Buttery Garlic Cheese Rolls Recipe

If you’re anything like me, there’s something downright magical about warm, gooey rolls fresh from the oven, especially when they’re dripping with buttery garlic and melty cheese. This Buttery Garlic Cheese Rolls Recipe hits all the right notes with its soft, pillowy dough and that irresistible garlic butter flavor that just makes you want to keep grabbing another roll. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy snack or alongside your favorite dinner, these rolls are sure to steal the show.

I first made these for a family gathering, and let me tell you—they disappeared fast. The combination of fragrant garlic butter, creamy mozzarella, and fresh parsley is like a hug in bread form. Plus, the dough is surprisingly simple to work with, making this recipe a perfect choice for bakers looking to impress without sweating over complicated steps. Trust me, you’ll want this Buttery Garlic Cheese Rolls Recipe in your baking arsenal!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Buttery Garlic Cheese Rolls Recipe plays its part in creating that mouthwatering balance of flavors and textures. From the richness of butter to the tang of mozzarella, these ingredients come together beautifully, and I’ve got some handy tips to make your shopping trip a breeze.

• Garlic head: Fresh garlic is essential here to get that bold, aromatic flavor in the garlic butter.
• Olive oil: Extra virgin works nicely for depth, but regular olive oil is just fine too.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness, especially since there’s salt in other ingredients.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of freshness and color, I always pick the freshest bunch I can find.
• Warm milk: Essential for activating the yeast; test it so it’s comfortably warm, not hot.
• Active dry yeast: Check the expiry date to make sure it’s fresh for a good rise.
• Honey: Balances the savory flavors and helps with browning.
• All-purpose flour and bread flour: Bread flour gives the dough its wonderful chewiness; mixing it with all-purpose flour helps balance the texture.
• Milk powder (optional): I add it when I want extra richness and softness in the dough, but it’s not a dealbreaker.
• Egg yolks: They enrich the dough, giving these rolls their tender crumb.
• Salt & sugar: Salt enhances flavor; sugar feeds the yeast and adds just a touch of sweetness.
• Mozzarella cheese: Go for fresh mozzarella if you can—it melts beautifully inside the rolls.
• Egg: For egg wash, which ensures a lovely golden color on the crust.

Variations

I love how versatile this Buttery Garlic Cheese Rolls Recipe is, and I’m always tweaking it to suit the occasion or dietary needs. Feel free to make these your own and experiment with flavors—you’ll find some variations that might just become your new favorites.

• Cheese swap: Sometimes I switch mozzarella for sharp cheddar or a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for a nuttier flavor. It’s always a hit.
• Herb mix: Instead of just parsley, I’ve tried adding fresh rosemary or thyme to the garlic butter for an earthy twist.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter if you like a little heat.
• Vegan version: I’ve made a dairy-free version using vegan butter and plant-based cheese—it’s surprisingly close to the original!
• Gluten-free adaptation: You can try gluten-free flours, but the texture will be different—expect a denser roll.

How to Make Buttery Garlic Cheese Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter

Start by roasting the garlic or mincing it finely for the freshest punch. Melt the butter gently with olive oil in a saucepan over low heat, then add the garlic and a pinch of salt. Let it cook until fragrant—but don’t brown it, as garlic can get bitter. Stir in the chopped parsley and set aside to cool. This homemade garlic butter is what gives your rolls that incredible, buttery aroma that fills the kitchen.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast and Mix the Dough

In a small bowl, pour warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C) and stir in the active dry yeast with a spoonful of sugar or honey. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until bubbly and foamy—this means the yeast is alive and kicking. In a large bowl, whisk together your flours, salt, sugar, and optional milk powder. Add the butter, egg yolks, honey, and then pour in your yeast mixture. Mix everything until it comes together into a smooth dough—I usually use a stand mixer for ease, but kneading by hand works wonders too.

Step 3: Knead and Let it Rise

Knead your dough on a floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s soft, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size. Here’s a little tip: If your kitchen is chilly, near a sunny window or even inside the oven with the light on works beautifully.

Step 4: Shape and Fill the Rolls

Punch down the risen dough gently and roll it out into a rectangle on your floured surface. Spread a generous amount of that luscious garlic butter all over the dough, then sprinkle chunks or slices of mozzarella evenly. Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, then cut it into individual portions. Place the rolls into a baking dish or lined tray, leaving a little space so they can puff up during baking.

Step 5: Final Rise and Bake

Cover the rolls again and let them rise for 30 to 45 minutes—this second rise is key for a tender, fluffy texture. Just before baking, brush the tops with beaten egg wash to give them that glorious golden shine. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and cheese is bubbling inside. Your kitchen will smell irresistible, I promise!

How to Serve Buttery Garlic Cheese Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling some extra chopped parsley or even a little grated parmesan over the top right after they come out of the oven. It adds a pop of fresh flavor and makes the rolls look extra inviting. Sometimes, I even drizzle a little extra garlic butter right before serving for that decadent finish.

Side Dishes

These rolls are fantastic alongside a fresh green salad or a hearty bowl of tomato soup for a cozy meal. I also like serving them with pasta dishes or grilled meats—the garlic and cheese complement so many flavors, it’s like a trusty sidekick for your dinners.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or parties, I’ve arranged these rolls in a circular pattern on a large platter, almost like a savory wreath, and sprinkled some fresh herbs in the center. It’s such a showstopper visually and makes it easy for guests to grab and enjoy. Another fun idea is to serve mini rolls in muffin tins for bite-sized treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though that’s a rare sight in my house), I wrap them tightly in foil or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep fresh for about 2 days, and you’ll find the flavors even meld a little more, which is a happy bonus.

Freezing

I often freeze unbaked rolls after shaping them—just pop the tray in the freezer until firm, then transfer the rolls into freezer bags. When I want fresh rolls, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and allow them to do their final rise before baking. It’s a real time saver and the rolls bake up beautifully!

Reheating

To warm leftover rolls, I find reheating in a 160°C (320°F) oven for about 10 minutes works best—it revives the softness and brings back that lovely buttery aroma without drying them out. Microwave is okay for a quick fix, but the texture isn’t the same.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I genuinely think this Buttery Garlic Cheese Rolls Recipe is one of those timeless kitchen treasures you’ll keep coming back to. I love how it brings simple ingredients together into something that feels indulgent without the fuss. So next time you want a comforting treat or an impressive side, give these rolls a try—you’ll find yourself making them again and again, just like I do with my closest friends and family.

Print