Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls Recipe

Prepare to fall in love at first bite! These Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls are impossibly soft, rich with melty mozzarella, and absolutely bursting with roasted garlic flavor. They’re golden, fluffy, and loaded with buttery goodness—a true showstopper for any meal or celebration.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something magical about how a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients can create such out-of-this-world flavor! Every component here plays its part—from making the dough ultra tender to infusing that dreamy buttery garlic aroma throughout these rolls.

• Garlic Head: Slow-roasted for two hours to bring out its sweet, buttery softness that becomes the heart of our garlic butter.
• Olive Oil: Helps caramelize the garlic while roasting, giving a hint of fruitiness.
• Butter: Both in the dough and the garlic butter, it’s what makes the rolls so rich and melt-in-your-mouth soft.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of freshness and gorgeous color, brightening every bite.
• Warm Milk: Activates the yeast and lends a pillowy tenderness to the dough.
• Active Dry Yeast: The secret to a fluffy, airy rise.
• Honey: Gently sweetens and helps feed the yeast for an extra lift.
• All-Purpose & Bread Flour: A mix gives perfect structure and soft crumb—fluffy yet sturdy enough to swirl with cheese and garlic butter.
• Milk Powder (optional): Ramps up the tender, milky goodness, but you can skip it if you need.
• Egg Yolks: Make the dough extra rich and golden.
• Salt & Sugar: Essential for flavor and the best dough development.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into every swirl with those classic gooey cheese pulls we all crave.
• Egg (for Egg Wash): Brushed on before baking for extra shine and a golden finish.

Variations

One of the best things about these Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls is how easily you can switch things up. Whether you’re catering to dietary needs or just feeling creative, they’re a blank canvas for all your favorite flavors and twists!

• Cheddar or Gruyère Cheese: Swap mozzarella for a sharper or nuttier cheese for an extra flavorful roll.
• Herby Explosion: Add chopped thyme, rosemary, or chives to the garlic butter for a garden-fresh twist.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute up to half the flour for whole wheat to get a heartier, more rustic roll (they’ll still be so soft!).
• Vegan-Friendly: Use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and your favorite vegan cheese to make these rolls completely dairy-free and vegan.

How to Make Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Start by cutting the top off a whole head of garlic, placing it in a ramekin, and drizzling it generously with olive oil plus a sprinkle of salt. Cover with foil and roast at 160°C (320°F) for 2 hours. This slow roasting transforms the garlic into golden, spreadable magic with irresistible sweetness and depth.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

Once your garlic is buttery soft, squeeze it out and mash it together with softened butter, chopped parsley, and a couple of spoonfuls of that garlicky olive oil from roasting. This fragrant, savory spread is about to change your life—don’t be tempted to eat it all with a spoon right now!

Step 3: Activating the Yeast

Combine warm milk (not hot!), active dry yeast, and honey in a bowl. Let it stand for 10 minutes until you see a frothy foam—this means your yeast is ready to make these rolls light and airy.

Step 4: Mixing the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, add both flours, sugar, milk powder (if using), salt, softened butter, egg yolks, and pour in the yeast mixture. Stir and bring everything together into a rough dough—don’t stress, it gets smoother soon!

Step 5: Knead Until Smooth

Use your stand mixer’s dough hook—or roll up your sleeves and knead by hand—for 15-20 minutes, until the dough is silky, elastic, and smooth. It should feel soft and a little tacky but not overly sticky.

Step 6: First Rise

Let your dough rest in a lightly greased bowl, covered, in a warm spot (29°C/85°F is perfect) for about 1½ hours or until it’s doubled in size. The anticipation is part of the fun!

Step 7: Roll Out & Fill

On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about ¼ cm (1/8 in) thick. Generously spread the roasted garlic butter all over, right to the edges, then evenly sprinkle over that lush mozzarella cheese. Get ready for oozy, cheesy glory!

Step 8: Shape and Slice

Tightly roll up the dough into a log, keeping the cheese and butter inside without any escaping. Then, slice into 6 glorious rolls—use a sharp knife or dental floss for clean, even pieces.

Step 9: Second Proof

Place the shaped rolls in a lined or greased baking pan and cover loosely. Let them rise again for about 30 minutes until puffy—this second rise ensures your Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls bake up ultra light and beautiful.

Step 10: Bake, Brush, and Serve

Brush the tops with egg wash for that irresistible golden sheen, then bake at 175°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes. Finish with another brush of the reserved garlic butter and a shower of fresh parsley. Serve these warm, and watch smiles appear instantly!

How to Serve Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls

Garnishes

For a truly mouthwatering finish, brush your hot-out-of-the-oven rolls again with leftover garlic butter, then sprinkle generously with snipped fresh parsley or even a little grated Parmesan for extra indulgence. A light dusting of flaky sea salt will elevate that melty, cheesy swirl to pure bliss.

Side Dishes

These Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls are heavenly with cozy tomato soup, all sorts of pastas, or alongside a hearty salad piled with crispy veggies. They’re perfect dunked in marinara, as an upgrade to your classic bread basket, or to serve with Sunday roast or holiday feasts.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking the rolls in a cast iron skillet for rustic charm or arrange them in a round pan for a pull-apart “cheese and garlic blossom.” For parties, nestle each roll in a muffin tin for individual servings—perfect for buffets or a fun family-style spread!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have any Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls leftover (good luck!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure they’re fully cooled before stashing them away to keep them soft and fresh.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully. Once completely cool, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. You can even freeze unbaked, shaped rolls; just thaw and bake when you’re ready for fresh, hot cheesy garlic rolls on demand!

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual rolls in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave for about 30 seconds. Brush with a touch of melted butter after reheating to revive their fresh-from-the-oven aroma and magic!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to fill your kitchen with heavenly aromas and put big smiles on everyone’s faces, these Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls are exactly the treat to try. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll become a treasured staple you’ll want to share again and again—happy baking!

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