Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls

Short Description

Soft, fluffy rolls loaded with roasted garlic butter and gooey mozzarella cheese—these Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls are irresistible, aromatic, and perfect for sharing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra-flavorful: Roasted garlic provides a rich, mellow garlic flavor that infuses the entire roll.
• Textural delight: A tender, buttery dough wraps around melty mozzarella for the ultimate pull-apart experience.
• Made-from-scratch charm: From proofing to roasting, every step adds homemade goodness.
• Perfect for any occasion: Great as a snack, side dish, or show-stopping addition to meals.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Garlic Butter

• 1 head garlic, top cut off
• Sprinkle of salt
• 30 g olive oil
• 50 g butter, softened
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

Dough

• 90 g warm milk
• 7 g active dry yeast
• 25 g honey
• 200 g all-purpose flour
• 50 g bread flour
• 20 g milk powder (optional)
• 25 g butter, softened
• 2 egg yolks
• 1½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar

Filling

• Prepared garlic butter
• 200 g mozzarella cheese, shredded

Egg Wash

• 1 egg, beaten (for brushing before baking)

Directions

1. Roast the Garlic

Preheat oven to 160 °C (320 °F). Place the prepared garlic head in a small ramekin, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle lightly with salt. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and roast for 2 hours until the cloves are soft and buttery.

2. Make the Garlic Butter

Once roasted, mash the garlic into softened butter. Stir in chopped parsley and about 2 tablespoons of the garlic-infused olive oil. Set aside.

3. Proof the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and honey. Let rest for about 10 minutes until frothy.

4. Mix and Knead the Dough

In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine both flours, sugar, milk powder (if using), softened butter, salt, egg yolks, and the yeast mixture. Knead using a dough hook on medium speed for 15–20 minutes until smooth and elastic.

5. First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it proof in a warm spot (around 29 °C / 85 °F) for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, until doubled in size.

6. Shape the Rolls

Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ cm (1/8″) thick. Spread the garlic butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the mozzarella on top. Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into six equal portions (using a knife or dental floss for clean cuts).

7. Second Rise

Place the rolls on a baking sheet, cover loosely, and let them proof again for 30 minutes until puffy.

8. Bake

Preheat the oven to 175 °C (350 °F). Brush the tops of the rolls with egg wash. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown—start checking at 20 minutes to ensure they don’t overbake.

9. Finish & Serve

As soon as the rolls are out of the oven, brush them generously with any reserved garlic butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve warm.

Servings And Timing

• Yield: 6 generously sized garlic cheese rolls
• Prep Time: ~20 minutes (not including dough proofing and garlic roasting)
• Total Time: ~3.5 hours (includes 2-hour garlic roast + dough rise times)

Variations

• Cheese swap: Try provolone, fontina, or sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Herb addition: Add chopped rosemary or thyme to the garlic butter for an aromatic lift.
• Whole wheat option: Replace half the flours with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber.
• Spicy twist: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños into the garlic butter.

Storage/Reheating

• Short-term: Keep cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooled rolls in a sealed bag for up to 1 month.
• To Reheat: Gently warm in a 180 °C (350 °F) oven for 5–7 minutes. Brush on more garlic butter if reheating to refresh the flavor.

FAQs

Can I skip roasting the garlic?

Yes—but roasting mellows and sweetens garlic, resulting in a richer, more complex flavor. Raw garlic will be sharper.

Can this dough be made by hand?

Absolutely! Knead by hand on a lightly floured surface until smooth—about 20 minutes.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes. After shaping into rolls, cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning, adding a few minutes to the bake time if cold.

What if the dough is too sticky?

Add flour, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it’s tacky but not sticky.

Can I use milk substitutes?

You can substitute plant-based milks, but stick to neutral flavors (like oat or almond) for best results.

How do I know when the rolls are done?

They should be golden brown and springy on top. An internal temperature of ~88 °C (190 °F) is a good indicator.

Why do I need an egg wash?

It gives the rolls a glossy, golden-brown finish and improves their visual appeal.

Can I add a cheesy top layer?

Yes—sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a melty crust.

Are these freezer-friendly?

Yes—freeze fully cooled rolls, then reheat as needed. They stay moist and flavorful when warmed properly.

What else pairs well with these rolls?

They’re perfect alongside soups, pasta dishes, or salads—or simply enjoyed on their own with a slather of extra garlic butter.

Conclusion

Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls are an indulgent blend of sweet roasted garlic, creamy mozzarella, and soft, golden dough. Great for cozy meals, gatherings, or gifting—each pull-apart bite is a flavor-packed moment to savor. Let me know if you’d like suggestions for dips or party spreads to serve them with!

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