I made Garlic Cheese Balls—bite-sized dough balls filled with gooey mozzarella, wrapped in flaky refrigerated biscuit dough, and brushed with a savory garlic-herb butter. They’re golden on the outside, melty inside, and perfect for snacking or sharing.
Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy and indulgent these are—simple ingredients, minimal prep, yet the result feels with rich flavor and gooey texture. Whether air-fried or baked, each bite delivers stretchy cheese and garlic-butter seasoning, making them irresistible and crowd-pleasing.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- refrigerated biscuit dough (such as flaky Grands biscuits)
- shredded or string mozzarella cheese
- unsalted butter, melted
- garlic powder and minced garlic
- Italian seasoning (or a blend of herbs)
- optional pinch of salt
directions
I split each biscuit in half and lightly stretch to make space for cheese. Then I place mozzarella inside and wrap the dough around it, pinching tightly so no cheese leaks.
To cook, I can air fry at 360 °F (182 °C) for about 6 minutes, then brush with garlic-herb butter and air fry another 2 minutes to develop golden color. Alternatively, I bake them in a preheated 375 °F (190 °C) oven for about 15–20 minutes, brushing with garlic butter before and after baking to boost flavor and shine.
Servings and timing
- Yield: approximately 10 balls per standard 5-biscuit tube
- Prep time: ~5 minutes to assemble
- Cook time: ~8 minutes in an air fryer, or 15–20 minutes in the oven
- Total time: under 15 minutes for air fryer method
Variations
I’ve experimented with:
- using cheddar or pepper jack cheese for different melt and flavor
- adding a sprinkle of parmesan on top after baking
- brushing with garlic-parsley butter or spicing the butter with red pepper flakes
- using herb-seasoned biscuit dough or flavored cheese for variety
storage/reheating
I enjoy these best fresh. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 1–2 days, and I gently reheat them in the air fryer or oven to restore crispness. Microwaving isn’t ideal—it tends to make the dough soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen biscuit dough instead of refrigerated?
I stick to refrigerated biscuits, since frozen dough may be too sticky or soft to form tight balls around the cheese.
How do I avoid cheese leakage during baking?
I make sure to wrap and pinch the dough snugly around the cheese, then brush tops carefully—this helps seal them during cooking (Upstate Ramblings).
Should I cook these in the air fryer or oven?
Air fryer gives a crispier exterior quicker, while oven baking works well if making larger batches or lacking air fryer space.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes—I can assemble and refrigerate them briefly; brushing with butter just before cooking still works well.
What dipping sauces pair well?
I serve them with marinara, garlic butter sauce, ranch, or spicy pizza dip—anything that complements the cheese flavor works beautifully.
Conclusion
I absolutely love these Garlic Cheese Balls for being easy, fast, and indulgently cheesy. The combination of flaky biscuit dough, melted mozzarella, and garlicky butter makes them feel gourmet but effortless. They’re perfect for game day, casual snacking, or speedy appetizers. I’m excited to try different cheese types and seasoning blends next time—and I know they’ll disappear fast.
Print
Garlic Cheese Balls
- Total Time: ~13–20 minutes
- Yield: about 10 balls (based on 1 can of biscuits)
Description
Bite‑sized garlic‑butter biscuits wrapped around stretchy mozzarella—perfect as air‑fried or oven‑baked party snacks with irresistible garlic flavor and melty cheese.
Ingredients
1 can refrigerator biscuits (e.g. Pillsbury Grands, flaky style)
~1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or pieces of mozzarella string cheese
1–2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
¼ tsp minced fresh garlic (about 1 clove)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
Split each biscuit in half and gently stretch slightly. Place about 1–2 teaspoons shredded mozzarella or a piece of string cheese in the center. Wrap the dough tightly around the cheese, rolling into a smooth ball.
Air Fryer method: Preheat air fryer to 360 °F (182 °C). Place cheese balls in basket with space between. Air fry 6 minutes, then brush with garlic‑butter mixture (butter + minced garlic + garlic powder + Italian seasoning). Air fry another 2 minutes until golden and melty.
Oven method: Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Place balls on parchment‑lined baking sheet. Before baking brush with garlic‑butter. Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown. Brush again with garlic butter after baking if desired.
Serve warm with marinara, pizza sauce, or extra garlic butter for dipping.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: Air‑fryer: 8 minutes total; Oven: about 15–20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
