Cheesy Garlic Rolls – Soft, Buttery, and Irresistibly Flavorful

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These rolls are soft on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and packed with garlic and cheese in every bite. They are simple to prepare, bake beautifully, and pair well with a wide variety of meals. Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or anytime you want a warm, homemade bread option.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour forms the structure of the rolls, giving them a soft yet sturdy crumb.

Active dry yeast helps the dough rise and creates the light, fluffy texture.

Warm milk adds richness and tenderness to the dough.

Sugar feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness that balances the garlic.

Salt enhances flavor and keeps the dough well balanced.

Butter adds richness to both the dough and the garlic topping.

Egg contributes softness and structure to the rolls.

Garlic provides the signature savory flavor, especially when mixed into melted butter.

Mozzarella cheese melts smoothly and creates a stretchy, cheesy interior.

Parmesan cheese adds sharpness and depth of flavor.

Fresh parsley brings freshness and color to finish the rolls.

Directions

Begin by activating the yeast in warm milk with sugar until foamy.

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then place it in a greased bowl, cover, and allow it to rise until doubled in size.

Punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions. Shape each piece into a roll and arrange them in a greased baking dish.

Mix melted butter with minced garlic and brush generously over the rolls. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Allow the rolls to rest briefly while preheating the oven.

Bake until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Finish with chopped parsley and an extra brush of garlic butter before serving.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe makes twelve rolls.

Preparation time is about 20 minutes.
Rising time is approximately 60 minutes.
Baking time is around 20 minutes.
Total time is about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for one day or refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature or briefly in the microwave until warmed through.

Variations and Customizations

Cheesy Garlic Rolls are easy to adapt to your taste. For a stronger garlic flavor, roasted garlic can be used instead of raw garlic. I tried this once, and the result was slightly sweeter and more mellow.

You can experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a unique flavor profile.

Adding herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme to the garlic butter gives the rolls a more aromatic finish.

For a stuffed version, place a cube of cheese inside each roll before shaping for a gooey center.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

These rolls are a rich, satisfying bread option that provides carbohydrates for energy and calcium from the cheese. They are best enjoyed as part of a balanced meal.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Proper Dough Texture
The dough should be soft but not sticky for the best rise.

Even Baking
Arrange rolls with slight space between them for uniform cooking.

Extra Flavor Finish
Brushing with garlic butter after baking enhances aroma and taste.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be refrigerated overnight after the first rise.

Can I use instant yeast?

Yes, reduce rising time slightly and skip proofing if desired.

What cheese melts best?

Mozzarella provides the best stretch and melt.

Can I freeze the rolls?

Yes, freeze after baking and reheat gently before serving.

How do I keep the rolls soft?

Cover them loosely after baking to retain moisture.

Can I make them without cheese?

Yes, they can be served as classic garlic rolls.

Why didn’t my rolls rise?

The yeast may have been inactive or the milk too hot.

Can I make smaller rolls?

Yes, divide the dough into smaller portions and reduce baking time.

Are these rolls good for sandwiches?

Yes, they work well sliced and filled.

What meals pair well with these rolls?

They pair perfectly with pasta, soups, and salads.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Rolls are a timeless, comforting addition to any table. With their soft texture, rich garlic butter, and melted cheese topping, they are guaranteed to be a hit. Simple to make and endlessly customizable, these rolls are a recipe worth returning to again and again.

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