This Football-Shaped Cheesy Garlic Bread is everything you want in a game day snack. It’s loaded with gooey mozzarella, brushed with garlicky herb butter, and baked until golden. Shaped like a football and topped with cheesy laces, it’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.
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If you’re hosting a football party or just want something crowd-pleasing to snack on, this pull-apart bread is a guaranteed win. It’s easy to prep ahead, and the marinara dipping sauce takes it over the top. Plus, who can resist warm, cheesy rolls fresh out of the oven?
Helpful Tips
- Thaw the dough overnight in the fridge or on the counter if you’re short on time.
- Use flake salt or coarse sea salt for a crunchy, salty finish that pairs perfectly with the soft bread.
- Add the garlic herb butter after baking so the fresh herbs don’t burn under the broiler.
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Football-Shaped Cheesy Garlic Bread
Ingredients
For the rolls:
- 16 frozen rolls
- 8 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1 egg + 1 teaspoon water beaten
- Flake salt to season
For the garlic herb butter:
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon parsley minced
- 1 tablespoon basil chopped
- salt & black pepper to taste
To serve:
- 1 slice white cheese
- marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Remove the frozen dough from the freezer and follow package instructions to thaw. This can take overnight, so be prepared. After they’re thawed, cut them each in half. Set them out in a warm place to rise for 1-2 hours.
- After rolls have risen, preheat oven to 400°F(200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the cheese sticks into 4 equal pieces each. Press a piece of cheese into each dough ball and pinch the dough around it and roll it into a ball.
- Place dough balls seam side down on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a football. Make sure they are touching but not too cramped.
- Brush the tops of the dough balls with the egg wash. Sprinkle it with flake salt.
- Bake on the middle rack for 18 minutes. Remove the tray. Turn the oven to broil. Place the tray on the top rack and broil for 2-3 minutes until the tops of the rolls are golden.
- In a bowl, combine the melted butter, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, basil, salt & pepper. Brush it onto the top of the rolls.
- Use the slice of white cheese to make laces on top of the football.
- Serve with warm marinara.
Nutrition
Angela’s passion for discovering and experimenting with new flavors and recipes is at the heart of her culinary philosophy. Residing in a quaint Oregon town, she finds joy and inspiration in her kitchen. Angela has a lot of expertise in cooking and she eagerly shares her discoveries and unique creations with you.