Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls Recipe

If you’re a sucker for warm, soft rolls loaded with garlic, butter, and melted cheese, you’re going to absolutely adore this Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a big, cozy hug just out of the oven—perfect for dinner parties, family meals, or anytime you want to add a little extra comfort to your table. Seriously, the smell alone is worth the effort!

What I love most is how versatile these rolls are. They pair beautifully with soups, salads, or even as a mid-afternoon snack alongside your favorite tea or coffee. Once you master these buttery cheese garlic rolls, you’ll find yourself making them again and again, and trust me, your kitchen will smell like heaven every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bringing together simple, flavorful ingredients is what makes this Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls Recipe a winner. Each component plays a vital role—from the garlicky butter punch to that perfectly elastic dough, and of course, the gooey mozzarella inside.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic is key here—mince it finely so its flavor infuses perfectly into the butter.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and roundness to your garlic butter blend.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter for control over seasoning; it keeps the rolls soft and flavorful.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the garlic butter with a fresh herbaceous note.
• Warm milk: It kickstarts the yeast’s magic, helping your dough rise beautifully.
• Active dry yeast: Vital for that fluffy, light texture in your rolls.
• Honey: A touch of sweetness balances the savory and helps with yeast activation.
• Flours (all-purpose and bread): The blend gives you a perfect chew without being too dense.
• Milk powder (optional): Adds tenderness and depth, but you can skip if you don’t have it on hand.
• Egg yolks: Enrich the dough, making rolls softer and lending a beautiful golden color.
• Salt and sugar: Essential seasonings that balance the flavor and control yeast activity.
• Mozzarella cheese: The melty, stringy star of these rolls—grab fresh if you can!
• Egg (for egg wash): Gives your rolls that irresistible shiny, golden crust.

Variations

This recipe is like a blank canvas, and I love experimenting with it. Feel free to personalize the fillings or herbs to suit your mood or pantry stash. After all, the best recipes are the ones you make your own!

• Spinach and feta: I’ve swapped mozzarella for spinach and feta for a Mediterranean twist—adds a tangy, fresh vibe.
• Herb blend: Try rosemary or thyme instead of parsley to change up the herbal aroma.
• Spicy kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the garlic butter can give your rolls a subtle heat I love on chilly days.
• Vegan option: Use vegan butter and cheese alternatives and non-dairy milk to make this recipe plant-based without missing out on the buttery, cheesy goodness.
• Garlic knobs: Shape the dough into pull-apart garlic knobs instead of rolls for a fun finger-food variation.

How to Make Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Craft the Garlic Butter

Start by peeling and finely mincing a whole head of garlic—it’s a lot, but trust me, it’s the heart and soul of this recipe. Combine your minced garlic with the olive oil, butter, a sprinkle of salt, and fresh parsley. Gently warm this mixture on low heat just until the butter melts and the garlic flavor infuses—don’t let it brown or burn. Set aside to cool while you prepare the dough. This garlic butter will not only fill the rolls but also brush over them for that dazzling finish.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Warm your milk to about 110°F (warm, not hot) and dissolve the yeast in it along with the honey. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy—this tells you the yeast is happy and ready to work. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, bread flour, milk powder (if using), salt, and sugar. Add in the softened butter, egg yolks, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.

Turn it onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If your dough is sticky (which it might be), sprinkle a bit more flour as you go—but be careful not to add too much or your rolls will be dry. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Spread half of that luscious garlic butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese. Roll the dough tightly into a log, seal the edge, and slice it into individual rolls—about 2 inches thick. Place each roll cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking tray.

Step 4: Final Rise and Bake

Cover the rolls loosely with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let them rise another 30-45 minutes until puffed up and soft. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Before baking, brush the rolls with the remaining garlic butter and an egg wash for that golden, glossy finish.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are beautifully golden and the cheese is melty and bubbling. Let the rolls cool slightly before serving—they’re best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven.

How to Serve Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra fresh parsley or chives on top—it adds a punch of color and fresh flavor that cuts through all that buttery richness. Sometimes, I add a dusting of parmesan right after baking for extra cheesy goodness and a slightly crispy top.

Side Dishes

These rolls are fantastic alongside a crisp green salad or a bowl of tomato soup. I often serve them with roasted veggies or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. They also shine as a side for Italian dishes or BBQ favorites—perfect for soaking up any sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged these rolls in a circular “pull-apart” bread form on a platter, making it super easy for guests to grab a piece. Another fun idea is to bake them in mini muffin tins for perfect individual portions that are absolutely adorable and less messy to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover buttery cheese garlic rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them to avoid sogginess. If you want them softer next day, just wrap in foil and warm gently in the oven.

Freezing

I freeze these rolls often—before the final rise, I individually wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and stash them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge, let them rise one last time, and bake fresh. It’s a total time-saver and just as delicious!

Reheating

To reheat leftover rolls, pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 to 15 minutes wrapped in foil to warm through without drying out. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel will soften them but might lose some crispiness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I’ll never forget the first time I whipped up these buttery cheese garlic rolls—the way they melted in my mouth was pure magic. Now, making them feels like sharing a little joy with my loved ones, and I hope you feel the same. Take your time, enjoy the process, and most importantly, savor every warm, cheesy bite. You’re going to want to keep this Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls Recipe in your routine for all those moments when you need a bit of comfort and cheesy goodness in your life.

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