If you have been searching for the ultimate comfort bake to share with friends and family, look no further than this Homemade Garlic Cheese Rolls Recipe. These rolls are a perfect harmony of soft, fluffy bread filled with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, enriched by the irresistible aroma of garlic butter that makes your kitchen smell like heaven. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or a festive gathering, these rolls bring warmth and cheesy delight to every bite. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll soon discover why this recipe is a beloved classic in every household.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is essential for creating those tender, cheesy rolls that melt in your mouth. Each component plays a crucial role—from the yeast that gives the dough life, to the cheeses that provide rich flavor, and the garlic butter that adds an unforgettable zing.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): The magic behind the dough’s rise and fluffy texture.
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F): Perfect temperature to activate the yeast for that perfect fermentation.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation providing structure and chewiness to the rolls.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors, making every bite balanced and delicious.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened): Brings richness to the dough for a tender crumb.
- 1 large egg: Adds moisture and helps with the dough’s elasticity and color.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully inside, giving that classic stringy, gooey cheese pull.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a deliciously sharp, salty contrast to the mozzarella.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for brushing): Infuses the tops of the rolls with buttery goodness and helps the garlic stick.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): The star flavor that makes these rolls unforgettable and savory.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, colorful garnish that brightens up the appearance and adds a hint of herbal freshness.
How to Make Homemade Garlic Cheese Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining the warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it’s foamy and alive—this is your assurance that the yeast is active and ready to do its work. This step ensures your rolls will rise perfectly light and fluffy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Next, add the all-purpose flour, salt, softened butter, and egg to the yeast mixture. Stir everything together until a soft dough forms. Then, dust a clean surface with flour and knead the dough for 6 to 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This kneading develops gluten, which helps your rolls achieve that satisfying chewy texture we all love.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough back in the bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about one hour or until it doubles in size. This rising time allows the dough to develop flavor and the soft, airy texture that defines great bread.
Step 4: Prepare the Filled Dough
Punch down the risen dough gently to release excess air, then roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the surface, ensuring every roll will have cheesy goodness in every bite. Roll the dough tightly from the long side to make a log—this means your cheese filling stays nicely contained inside.
Step 5: Form and Second Rise
Slice the rolled log into 12 equal pieces and place them evenly in a greased baking dish or pan. Cover again and allow the rolls to rise for another 30 to 40 minutes. This second rise keeps the bread tender and soft inside once baked.
Step 6: Bake with Garlic Butter Love
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, combine the melted butter with the minced garlic for that unforgettable garlic punch. Brush this garlic butter generously over the tops of the rolls right before baking. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the rolls are golden brown on top and the cheese inside is bubbling invitingly. Once out of the oven, brush them again with the remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley if you want that extra pop of color and flavor.
How to Serve Homemade Garlic Cheese Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a beautiful green touch but also balances the richness with a hint of freshness. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top after baking for a lovely, savory finish.
Side Dishes
These garlic cheese rolls pair beautifully with pastas, especially tomato-based sauces like marinara, or creamy dishes like Alfredo. They’re also excellent served alongside warm soup, such as tomato bisque or hearty vegetable stew, making every meal feel like a special occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive party, serve these rolls in a pull-apart style basket or a rustic wooden board. You can also make mini versions by slicing the dough into smaller rolls before baking. Another fun idea is to drizzle a little extra garlic butter mixed with herbs on the side for dipping—it’s a flavor explosion everyone will love!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your homemade garlic cheese rolls in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and softness.
Freezing
You can freeze the rolls before baking by wrapping the sliced rolls in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and let them rise before baking as usual, so you can have fresh homemade rolls anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, warm rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and soft again. You can also microwave a roll briefly, but the oven method keeps the crust pleasantly crisp while reheating the cheese inside.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this Homemade Garlic Cheese Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan give a perfect balance of mild and sharp flavors, you can substitute part of the mozzarella with cheddar for a richer, sharper taste. Experimenting with Asiago or Fontina also works beautifully.
Do I have to use fresh garlic for the garlic butter?
Fresh garlic provides the best flavor and aroma, but if you’re short on time, you can use garlic powder instead—about 1 teaspoon mixed into the melted butter will still deliver great taste.
Can I make these rolls vegan or dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with your favorite plant-based milk and use dairy-free butter and cheese alternatives. Just note that texture and flavor will vary slightly but can still be delicious!
What’s the best way to ensure the dough rises properly?
Make sure your milk is warm but not too hot, ideally around 110°F, to activate the yeast without killing it. Also, place your dough in a warm, draft-free environment while it rises—covering it with a damp towel or plastic wrap helps keep moisture in.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls up to the second rise stage, then refrigerate them overnight. The next day, bring them to room temperature, let them finish rising, and bake fresh. This is perfect for planning ahead for a special meal.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope this Homemade Garlic Cheese Rolls Recipe finds a special place in your kitchen as it has in mine. The aroma, the cheesy pull, and the buttery garlic flavor combine to create an irresistible comfort food that brings people together. So go on, give these rolls a try — bake a batch, share with loved ones, and watch how quickly they disappear. Your new favorite bread recipe awaits!
Print
Homemade Garlic Cheese Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Homemade Garlic Cheese Rolls are soft, cheesy, and packed with garlic buttery flavor. Made with a yeast dough filled with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, they are perfect as a savory side dish or a delicious snack. The rolls are brushed with garlic butter before and after baking to enhance their aroma and taste.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
Cheese Filling
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garlic Butter Topping
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for brushing)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
- Prepare the Dough: Add the flour, salt, softened butter, and egg to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Rolls: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Evenly sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the dough.
- Form the Roll Log: Tightly roll the dough from the long side into a log shape. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish or pan. Cover and let them rise for another 30–40 minutes until puffed.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking.
- Prepare Garlic Butter & Brush: Mix the melted butter with minced garlic. Brush this garlic butter generously over the tops of the risen rolls.
- Bake the Rolls: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Final Touch: After baking, brush the rolls again with the garlic butter mixture and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute part of the mozzarella with cheddar cheese for a sharper, more pronounced flavor.
- To make ahead, refrigerate the unbaked rolls overnight and bake them fresh the following day.
- These rolls are excellent as a side dish to pasta, soup, or salad.
