Why You’ll Love Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls Recipe
These rolls are the ultimate comfort food, combining pillowy soft bread with savory garlic butter and melted cheese in every bite. They’re impressive enough for special occasions yet simple enough to make at home. Whether served with dinner, alongside soup, or enjoyed on their own, they’re always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the garlic butter
whole garlic head
olive oil
salt
butter
fresh parsley
For the dough
warm milk
active dry yeast
sugar or honey
all-purpose flour
bread flour (optional)
milk powder (optional)
butter, softened
egg yolks
salt
For the filling
shredded mozzarella or cheese of choice
prepared garlic butter
For the topping
egg
Directions
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Roast the garlic: Slice the top off the garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and wrap in foil. Roast until soft and golden. Once cool, squeeze out the cloves and mash them with softened butter and parsley to make garlic butter.
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Prepare the dough: Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar or honey. Let sit until foamy. Add flour, milk powder if using, butter, egg yolks, and salt. Knead until smooth and elastic.
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First rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
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Shape the rolls: Roll the dough into a rectangle. Spread garlic butter evenly over the surface and sprinkle with cheese. Roll tightly into a log and slice into equal pieces.
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Second rise: Place the rolls in a baking dish and let them rise again until puffy.
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Bake: Brush with beaten egg and bake until golden brown and fully cooked through.
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Finish: Brush warm rolls with extra garlic butter and sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 to 8 rolls, depending on size.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Rising time: 1½ to 2 hours
Bake time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: Approximately 2 to 3 hours
Variations
• Cheese blend: Use a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan for added flavor.
• Herb boost: Add rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the garlic butter.
• Spicy version: Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the filling.
• Pull-apart style: Place rolls close together for a tear-and-share loaf.
• Different shapes: Twist the dough or form knots instead of rolls.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at a low temperature until heated through. This keeps the bread soft and the cheese melty. Avoid microwaving, which may dry out the rolls.
FAQs
What makes these rolls so soft?
Proper kneading and allowing enough rising time help create a light, fluffy texture.
Can I skip roasting the garlic?
Roasting gives a mellow, sweet garlic flavor, but you can use sautéed garlic for a quicker option.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, instant yeast works well and can be mixed directly with the dry ingredients.
What type of cheese works best?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, but cheddar, Gouda, or a cheese blend also works well.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight, then shape and bake the next day.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
They should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped lightly.
Can I freeze the rolls?
Yes, baked rolls can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Why did my rolls turn out dense?
Dense rolls usually result from under-proofing or not kneading the dough enough.
Can I make these without eggs?
Yes, you can omit the egg wash. The rolls may be slightly less shiny but still delicious.
What dishes pair well with these rolls?
They’re great with soups, pasta dishes, salads, or as part of a holiday spread.
Conclusion
Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls are a comforting, homemade treat that combines soft bread, savory garlic butter, and melted cheese into one irresistible bake. Perfect for sharing or savoring on your own, these rolls bring warmth and flavor to any meal and are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
