If you’re looking for the ultimate garlic bread upgrade, these Extra Garlic and Cheesy Bagna Cauda Rolls are about to become your new obsession. Soft dinner rolls are stuffed with a rich bagna cauda-inspired anchovy garlic butter, loaded with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then baked until golden brown and bubbling.
Inspired by the classic Italian dipping sauce made with garlic and anchovies, these cheesy rolls deliver incredible savory flavor in every bite. They’re perfect alongside pasta, soups, salads, holiday meals, or served as an irresistible appetizer.
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Why You’ll Love These Bagna Cauda Rolls
- Loaded with roasted garlic flavor
- Gooey melted mozzarella in every bite
- Crispy golden tops with Parmesan cheese
- Perfect side dish for Italian dinners
- Easy enough for weeknight meals
- Great make-ahead appetizer
What is Bagna Cauda?
Bagna Cauda is a traditional Italian warm dipping sauce made with garlic, olive oil, butter, and anchovies. While traditionally served with vegetables and bread, this recipe transforms those bold flavors into a cheesy pull-apart roll that’s impossible to resist.
The anchovies melt into the garlic butter, adding rich umami flavor without tasting fishy.
Ingredients
For the Rolls
- 12 soft dinner rolls
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Bagna Cauda Garlic Butter
- 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 10 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 anchovy fillets, finely minced (or you can use anchovy paste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Topping
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a small skillet over low heat, combine olive oil, garlic, and anchovies.
Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the anchovies dissolve and the garlic becomes fragrant.
Remove from heat and stir in softened butter, red pepper flakes, parsley, and black pepper.
Step 2: Assemble the Rolls
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Using a serrated knife, cut deep pockets into each roll without slicing completely through.
Spread generous amounts of the bagna cauda butter inside each roll.
Stuff each roll with mozzarella cheese.
Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish.
Step 3: Add More Flavor
Brush remaining garlic butter over the tops of the rolls.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with parsley and flaky sea salt.
Serve warm.
Tips for the Best Bagna Cauda Rolls
- Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor.
- Fresh mozzarella creates the ultimate cheese pull.
- Don’t skip the anchovies—they provide depth and richness.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is hot and gooey.
- Add provolone for even more cheesy flavor.
Variations
Spicy Bagna Cauda Rolls
Double the red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Four Cheese Version
Use mozzarella, provolone, fontina, and Parmesan.
Herb Garlic Rolls
Add fresh basil, oregano, and thyme to the butter mixture.
Pull-Apart Style
Leave rolls connected and bake together for a shareable appetizer.
What to Serve with Bagna Cauda Rolls
These cheesy garlic rolls pair perfectly with:
The Best Garlic Rolls You’ll Ever Make
- Total Time: 33 minutes
Description
These Extra Garlic and Cheesy Bagna Cauda Rolls are loaded with garlic butter, melted mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and savory anchovy flavor. Inspired by traditional Italian bagna cauda, these soft pull-apart rolls are baked until golden brown and drenched in rich garlic butter for the ultimate side dish.
Ingredients
For the Rolls
- 12 dinner rolls
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Bagna Cauda Butter
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 8 anchovy fillets
- 10 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For Topping
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Flaky sea salt, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a skillet over low heat, combine butter, olive oil, anchovies, and minced garlic. Stir frequently until the anchovies dissolve and the garlic becomes fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in red pepper flakes, black pepper, and parsley.
- Cut deep slits into each dinner roll without slicing all the way through.
- Stuff each roll with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Arrange rolls in a cast iron skillet or baking dish.
- Spoon half of the bagna cauda butter mixture over and between the rolls.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle with the remaining garlic butter mixture.
- Sprinkle with parsley and flaky sea salt before serving.
- Serve warm and dip the rolls into any remaining garlic butter left in the pan.
Notes
- The anchovies melt completely and provide rich umami flavor without tasting fishy.
- Use fresh garlic for the strongest flavor.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts and browns better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Save the buttery garlic sauce in the skillet for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 18 MINS
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: BAKED
- Cuisine: ITALIAN INSPIRED
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do bagna cauda rolls taste fishy?
No. The anchovies melt into the garlic butter and provide savory umami flavor rather than a fishy taste.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the rolls up to one day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I freeze them?
Yes. Freeze assembled unbaked rolls for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 extra minutes.
What cheese works best?
Mozzarella provides the best melt, while Parmesan adds rich salty flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Extra Garlic and Cheesy Bagna Cauda Rolls combine everything we love about garlic bread, cheesy pull-apart rolls, and classic Italian flavors into one unforgettable side dish. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday meal, pasta night, or game day appetizer, expect them to disappear fast.
