If you have ever dreamed of soft, fluffy bread wrapped around melted, gooey cheese with an irresistible garlic finish, then these Garlic Cheese Rolls are about to become your new obsession. This recipe combines the ease of pantry staples with bold flavors, making it a comforting yet impressive treat that every bite feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner or a casual get-together, these rolls will bring people running to the table.

Garlic Cheese Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for Garlic Cheese Rolls is straightforward and enjoyable because each component plays a unique role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. From the creamy softness of butter to the fragrant punch of fresh garlic and herbs, this list ensures every bite is packed with delicious detail.

All-purpose flour (4 cups): The foundation of your dough, providing structure and the perfect chewy texture.

Active dry yeast (2¼ tsp): This magical ingredient helps your dough rise and become light and airy.
Warm milk (1 cup, around 110°F): Activates the yeast and enriches the dough without overpowering it.

Sugar (¼ cup): Just enough sweetness to feed the yeast and balance the savory components.
Butter, softened (⅓ cup + ½ cup): Adds richness to the dough and makes the garlic butter spread creamy and luscious.

Eggs (2, room temperature): Provide moisture and help bind everything together for a tender crumb.
Salt (1 tsp + ½ tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Garlic cloves (6, minced): Infuse the butter with that unmistakable savory aroma so integral to these rolls.

Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color.
Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Brings depth to the garlic butter, rounding out the flavor profile.
Shredded cheese (2 cups – mozzarella + sharp cheddar): The melty, gooey heart of the rolls with a perfect balance of mild and sharp.

Grated Parmesan (¼ cup): Sprinkled on top of the cheese for an extra kick of savory umami.
Black pepper (¼ tsp): A gentle hint of heat that complements the garlic without overpowering it.

How to Make Garlic Cheese Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by dissolving the active dry yeast in the warm milk mixed with sugar. This step wakes up the yeast, allowing it to start fermenting and producing those lovely bubbles that help your dough rise to fluffy perfection. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly on top.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and a bit of sugar. This basic blend forms the dough’s backbone. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures even distribution so your dough will be uniform from the very first knead.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Once the yeast has proofed, add the softened butter and eggs to the bowl, followed by the yeast mixture. Combining wet and dry elements thoughtfully creates a dough that’s easy to knead yet soft and elastic.

Step 4: Knead Dough

Work the mixture gently with your hands or a dough hook until it becomes smooth and elastic. This kneading process develops the gluten, which is crucial for that signature soft and airy texture of Garlic Cheese Rolls.

Step 5: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it. Let it sit in a warm spot until it doubles in size. This first rise is where your bread truly begins its transformation from dense dough into pillowy bread.

Step 6: Make Garlic Butter

While your dough is rising, mix together softened butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This luscious blend is going to coat the dough and infuse every bite with mouthwatering garlic goodness.

Step 7: Mix Cheese

Combine shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar with the grated Parmesan. This mix of cheeses will melt beautifully, creating gooey pockets of flavor inside each roll.

Step 8: Roll Out Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a large rectangle. This gives you the perfect canvas to add your garlic butter and cheese before shaping.

Step 9: Spread the Garlic Butter and Add Cheese

Generously spread the garlic butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly on top. This layering not only delivers flavor but also keeps each roll moist and cheesy.

Step 10: Shape the Dough into a Log and Slice

Roll the dough tightly into a log, making sure to keep the cheese tucked inside. Cut the log into individual rolls to ensure the perfect size for serving and baking.

Step 11: Arrange Rolls and Let Them Rise Again

Place the rolls in a greased pan and let them rise once more until they puff up and look heavenly. This second rise creates those soft, tender interiors that are a hallmark of Garlic Cheese Rolls.

Step 12: Bake and Finish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls until they’re golden and bubbly. For an extra touch of buttery garlic magic, brush the tops with more garlic butter as soon as they come out of the oven. Let them cool just a bit before digging in.

How to Serve Garlic Cheese Rolls

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley on top not only looks vibrant but adds a lovely fresh contrast to the richness of the rolls. For a little extra flair, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or a pinch of smoked paprika to enhance both color and flavor.

