Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls Recipe

Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls are pure comfort—a swirl of fluffy, golden dough packed with melty mozzarella and mouthwatering roasted garlic butter. Each roll is soft, cheesy, and irresistibly fragrant, making them exactly the kind of treat you’ll want front and center for any feast, family dinner, or spontaneous cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might be surprised by how simple the ingredient list is for utterly decadent Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls. Every component serves a purpose, from the cloud-like dough to the rich roasted garlic butter, and of course, all that glorious melted mozzarella.

• 1 whole garlic head: Roasting fresh garlic brings out a creamy, sweet flavor—this is the heart of that lush garlic butter.
• Olive oil: Used both for roasting the garlic and in the garlic butter for a richer flavor and silkier texture.
• Butter: Adds richness to both your dough and the spreadable garlic butter, ensuring lots of buttery layers.
• Fresh parsley: Offers fresh, herbal notes and that extra pop of color on top.
• Warm milk: Activates the yeast and helps yield a tender, soft roll.
• Active dry yeast: Makes the dough rise beautifully and develop fantastic texture.
• Honey: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness that complements the garlic and cheese.
• All-purpose flour & bread flour: This combination brings both tenderness and a lovely chewiness.
• Milk powder (optional): Gives the dough an even softer crumb and a little extra richness.
• Egg yolks: Make the rolls richer and give that lovely golden color.
• Sugar & salt: Balance the dough by enhancing flavor and keeping it from being bland.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating pockets of stringy, cheesy goodness in every swirl.
• Egg (for egg wash): Brushed on top for a shiny, beautifully browned finish.

Variations

The beauty of Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls is how easily you can riff on the basic recipe. Need a twist for guests, to fit a dietary need, or just want to use what’s in your fridge? You have delicious options!

• Swap the Cheese: Instead of mozzarella, try sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of parmesan for a more intense flavor.
• Add Herbs: Stir chopped chives, thyme, or rosemary into the garlic butter for a fresh herby note in each bite.
• Make It Vegan: Use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and vegan cheese—these rolls become just as fluffy, with all the garlicky aroma.
• Spice It Up: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, or smoked paprika to the garlic butter for a gentle kick.

How to Make Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Carefully slice the top off a whole head of garlic to expose all the cloves. Nestle it in a small ramekin, drizzle generously with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Cover with foil and slow-roast in a 160°C (320°F) oven for 2 hours. Your kitchen will smell incredible—when it’s done, the garlic will be golden, soft, and spreadable, like savory butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter

Once cool enough to handle, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins into a bowl. Add softened butter, chopped fresh parsley, and 2 tablespoons of those garlicky roasting oils. Mash everything into a creamy, savory spread—try not to eat it all with a spoon!

Step 3: Make the Yeast Mixture

Add warm milk, active dry yeast, and honey to a small bowl. Stir gently and let rest for about 10 minutes. The mixture should look frothy and bubbly—this means your yeast is ready to work its dough-raising magic.

Step 4: Mix the Dough

In your main mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, bread flour, sugar, milk powder (if using), salt, two egg yolks, and softened butter. Pour in the proofed yeast mixture. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook, mix and knead on medium speed for 15-20 minutes until the dough is silky-smooth and pulls away from the bowl cleanly.

Step 5: First Rise (Proof)

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover loosely and let it rise somewhere warm (about 29°C/85°F) for 1½ hours. When doubled in size, it’s ready for shaping—give it a gentle poke; if the dent springs back slowly, the proof is perfect.

Step 6: Shape, Fill & Roll

Roll out the fluffy dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle (about ¼ cm or ⅛ inch thick). Slather on all that roasted garlic butter, going right to the edges! Sprinkle mozzarella cheese in a thick, even layer, then roll the dough up tight, jelly-roll style.

Step 7: Slice & Second Proof

With a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut your log into six even rolls. Arrange them, swirl-side up, on a lined baking sheet. Cover and let them proof for another 30 minutes—the rolls will puff up beautifully as they rest.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Brush rolls with egg wash for a glossy, golden crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cheese is bubbly (peek after 20 minutes—every oven’s a little different!).

Step 9: Finish & Serve

As soon as your Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with any remaining garlic butter and a fresh shower of parsley. Serve warm—there’s nothing better than that first bite when the cheese is still gooey and the aroma is pure heaven.

How to Serve Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls

Garnishes

Finish your rolls fresh from the oven with a lavish brush of warm garlic butter and an extra sprinkle of chopped parsley or even a touch of flaky sea salt. A dusting of grated parmesan is an elegant final flourish for extra richness and color.

Side Dishes

Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls shine alongside hearty meals like soups, pasta bakes, or a crisp salad. They’re a comforting pairing with classic tomato soup, lasagna, or roast chicken—so perfect for scooping up sauce or extra butter!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the rolls in a pretty bread basket lined with a linen napkin for rustic charm, or arrange them in a spiral on a wooden board dotted with little ramekins of extra garlic butter. For parties, turn the rolls into slider buns by tucking a slice of fresh mozzarella and roasted tomato between halves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. They’re best eaten fresh, but will stay soft if sealed well.

Freezing

After baking and cooling, wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and stash in the freezer for up to 2 months. To freeze before baking, arrange cut rolls on a tray, freeze until firm, then store in a zip bag—thaw and proof before baking for fresh-from-the-oven delight any day.

Reheating

Warm rolls in a 160°C (320°F) oven, loosely covered with foil to prevent drying, for 8–10 minutes. Brush with a little melted butter after reheating—they’ll taste as if just baked! Individual rolls can also be microwaved for 15–20 seconds if you just can’t wait.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a baking adventure with a seriously delicious reward, these Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls will absolutely deliver. Gather your ingredients, invite someone you love into the kitchen, and get ready for warm, cheesy, garlicky bliss—there’s truly nothing better fresh from the oven!

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