
When I first tried these garlic butter cheeseburger rollups, I was aiming for a fun twist on burger night that would be easy to eat and perfect for sharing. The blend of gooey cheese, seasoned beef, and golden buttery dough turned out so crowd-pleasing that now no game day or family movie night is complete without them.
The first time I made these rollups, I was out of buns and used pizza dough instead. My family raved and asked for them again the next week. Now it is a regular request whenever we want something cozy and shareable.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Provides classic burger richness. Choose leaner beef if you want less grease but do not go too lean or you will lose flavor.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Add depth. Look for fresh, fragrant spices for best taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Are essential for bringing out all the flavors. Use kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper whenever possible.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Helps create that sharp, melty burger vibe. Go for a block and shred it yourself for stretchier results.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Gives extra meltiness and delicious stringy pulls. Use whole milk mozzarella for richness.
- Butter: Brings the magical golden finish when brushed on top. Use real butter for flavor, not margarine.
- Refrigerated pizza dough: Makes these super simple. I love using the classic variety but feel free to try thin crust or whole wheat.
Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
- Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up as it browns and stir often until you see no more pink. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let the spices toast and meld with the beef. Once browned, use a slotted spoon to remove the beef, letting excess grease drip away.
- Prep the Oven and Dough:
- Turn your oven on to the temperature recommended on your pizza dough label. This ensures the dough bakes evenly and gets crisp.
- Roll Out and Fill:
- Lightly flour your countertop and roll out the pizza dough to a rectangle. Scatter shredded cheddar cheese to cover the surface but leave about an inch bare around the edges so the fillings do not leak out during baking.
- Add the Beef and Mozzarella:
- Sprinkle the cooked beef evenly over the cheddar, making sure every bite will be flavorful. Top with shredded mozzarella to create those gooey pulls everyone loves.
- Roll It Up:
- Starting at one short edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Work slowly and gently press as you go to keep the filling inside. Pinch the end to seal.
- Butter and Bake:
- Melt the butter until just liquid then brush generously over the top and sides of the dough. Place the log on a lined baking sheet seam side down. Slide into the hot oven and bake until the crust is puffed and deep golden brown and cheese is bubbling at the ends.
- Slice and Serve:
- Once out of the oven, let it rest a few minutes for easier slicing. Use a sharp serrated knife for clean portions. Serve warm for best cheese pulls.

One holiday evening my little cousin proudly announced these rollups were better than burgers and he was not wrong.
Storage Tips
Let extras cool to room temp and wrap tightly or store in an airtight container. They keep well in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat just pop them in a hot oven for ten minutes so the crust gets crisp again and the cheese melts inside.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you have ground turkey or chicken on hand those work instead of beef. Any melty cheese can stand in for cheddar and mozzarella. For added vegetables diced pickles or sliced jalapenos can be tucked in before rolling for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These are delicious as a snack on their own but extra fun with dipping sauces like ketchup or burger sauce. Serve with a salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal. Make mini versions for parties and lay them out with all the fixings.
Cultural History
Rollup recipes like these borrow from both Italian stromboli and American cheeseburgers. The fusion brings the best of both comfort food worlds hands down a hit with all ages in my family.
Seasonal Adaptations
Add crumbled bacon and fresh tomato in summer for a bacon cheeseburger vibe. Use smoked gouda for a campfire burger twist in the fall. In winter sprinkle in dried oregano and basil for a herby kick.
Success Stories
Everyone in my house asks for extra when these rollups are on the menu. My youngest likes helping sprinkle the cheese and roll the dough. One week I brought these to a friend’s get together and they disappeared within minutes.
Freezer Meal Conversion
After baking let rollups cool completely then wrap tightly in foil before freezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a hot oven so the crust gets crispy and the filling heats through. This trick makes busy weeks much easier.

Try these crowd-pleasing rollups whenever you crave an easy comfort food. Their gooey cheese and golden crust make every bite irresistible.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different cheese blend?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar and mozzarella with your preferred cheese, such as pepper jack or provolone, to suit your taste.
- → How do I prevent the dough from sticking?
Lightly flour your work surface before rolling out the pizza dough to keep it from sticking and ensure easy shaping.
- → Can these rollups be made ahead of time?
You can assemble the rollups ahead and refrigerate before baking. Bake just before serving for best results.
- → What dipping sauces pair well?
Serve with marinara, ranch, or a spicy dipping sauce to complement the rich, cheesy filling.
- → How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the crisp texture and melted cheese.