yet they deliver an indulgent, satisfying treat that’s hard to resist. With each bite, you get the crispy, golden dough on the outside and a soft, gooey, cheesy center that melts in your mouth. The garlic butter coating adds the perfect finishing touch, infusing each ball with rich, aromatic flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 16 cheese balls 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Comfort Food, Party Food
- Method: Baking, Easy, Quick
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 can (16.3 oz) Pillsbury Grands! refrigerated biscuits
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure the oven is fully heated before you place the cheese balls inside for an even bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the cheese balls from sticking to the pan. This also ensures they bake up nicely without any mess.
- Prepare the biscuits: Open the can of Pillsbury biscuits and carefully separate the dough into 8 individual biscuits. Each biscuit will be cut in half to create 16 smaller pieces. This division allows for more cheese-filled balls and ensures they bake more evenly. If you want to make more cheese balls, feel free to cut the biscuits into thirds, though it may affect the size of the cheese balls. By cutting the biscuits in half, you ensure each piece has enough dough to surround the cheese, keeping the filling intact.
- Add the cheese: Now it’s time to stuff the biscuits with cheese. Take each piece of biscuit dough and flatten it slightly using your fingers. You want to make a small disk about 2-3 inches wide. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of each flattened piece. The mozzarella cube should be a bit smaller than the dough, ensuring the dough can fully encase the cheese. Once you’ve added the cheese, fold the edges of the biscuit dough around the cheese cube. Pinch the seams together to seal it tightly. Be sure to check for any holes in the dough to prevent cheese from leaking out during baking.
- Arrange on the baking sheet: Place the cheese-filled balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. This will help keep the cheese from escaping and maintain the shape of each ball while baking. Arrange them with enough space between each ball to allow them to puff up during the baking process. If you’re using a smaller baking sheet, you may need to bake the cheese balls in two batches to avoid overcrowding them. This will help ensure they cook evenly and turn out perfectly golden.
- Make the garlic butter: While the cheese balls are resting, you can prepare the garlic butter. Melt the butter in a small bowl, either in the microwave or on the stovetop. Once the butter is fully melted, add the minced garlic to the bowl. Stir in a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. The garlic butter mixture will give your cheese balls that irresistible, aromatic flavor that’s both savory and comforting. If you’re looking for an even richer taste, consider adding a teaspoon of dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary to the butter mixture. This will infuse the garlic butter with a depth of flavor that complements the cheese and biscuit perfectly.
- Bake the cheese balls: Once you’ve brushed each cheese ball with the garlic butter, it’s time to bake them. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese balls are golden brown and puffed up. You’ll see the dough become crispy and lightly browned, and if you peek inside the balls, you’ll notice the melted cheese creating that perfect gooey center. Keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time to prevent overbaking, as they can brown quickly.
- Finish with cheese: After removing the cheese balls from the oven, brush them again with any remaining garlic butter. This step ensures that the garlic flavor is abundant in every bite. While the garlic butter is still warm and fresh, sprinkle the cheese balls with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The Parmesan will melt slightly, adding a savory, salty note to balance the richness of the mozzarella. If you prefer, you can also add a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes to give the cheese balls a little heat and extra flavor. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley to add a burst of color and freshness to the dish. This step is optional, but it’s a great way to elevate the presentation and flavor.
- Serve: Let the cheese balls cool slightly before serving. While they’re best enjoyed warm, they will still taste great once they’ve cooled down a bit. These cheesy, buttery bites are perfect for snacking, and they’re especially great when paired with dipping sauces. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, as part of a party spread, or just indulging in a comforting snack, these cheese balls will quickly become a favorite.
Notes
- Cheese: While mozzarella is the go-to cheese for these cheese balls, you can easily swap it out for other cheeses to create a different flavor profile. Cheddar cheese, Gouda, or even Monterey Jack would work wonderfully, each bringing its own distinct meltiness and flavor. If you’re looking for something more decadent, try a blend of cheeses such as mozzarella and Parmesan for a complex, savory taste. Blue cheese could also be an interesting choice if you love bold, tangy flavors.
- Garlic: If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can reduce the amount of minced garlic in the butter. For a more subtle garlic taste, consider roasting the garlic before adding it to the butter. Roasting garlic mellows out its sharpness and imparts a sweeter, more delicate flavor.
- Herbs and Seasonings: To add extra depth to the garlic butter, consider mixing in herbs such as thyme, rosemary, oregano, or even fresh basil. These herbs will bring additional aromatic flavors that enhance the garlic and cheese. For a more complex flavor, you can also sprinkle some Italian seasoning or add a bit of Dijon mustard to the butter mixture.
- Dipping Sauces: These garlic butter cheese balls are delicious on their own, but they can be made even better with a dipping sauce. A tangy marinara sauce pairs perfectly with the cheesy bites, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich butter and cheese. If you’re in the mood for something creamy, ranch dressing or a creamy garlic dip would complement the flavors wonderfully. For those who like a bit of spice, a buffalo sauce or spicy Sriracha dip would give the cheese balls a nice kick.