Buttery cheese garlic rolls are a delightful combination of warm, buttery dough filled with melted mozzarella cheese and the rich flavor of roasted garlic. These rolls are perfect for any meal, whether served as a side dish, appetizer, or snack. If you’re looking for a comforting and savory recipe that will impress your family and friends, this is the one to try!
Why Make This Recipe
These buttery cheese garlic rolls are not just delicious; they also offer a wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake. The blend of fresh garlic, herbs, and gooey mozzarella creates an irresistible flavor! Plus, making these rolls from scratch is a rewarding process that can be a great family activity. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or just want a cozy treat on a weekday, these rolls will surely elevate any meal.
How to Make Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 garlic head
- Sprinkle of salt
- 30 grams olive oil
- 50 grams butter (for garlic butter)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 90 grams warm milk
- 7 grams active dry yeast
- 25 grams honey
- 200 grams all-purpose flour
- 50 grams bread flour
- 20 grams milk powder (optional)
- 25 grams butter (for dough)
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 200 grams mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Garlic butter made previously
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Directions
- Roast the Garlic: Start by cutting off the top of the garlic head, drizzling it with olive oil, and sprinkling with salt. Cover the garlic with aluminum foil and roast it in an oven preheated to 160°C (320°F) for 2 hours. This step infuses a rich flavor into your rolls.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into a mixing bowl. Add softened butter, chopped parsley, and a little of the oil used for roasting. Mix well to create a luscious garlic butter. Set this aside so it can cool a bit.
- Proof the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and honey. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s frothy.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, bread flour, sugar, milk powder, softened butter, salt, egg yolks, and the yeast mixture. Stir until all the ingredients are merged into a rough dough.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer this mixture onto a floured surface or use a stand mixer with a dough hook. Knead on medium speed or by hand for about 15-20 minutes, until the dough is soft and smooth.
- Let It Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4 cm thick. Spread the prepared garlic butter on top of the dough and generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the butter.
- Roll and Cut: Carefully roll the dough into a log shape, then cut it into 6 equal portions. This will give you beautifully shaped rolls.
- Final Proof: Arrange the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them and let them proof for another 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Brush the rolls with a beaten egg wash to give them a golden finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until they are golden brown and puffed.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: After taking the rolls out of the oven, brush them with any leftover garlic butter, and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch before serving.

Pro Tips for Success with Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best taste, use fresh garlic and quality mozzarella cheese. The flavors will be much more vibrant and delicious.
- Kneading: If you’re kneading by hand, be sure to work the dough enough; it should be elastic and not sticky. A stand mixer can make this easier and faster.
- Dough Rising: Make sure to let your dough rise in a warm place. If your kitchen is cool, you can turn on the oven for a few minutes, then turn it off and place the dough inside, covered with a towel.
- Cheese Options: While mozzarella is traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheese types such as cheddar, gouda, or a spicy pepper jack for a kick!
- Serving Fresh: These rolls are best served warm out of the oven. If you’re preparing them ahead of time, reheat them slightly in the oven before serving.
Flavor Variations for Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls
- Herb Infusion: Add dried herbs like oregano or basil into the dough for an herby twist. You can also sprinkle some on top before baking to amplify the flavors.
- Stuff It: Add other fillings like cooked bacon pieces, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach for a more complex flavor profile.
- Spiced Up: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick within the garlic butter.
- Cheese Blend: Mix mozzarella with other cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a tangy flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls
These buttery cheese garlic rolls can complement a variety of meals. Serve them alongside soups, salads, or pastas for a hearty addition to your dinner. They also make fantastic snacks on their own, perfect for game days, parties, or cozy get-togethers. Don’t forget to pair them with a marinara sauce for dipping; it makes for a delicious and fun appetizer!
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls
- Storing: Keep any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To prevent them from getting stale, you can also wrap them in foil.
- Reheating: Simply reheat the rolls in an oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 5-10 minutes until they are warm.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the baked rolls. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months. Reheat directly from the freezer in the oven.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|———————–|———|
| Calories | 220 |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
FAQ About Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls
Can I use bottled garlic instead of roasting my own?
Absolutely! If you’re in a hurry, you can substitute roasted garlic with bottled roasted garlic. Just use a similar amount; however, freshly roasted garlic provides a more robust flavor.
What if I don’t have active dry yeast?
If you run out of active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast as a substitute. You can skip the proofing step; just mix it directly into your dry ingredients.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day ahead of time. After kneading, let it rise, and then refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, take it out about an hour before to allow it to come to room temperature and complete the rising process.
How can I tell when the rolls are done baking?
The rolls are done when they are puffed up and golden brown on the top. You can also tap the bottom of a roll; it should sound hollow when it’s baked through.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Certainly! You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour as a substitute for regular flour. Make sure the other ingredients, such as yeast and milk, are also gluten-free. Just note that the texture may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
Buttery cheese garlic rolls are a comforting and delicious treat that’s surprisingly simple to make. With a few basic ingredients and some love, you can create a batch that will have everyone asking for more. Perfect for any gathering or just a cozy evening at home, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your household. So roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and begin your delicious baking adventure today!
Print
Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls
- Total Time: 240 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful rolls filled with melted mozzarella cheese and roasted garlic, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 garlic head
- Sprinkle of salt
- 30 grams olive oil
- 50 grams butter (for garlic butter)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 90 grams warm milk
- 7 grams active dry yeast
- 25 grams honey
- 200 grams all-purpose flour
- 50 grams bread flour
- 20 grams milk powder (optional)
- 25 grams butter (for dough)
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 200 grams mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Garlic butter made previously
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Roast the garlic in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for 2 hours.
- Prepare garlic butter by mixing roasted garlic cloves, softened butter, chopped parsley, and oil.
- Proof the yeast using warm milk, active dry yeast, and honey for 10 minutes.
- Make the dough by combining flours, sugar, milk powder, softened butter, salt, egg yolks, and the yeast mixture.
- Knead the dough for 15-20 minutes until soft and smooth.
- Let the dough rise for 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape the rolls by rolling the dough, spreading garlic butter, and sprinkling mozzarella cheese.
- Roll and cut into 6 portions and let them proof for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Brush with leftover garlic butter and sprinkle chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for optimal flavor. These rolls are best served warm.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 210 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian



