If you have a soft spot for warm, comforting bread that oozes with cheesy garlic goodness, you are absolutely going to adore this Homemade Garlic Cheese Rolls Recipe. These rolls are a perfect marriage of fluffy, buttery bread and rich, flavorful cheese layered with fragrant garlic, all baked to golden perfection. Every bite feels like a warm hug, making these rolls an irresistible treat whether you’re enjoying them for a cozy family dinner or sharing with friends at a festive gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Homemade Garlic Cheese Rolls Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a vital role—from the yeast waking up your dough to the cheeses that add melty, savory depth—resulting in rolls that are soft, flavorful, and absolutely crave-worthy.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): This magical ingredient helps your dough rise beautifully and creates that perfect fluffy texture.
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F): The warm milk activates the yeast and adds richness to the dough.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the savory notes in the rolls.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base for the dough, giving structure and softness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and controls yeast activity.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
- 1 large egg: For structure and a beautiful golden finish on your rolls.
- Filling: 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted—this ensures every bite is beautifully moist and buttery.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: The heart of the flavor; fresh garlic infuses the rolls with a warm, aromatic punch.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy pockets.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty contrast to the mozzarella.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a bright, fresh hint and a lovely color contrast.
- Topping: 2 tablespoons melted butter mixed with 1 clove garlic, minced—brushed over the rolls to keep them moist and give a final flavor boost.
- Extra parsley and Parmesan for garnish: Adds a pretty finishing touch and a burst of flavor.
How to Make Homemade Garlic Cheese Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by activating your yeast in warm milk and sugar. This is your dough’s wake-up call. Wait until the mixture becomes foamy, signaling that the yeast is ready. Then add your flour, salt, softened butter, and egg. Mix everything until a soft dough forms. Knead it gently on a floured surface for about 6–8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This step develops the dough’s texture and helps create those tender rolls you’ll love.
Step 2: First Rise
Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Set it in a warm spot for about an hour, or until the dough has doubled in size. This rise is essential—it allows the yeast to aerate the dough, making the rolls light and fluffy.
Step 3: Shape and Fill the Rolls
After the first rise, punch down the dough and roll it out into a large rectangle approximately 12 by 16 inches. Brush the surface with melted butter and sprinkle with minced garlic. Then evenly spread the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley across the dough. Starting at one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Cut into 12 even slices so each roll gets a perfect swirl of cheesy garlic filling.
Step 4: Second Rise
Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover them again and let the rolls rise for another 30 to 40 minutes. This final rise ensures that the rolls will be extra soft and airy once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re golden brown and the cheese is bubbling invitingly. As they bake, those irresistible aromas of garlic and melting cheese will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait!
Step 6: Add the Topping
While the rolls bake, mix the melted butter with minced garlic for the topping. Once the rolls are out of the oven and still warm, brush this garlicky butter over the top. Then sprinkle with extra Parmesan and parsley to give a gorgeous finish and boost the flavor even more.
How to Serve Homemade Garlic Cheese Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese add lovely color and a burst of fresh flavor that complements the rich rolls nicely. Consider serving with a small bowl of marinara or garlic-infused olive oil for dipping—it’s a delightful touch that makes eating these rolls even more fun.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair wonderfully with hearty soups like tomato basil or creamy broccoli cheddar. They’re also brilliant alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables, balancing the heaviness of the cheese and butter with some crispness and brightness on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the rolls in a circle on a large platter to make a cheesy pull-apart bread centerpiece. You can also slice them individually and serve as part of a bread basket at your next dinner party. For an extra indulgence, try drizzling a little garlic butter over the plate just before serving to ensure every bite is as moist and flavorful as possible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover rolls, don’t worry! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before storing to maintain softness without getting soggy.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully. After shaping and cutting, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and let rise before baking as usual. You can also freeze fully baked rolls and warm them later.
Reheating
Reheat leftover rolls in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. For quick reheating, a microwave for 15-20 seconds works, but oven reheating preserves the crust’s texture best. Adding a little extra melted garlic butter on top before reheating revives the original flavor wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this Homemade Garlic Cheese Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan offer a classic melty and sharp combo, feel free to experiment with cheddar, fontina, or even a soft cheese like goat cheese to change the flavor profile.
Do I have to let the dough rise twice?
Yes, the first rise helps develop the dough’s flavor and texture, while the second rise after shaping ensures the rolls puff up nicely and stay soft after baking. Skipping the second rise can result in denser rolls.
Can I make these rolls vegan?
With some substitutions, yes! Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and replace the cheese with vegan cheese alternatives. You might need to adjust rising times slightly, but the rolls will still be delicious.
How can I add extra flavor to the filling?
Try mixing in cooked bacon bits, sun-dried tomatoes, or different herbs like rosemary or thyme to add unique twists to the filling. Just make sure any additions don’t overpower the garlic and cheese flavors.
What’s the best way to store prepared dough overnight?
You can prep the dough up to the first rise, then refrigerate it overnight covered tightly. Take it out the next day to bring to room temperature before shaping and allowing the second rise. This makes ahead planning super easy!
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with this Homemade Garlic Cheese Rolls Recipe. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a staple not just for holidays or special occasions but for whenever you crave cozy comfort food. I encourage you to try it soon—you’ll love the way the cheesy, garlicky aroma fills your kitchen and how these soft, flavorful rolls bring everyone to the table with smiles.
Print
Homemade Garlic Cheese Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Bread, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade Garlic Cheese Rolls are soft, fluffy yeast rolls stuffed with a flavorful blend of garlic, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect as a savory side dish or a delicious snack, these rolls feature a golden-baked crust brushed with garlic butter and garnished with fresh parsley. Easy to prepare and full of cheesy goodness, they make a perfect addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
Filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Topping:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Extra parsley and Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Activate Yeast and Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active. Then add the flour, salt, softened butter, and egg. Mix everything together until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 6 to 8 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Roll Out Dough and Add Filling: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out into a large rectangle approximately 12 by 16 inches. Brush the surface evenly with the melted butter, then sprinkle the minced garlic, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley over the top.
- Form Rolls: Starting from the long side of the rectangle, roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 even slices, creating individual rolls.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure they are evenly spaced. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise again for 30 to 40 minutes until they puff up slightly.
- Bake the Rolls: Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top and the cheese is bubbling.
- Prepare Topping and Serve: While the rolls bake, mix the melted butter with minced garlic to create the topping. As soon as the rolls come out of the oven and are still warm, brush the garlic butter over the tops. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them overnight before the second rise for convenience.
- For extra flavor, try adding cooked bacon bits or herbs such as rosemary or thyme to the filling.
