Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls (Printable)
Soft, pillowy buns filled with garlic butter, mozzarella and Parmesan, golden savory bites for sharing.
# What You Need:
→ Dough
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
03 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
04 - 1 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 cup warm milk
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
07 - 1 large egg
→ Filling
08 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
09 - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
10 - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
11 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
→ Topping
14 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
15 - 1 clove garlic, minced
16 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
# Directions:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture stand for 5 to 7 minutes until foamy.
02 - Add softened unsalted butter, large egg, and salt to the activated yeast. Whisk to blend thoroughly.
03 - Gradually add all-purpose flour, mixing until a cohesive dough forms. Knead for 6 to 8 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.
04 - Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and allow to rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
05 - Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
06 - In a small bowl, mix melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and dried Italian herbs until evenly combined.
07 - Punch down risen dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each into a disk, place a generous spoonful of filling in the center, and pinch edges to seal, shaping into a smooth ball.
08 - Arrange dough balls seam side down on prepared tray. Cover loosely and let rise for 25 to 30 minutes until slightly puffed.
09 - Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and fully cooked.
10 - While the rolls are hot, brush with melted butter mixed with minced garlic. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- There’s a secret thrill in tucking gooey cheese and herby garlic deep inside a tender roll—no one expects just how much flavor is waiting inside.
- They somehow turn any meal into a small celebration, whether you’re feeding a roomful or just treating yourself on a quiet night in.
02 -
- If you rush the rising times, the rolls can end up disappointingly dense—the wait really matters.
- I once tried store-bought shredded cheese and it didn’t melt nearly as well as hand-shredded; trust me, it’s worth the extra step.
03 -
- Knead by hand if you can—it lets you feel exactly when the dough is ready and is oddly therapeutic.
- The day I started brushing extra garlic butter right as the rolls left the oven, I never looked back.