There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked rolls wafting through your kitchen, especially when they are loaded with gooey cheese and rich garlic butter. Cheesy garlic rolls are an irresistible treat that take roughly two hours to prepare and bake, yielding soft, fluffy bites that are perfect for sharing. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan creates a melty, cheesy filling that pairs beautifully with the aromatic garlic butter.
This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. They’re an excellent choice for warm rolls alongside pasta dishes or as an appetizer for a holiday feast. You can make the rolls ahead of time and bake them right before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The rolls are fluffy and soft on the inside with a golden, crispy exterior.
- Fresh minced garlic and herbs create a vibrant flavor that elevates the rolls.
- Quick and easy to prepare with simple ingredients and minimal fuss.
- The melty cheese is a delightful surprise in every bite.
What You’ll Need
Gather your ingredients before starting the recipe. You’ll need:
For the Dough
- 3 1/2 cups (455g) all purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to 100-110F
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, softened
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons finely minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
For the Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp water
Make sure your milk is at the correct temperature to activate the yeast.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Whole milk can be replaced with almond milk.
- Unsalted butter can be substituted with vegan butter.
- Garlic can be swapped for garlic powder (less flavor).
- Fresh parsley can be replaced with dried herbs.
How to Make It
Follow this simple process for delicious cheesy garlic rolls.
1. Activate the yeast
In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix together the warmed milk, sugar, and yeast. Cover the bowl and let it sit for 8-10 minutes, until it appears foamy.
2. Combine the ingredients
Into the bowl with the activated yeast mixture, add the egg, flour, and salt.
3. Mix the dough
With the dough hook attached to the stand mixer, mix the dough ingredients together at low speed until a dough starts to form.
4. Incorporate the butter
Mix in the softened butter a little at a time. Once fully incorporated, increase the mixer speed to medium and knead the dough for 5-6 minutes until smooth and slightly tacky.
5. Let the dough rise
Using lightly greased hands, transfer the dough into a large greased mixing bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and set aside in a warm area to rise until doubled in size, about 60-90 minutes.
6. Prepare garlic butter
As the dough rises, make the garlic butter by mixing together the room temperature butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
7. Roll out the dough
Once the dough has risen, deflate it and cover the bowl, letting it rest for about 5 minutes. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle roughly 12×16 inches.
8. Assemble the rolls
Spread about 2/3 of the garlic butter over the dough, then evenly sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
9. Shape the rolls
Starting on the long end, roll the dough into a log shape and use a serrated knife to cut it into 8 pieces, each about 2 inches wide. Transfer the pieces into a generously greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
10. Second rise
Cover the baking pan with plastic wrap and set aside to let the rolls rise until doubled in size, about 25-35 minutes.
11. Preheat the oven
As the rolls rise, preheat your oven to 350F.
12. Apply egg wash
In a small dish, whisk together the egg and water, then lightly apply the egg wash over the risen rolls using a pastry brush.
13. Bake the rolls
Bake the rolls, rotating the pan halfway through, until golden brown, about 25-30 minutes. If they start to brown too quickly, tent the pan with aluminum foil.
14. Brush with garlic butter
Melt the remaining garlic butter and generously brush it over the warm rolls before serving. Enjoy!
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Yes, rolls freeze well for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Bake at 350F for 10-15 minutes.
Tips for Best Results
- Ensure your yeast is active for the best texture.
- Don’t skip the second rise; it creates fluffier rolls.
- Use room temperature butter to easily blend into the dough.
- Adjust the garlic and herb amounts to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these rolls with a rich pasta dish.
- Serve them alongside a fresh salad for a light meal.
- Use them as an appetizer for parties or holiday gatherings.
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