Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls Recipe

Oh, you’re going to love this Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls Recipe — it’s one of those comforting treats that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I remember making these rolls on a chilly weekend, and the entire kitchen smelled like a bakery, with that irresistible scent of garlic mingling with butter and fresh herbs. The ooey-gooey mozzarella inside makes every bite a delightful surprise. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy family dinner or bringing a batch to share at a potluck, these rolls always get rave reviews.

What makes this Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls Recipe truly special is how the rich, aromatic garlic butter complements the soft, pillowy dough and melty cheese. I love that it’s a bit of a process but well worth the effort, especially because you can customize it based on how garlicky or cheesy you want your rolls. Plus, making garlic butter from scratch adds that wonderful homemade touch you just can’t beat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic starts with simple, quality ingredients that work beautifully together. Fresh garlic, creamy butter, and soft mozzarella are the stars here, while the mix of all-purpose and bread flour ensures the rolls come out just the right amount of fluffy yet chewy. Here’s everything you’ll want to gather before diving into the process.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves give the best, pungent flavor; avoid pre-minced garlic for freshness.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness; extra virgin is perfect for its fruity notes.
• Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control salt levels in both the dough and garlic butter.
• Fresh Parsley: Brightens the garlic butter with a fresh herbal punch.
• Milk (Warm): Makes the dough soft and tender, plus it activates the yeast.
• Active Dry Yeast: Make sure it’s fresh for good rise.
• Honey: Just a splash to feed the yeast and add a touch of sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: Your dough’s main structure builder.
• Bread Flour: Boosts gluten for that perfect chewiness.
• Milk Powder (Optional): Enhances dough richness and browning but not necessary if you don’t have it on hand.
• Egg Yolks: Gives the rolls buttery richness and color.
• Salt: Balances flavor in the dough.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Choose fresh mozzarella for meltiness and mild flavor.
• Egg (for egg wash): Brushed on top for shiny, golden finishes.

Variations

I always encourage you to tweak the Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls Recipe based on what you like or what’s in your pantry. I’ve tried it with different cheeses and herbs – and honestly, it’s fun to make it your own!

• Cheese Blend: I once mixed mozzarella with sharp cheddar for a more intense flavor that the family adored.
• Herbs: Swap parsley for fresh thyme or rosemary to change the aroma; thyme gives a lovely earthy vibe.
• Garlic Intensity: If you love garlic like I do, roast extra cloves and add them to the garlic butter for a sweeter, mellow twist.
• Whole Wheat Flour: For a healthier spin, swap half the flours for whole wheat, but expect denser rolls.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a subtle heat I find addictive.

How to Make Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Make the Garlic Butter

Start by peeling and finely mincing a whole head of garlic – this is what gives the rolls their signature punch. Melt the butter and mix it with olive oil in a small pan over low heat, then add the garlic and a sprinkle of salt. Let the butter gently infuse with the garlic and fresh parsley until fragrant and golden but not browned, about 3-5 minutes. This step really sets the foundation, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Warm the milk to about body temperature (not hot), then stir in the yeast and honey. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly and alive—that’s the yeast waking up and ready to work. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flours, milk powder (if using), sugar, and salt. Add in the garlic butter (reserve some for brushing later), the yeast mixture, and egg yolks. Mix into a soft dough, then knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. I like doing this by hand; it gives you a great feel for when the dough is ready without it being sticky or stiff.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a warm damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a cozy spot until it doubles in size—usually about 1 to 1.5 hours. Pro tip: I turn on my oven to the lowest setting for a minute, then turn it off and place the dough inside for a perfectly warm rising environment. It really helps speed things up, especially on cooler days.

Step 4: Shape and Fill the Rolls

Once risen, punch down the dough gently and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle about 12×15 inches. Spread a thin layer of the reserved garlic butter across the dough, then sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese. Roll it up tightly from the long edge, then slice into even pieces—around 8-10 rolls. Place them cut side up in a greased baking dish or on parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between rolls so they can puff up beautifully.

Step 5: Final Rise and Bake

Cover the rolls again and let them rise for 30-45 minutes until puffed. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Before baking, brush the tops with an egg wash for that gorgeous golden shine. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until rolls are golden brown and the cheese inside is delightfully melted. Keep an eye on them during the last 5 minutes—it’s easy to get that perfect golden crust and melty cheese combo.

How to Serve Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra fresh parsley on top right out of the oven—it adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I even add a dusting of grated Parmesan for a salty sparkle. Chopped chives or a pinch of smoked paprika can also make these rolls feel like something really special for guests.

Side Dishes

These Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls are a companion to just about everything, but my favorites to pair with them are hearty soups like tomato basil or roasted butternut squash soup. A fresh, crisp salad with vinaigrette also balances the richness perfectly. For dinner, they shine alongside pasta dishes or a roast chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged these rolls on a large wooden board with small bowls of marinara and herbed butter for dipping. Another time, I baked them in individual muffin tins to serve as grab-and-go rolls, which was a hit at a brunch. You can really play around with presentation to suit the occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling completely, I store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If it’s warmer or humid, the fridge is safer to avoid mold. When ready to enjoy, just rewarm them gently—freshness is surprisingly well-maintained!

Freezing

I’ve frozen these rolls both before and after baking. For unbaked rolls, I freeze shaped rolls on a tray until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Frozen like this, you can thaw and then bake fresh. Baked rolls freeze beautifully, too—I wrap them tightly in foil and place in freezer bags. Either way, freezing is a fantastic option to enjoy these buttery gems any time.

Reheating

For leftover or frozen rolls, I reheat in a 175°C (350°F) oven for 10-15 minutes, wrapped loosely in foil if you want to keep them softer. If I like a crispier crust, I remove the foil for the last few minutes. I avoid microwaving whenever possible to keep that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls Recipe has become one of my go-to indulgent weekends or special occasions treats because it’s so fulfilling and versatile. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together—you’ll find yourself sharing stories over warm rolls dripping with garlic butter and gooey cheese. Give it a try; I promise these rolls will become a beloved staple in your kitchen, just like they are in mine.

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