Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls Recipe

Meet your new dinner-table obsession: Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls. These magic little swirls are impossibly soft, bursting with gooey mozzarella in every bite, and brushed with a garlic butter that will make your kitchen smell like a slice of heaven. If you’re searching for melt-in-your-mouth, bakery-quality rolls that impress everyone—look no further. This recipe is just as lovely for fancy occasions as it is for cozy nights in.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is proof that simple ingredients—when treated with a bit of love—can transform into something spectacular! Every component here plays a crucial role, from the rich roasted garlic to the melty cheese, making these Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls undeniably addictive.

• 1 garlic head: Roasting the whole head brings out sweet, nutty flavors and gives your rolls a mellow, buttery garlic punch.
• Sprinkle of salt: Enhances all the other flavors and tames the garlic so it’s never too intense.
• 30 grams olive oil: Used in garlic roasting and butter, this adds a subtle fruity note and richness.
• 50 grams butter: Softened butter makes the garlic spread and the roll dough luxuriously tender.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley: Brings a pop of herby freshness to the garlic butter and a flash of green as garnish.
• 90 grams warm milk: Feeds the yeast and enriches the dough for pillowy softness.
• 7 grams active dry yeast: The engine behind that fluffy rise—give it a cozy, warm environment to work its magic.
• 25 grams honey: Sweetens the dough and helps the yeast create that perfect, delicate lift.
• 200 grams all-purpose flour: The main base for your dough, giving it strength and structure.
• 50 grams bread flour: Adds extra chew and softness thanks to higher protein content.
• 20 grams milk powder (optional): Extra richness and softness if you have it on hand, but still fabulous without.
• 25 grams butter: Melted into the dough for a richer crumb—don’t skimp!
• 2 egg yolks: Give golden color and tender texture to the finished rolls.
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt: Rounds out all the flavors so nothing tastes flat.
• 1 tablespoon sugar: Helps activate the yeast and adds a little sweetness to the dough.
• 200 grams mozzarella cheese: For glorious melty, cheesy centers that make these rolls absolutely irresistible.
• Egg wash (1 egg): Brushed on before baking for a gleaming, golden finish.

Variations

The beauty of these Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls? They’re so easy to make your own—just a few tweaks and you can tailor them for any taste or dietary preference. Don’t be afraid to play around!

• Cheese Lover’s Dream: Swap or add in sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of parmesan for extra depth and flavor.
• Herb Explosion: Try mixing fresh basil, chives, or oregano into the garlic butter for even more aromatic punch.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Use a reliable 1:1 gluten-free flour blend—just keep an eye on dough texture and adjust liquid if needed.
• Vegan Approach: Use non-dairy butter, plant-based milk, and your favorite vegan mozzarella to make them totally dairy-free but still deliciously decadent.

How to Make Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Start by slicing the top off a whole head of garlic, nestling it in a ramekin, drizzling with olive oil, and sprinkling with a touch of salt. Cover it up snugly with foil and roast low and slow—about 2 hours at 160°C (320°F) until every clove is golden, gooey, and utterly spreadable. This step is worth the wait; the flavor becomes sweet and mellow, the perfect backbone for these rolls.

Step 2: Make the Buttery Garlic Spread

Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze those luscious cloves into a bowl. Blend them together with softened butter, freshly chopped parsley, and a couple of tablespoons of the garlicky olive oil from roasting. The result is a creamy, flavorful spread you’ll want to put on everything—but today, it’s all about the rolls!

Step 3: Activate the Yeast

Gently warm the milk (just about body temperature), then blend in the active dry yeast and honey. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it’s foamy and fragrant. This little waiting period wakes up the yeast so your dough will rise beautifully soft and airy.

Step 4: Make the Dough

Grab a mixing bowl and add both flours, sugar, milk powder (if using), extra butter, salt, and those creamy egg yolks. Pour in your foamy yeast mixture and bring everything together. Mix and knead (a dough hook makes this easy, but hands work too) for 15–20 minutes until the dough is plush, smooth, and elastic like a soft pillow.

Step 5: Proof and Roll

Let the dough rest in a warm, cozy spot (around 29°C or 85°F) for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, until doubled in size. This is when the magic happens! Once it’s risen, roll the dough out to about 1/4 cm (or 1/8 inch) thickness on a floured surface.

Step 6: Fill with Garlic Butter and Cheese

Slather the surface generously with your homemade garlic butter. Then layer on all that glorious mozzarella—don’t be shy! Roll the dough up tightly like a log, trapping all that deliciousness inside.

Step 7: Cut and Proof Again

Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss (my favorite “secret weapon!”), slice the log into 6 equal portions. Arrange them (spiral side up) on a baking sheet, cover, and let them proof for another 30 minutes. This is your last step before the grand finale.

Step 8: Bake and Finish

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Brush the rolls with a glossy egg wash and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are richly golden and the cheese is bubbling. As soon as they emerge, brush with any remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with parsley. Serve warm for the full, melt-in-your-mouth Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls experience!

How to Serve Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls

Garnishes

A final brush of garlic butter makes these Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls shimmer, but don’t stop there—add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a little grated parmesan cheese for color and a burst of flavor right as they come out of the oven. It’s the little touches that make them feel extra special!

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with saucy pastas, hearty soups like tomato basil or minestrone, or alongside roasted meats for a feast. Honestly, they’re so cheesy and satisfying, you might just want to make them the star with a crisp salad or simple veggie soup on the side!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, arrange the Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls in a wreath shape for holidays, or bake them in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic, pull-apart centerpiece. You can even serve each roll in a parchment muffin cup for easy, elegant sharing at parties or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftover Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days—though they truly shine fresh the day they’re made. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll keep for about four days.

Freezing

To freeze, let the rolls cool fully, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three months. For maximum gooey cheese factor, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

When you crave a warm roll, just reheat in a 160°C (320°F) oven for 7–10 minutes, or until gooey and fragrant. For a quick fix, a few seconds in the microwave works too—just don’t overdo it so the cheese stays melty and the roll stays tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you need an excuse to turn on the oven, let these Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls be it! They’re soft, cheesy, fragrant, and will fill your kitchen with warmth. Whether you bake them for friends, family, or just yourself, they’re sure to disappear quickly—so go ahead and give them a try. You deserve every delicious bite!

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