Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked garlic cheese rolls wafting through the kitchen. These warm, fluffy, and cheesy rolls are the perfect side dish for pasta, soups, or even as a snack on their own. With a golden, buttery crust infused with garlic and filled with melty cheese, these rolls are an irresistible crowd-pleaser.
If you’ve been searching for the best garlic cheese rolls recipe, look no further. This guide will walk you through every step, from choosing the right ingredients to achieving that perfect texture. Plus, we’ll cover expert tips, variations, and answers to common questions so you can master this dish with ease.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Soft, Fluffy, and Cheesy Goodness
The combination of buttery dough, garlic flavor, and gooey cheese makes these rolls incredibly addictive. They’re crispy on the outside yet soft and pillowy on the inside.
2. Easy to Make
Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is simple and foolproof. With a few basic ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can bake restaurant-quality garlic cheese rolls at home.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re making these for a family dinner, holiday gathering, or game night, these rolls are always a hit. Serve them alongside pasta, salads, or just enjoy them on their own!
Ingredients for Garlic Cheese Rolls
To make these deliciously cheesy rolls, you’ll need:
Dough Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
Garlic Butter Mixture:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
Cheese Filling:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
Topping:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast – In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, softened butter, and egg. Pour in the yeast mixture and mix until combined.
- Knead the Dough – Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise – Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter and Cheese Mixture
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
- Roll Out the Dough – Once the dough has risen, roll it into a large rectangle (about ½-inch thick).
- Spread the Garlic Butter – Brush the dough evenly with the garlic butter mixture.
- Add the Cheese – Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the dough.
- Roll and Cut – Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 12-15 equal pieces.
Step 4: Second Rise & Baking
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
- Brush the baked rolls with any remaining garlic butter.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Best Variations of Garlic Cheese Rolls
1. Herb & Cheese Rolls
Add rosemary, thyme, or basil to the dough for an extra aromatic touch.
2. Spicy Garlic Cheese Rolls
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture for a bit of heat.
3. Vegan Garlic Cheese Rolls
Use plant-based butter, dairy-free cheese, and almond milk to create a vegan-friendly version.
4. Bacon & Cheddar Rolls
For a smoky twist, add crispy bacon bits along with the cheese filling.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic cheese rolls pair perfectly with:
- Pasta dishes like lasagna or spaghetti
- Soups such as tomato basil or creamy potato soup
- Salads for a balanced meal
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigeration
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze baked rolls in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
Reheating
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Not Letting the Dough Rise Fully
Skipping the rise time will result in dense rolls. Be patient and allow proper proofing.
2. Overloading with Cheese
Too much cheese can cause a messy, greasy bake. Stick to the recommended amounts.
3. Not Brushing with Garlic Butter
Brushing butter before and after baking enhances flavor and texture.
FAQs About Garlic Cheese Rolls
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Refrigerate the dough overnight and bake fresh the next day.
2. Can I use pre-made dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works well as a shortcut.
3. How do I prevent rolls from sticking to the pan?
Grease the baking dish well or use parchment paper.
4. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour with a binding agent like xanthan gum.
5. Can I add other cheeses?
Definitely! Try Gruyère, gouda, or provolone for unique flavors.
Conclusion
Garlic cheese rolls are a delicious, easy-to-make treat that can elevate any meal. With their buttery garlic flavor, cheesy filling, and soft texture, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save them for later, these rolls never disappoint.
Try this foolproof recipe today and experience the magic of homemade garlic cheese rolls! 🍞🧄🧀
PrintGarlic Cheese Rolls – The Ultimate Soft and Cheesy Delight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Description
Make the best Garlic Cheese Rolls with fluffy dough, garlic butter, and melty cheese. Perfect for any meal or snack. Try them today!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
For the Garlic Butter:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cheese Filling:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, softened butter, and egg. Pour in the yeast mixture and mix until well combined.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
-
Make the Garlic Butter & Cheese Mixture
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese.
-
Assemble the Rolls
- Roll out the risen dough into a large rectangle (½-inch thick).
- Brush with garlic butter and sprinkle evenly with the cheese mixture.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log shape and cut into 12-15 equal rolls.
-
Let the Rolls Rise Again & Bake
- Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
-
Finishing Touches
- Brush the baked rolls with any remaining garlic butter.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve warm!
Notes
- Let the yeast fully activate for the best rise.
- Don’t overstuff with cheese to prevent leaks.
- Brush with extra garlic butter for maximum flavor.
- Use a sharp knife or floss to cut even rolls.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20minutes
- Cook Time: 25minutes