Side Dishes

Garlic Cheese Rolls pair beautifully with hearty soups, like tomato basil or creamy mushroom, and robust salads with tangy vinaigrettes. They also work wonderfully alongside pasta dishes or as part of a brunch spread with eggs and cured meats.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the rolls in a round bundt pan so they look like a pull-apart bread wreath. You can also slice them smaller for bite-sized party snacks or arrange them on a wooden board with an assortment of dipping sauces for a festive gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Garlic Cheese Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and delicious without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the unbaked rolls after shaping but before the second rise. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to a month. When ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge and let them rise before baking.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, warm the rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, wrapped lightly in foil to keep the moisture locked in. You can also microwave them briefly, but oven reheating preserves the texture best.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough for Garlic Cheese Rolls?

Absolutely! Using store-bought dough can save time without sacrificing flavor. Just roll it out, add the garlic butter and cheese, and continue with the shaping and baking steps for an easy shortcut.

What types of cheese work best?

A mix of mozzarella and sharp cheddar gives a great balance of meltiness and tang. Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor on top. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for different flavors.

How can I make the rolls extra fluffy?

Proper kneading to develop gluten and allowing the dough to rise fully twice are key to fluffy rolls. Also, avoid adding too much flour, which can make the dough dense.

Can I add herbs other than parsley?

Yes! Fresh basil, chives, or oregano can be great alternatives or additions to parsley, bringing fresh and aromatic notes to your garlic butter.

Are Garlic Cheese Rolls suitable for freezing after baking?

They can be frozen after baking as well, but the texture is best preserved if frozen before the second rise. If freezing baked rolls, wrap them tightly and reheat gently to regain softness.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the way Garlic Cheese Rolls bring together simple ingredients to create extraordinary flavor and comfort. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying this kind of recipe for the first time, these rolls are sure to brighten up your meals and impress your friends and family. Give them a try and prepare to fall in love with every cheesy, garlicky bite!

Garlic Cheese Rolls Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 6 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Garlic Cheese Rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with a delicious blend of mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses combined with a savory garlic butter spread. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they are easy to make from scratch using yeast dough, fragrant herbs, and cheesy goodness for an irresistible treat that will impress everyone at the table.

Instructions

Activate Yeast: Dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk (about 110°F) with the sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, remaining sugar, and salt thoroughly.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add the softened butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients.

Knead Dough: Mix and knead the dough on a lightly floured surface or using a stand mixer with a dough hook until smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky, about 8-10 minutes.
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form the garlic butter spread.

Mix Cheese: In another bowl, mix the shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses with the grated Parmesan cheese.
Roll Out Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle approximately 12×18 inches.
Spread Butter: Evenly spread the prepared garlic butter mixture over the surface of the dough.

Add Cheese: Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly on top of the garlic butter layer.
Shape Log: Roll the dough tightly from one long edge to the other, creating a long log.
Slice Rolls: Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces (about 1.5 inches each).

Arrange in Pan: Place the rolls cut side up into a greased baking dish, leaving a small gap between each roll.
Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a cloth and let them rise again until puffy, about 30-45 minutes.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) in preparation for baking.

Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and the cheese is bubbly on top.
Brush with Butter: Optional – brush the hot rolls with additional garlic butter for extra flavor and shine.
Cool and Serve: Let the rolls cool slightly for about 5 minutes before serving warm for the best taste and texture.

Notes

You can substitute store-bought pizza dough if short on time, but fresh yeast dough yields the best texture.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for some heat.
Feel free to experiment with cheese blends, such as adding provolone or fontina for different tastes.

These rolls freeze well after baking; just reheat in the oven before serving.
Make sure not to overbake to keep the rolls soft and gooey inside.

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Bread, Snack
Method: Baking

Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll (approx. 90g)
Calories: 280 kcal

Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 14 g

Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g

Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 10 g

Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: garlic cheese rolls, cheesy bread, homemade rolls, garlic butter rolls, yeast bread, soft cheese rolls, appetizer bread