You know that smellthe warm, garlicky-butter cloud wafting through the kitchen like a hug? That’s what these Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls are all about. They’ve been making waves on TikTok and Pinterest lately, and it’s easy to see why. This cozy, easy recipe takes a bit of prep time and delivers the fluffiest, cheesiest pull-aparts you’ve ever had.
These rolls are soft and steamy on the inside, bathed in golden garlic butter, and sprinkled with melted cheese that develops a perfectly crisp top. Made with pantry staples like shredded mozzarella, garlic, and pillowy dinner roll dough, they’re like garlic bread’s better, cheesier cousin. Read on for full recipe details and tips!
When I was a kid, we used to help Grandma press dough into warm buttered pans each holidayflour on our cheeks, butter under our nails. That magic has stayed with me ever since. I’ve tested this recipe until it hit that nostalgic sweet spot. It’s full-on comfort food with an easy shortcut you’ll love!
Why You’ll Love These Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls
These rolls are pure magicsoft, fluffy, and loaded with garlic butter and mozzarella cheese. Here’s why they’re worth making again and again:
Cozy and nostalgic: Like someone wrapped garlic bread and gooey cheese into a warm hug.
Beginner-friendly: The steps are simple, and no advanced baking skills are needed.
Versatile: Perfect for a holiday feast, a comforting side with soup, or a cozy weekend indulgence.
Make-ahead potential: Prep them early and bake when needed for maximum convenience.
Gathering Your Ingredients
This recipe uses common, easy-to-find ingredients you likely already have. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Category
Ingredients
Garlic Butter
1 garlic head, pinch of salt, 1 tsp olive oil, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Roast the garlic: Preheat oven to 320°F. Slice the top off a garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and wrap in foil. Roast for about 2 hours until cloves are caramelized and tender.
Make the garlic butter: Squeeze the roasted garlic into a bowl. Mix with softened butter, parsley, and 1–2 tsp of the garlic oil. Mash until smooth and fragrant. Set aside.
Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, stir together warm milk, honey, and yeast. Let it sit until foamy (about 10 minutes). Then add flours, milk powder, sugar, butter, egg yolks, and salt. Mix to form a sticky dough.
Knead: Using a stand mixer with a dough hook or by hand, knead the dough for 15–20 minutes until smooth, stretchy, and no longer sticky. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1½ hours or until doubled in volume.
Build the rolls: Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle (~12″x16″). Spread garlic butter evenly over the surface and sprinkle generously with cheese. Roll tightly from the long side into a log. Slice into six equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
Second rise: Place the rolls cut side up into a buttered baking dish or parchment-lined sheet. Cover loosely with a clean towel and let proof another 30 minutes until puffy.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush the tops with egg wash and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Remove and immediately brush with more garlic butter. Sprinkle with additional parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
Troubleshooting and Common Questions
If something seems off, these tips can help fix it fast:
Dough didn’t rise: Check if your yeast is expired and that the milk wasn’t too hot or too cold. Ideal yeast proofing temperature is around 105°F–110°F.
Rolls came out dense: Make sure the dough is kneaded enough to develop gluten, and allow adequate time for rising at a warm room temperature (~85°F).
Cheese overflowed or burnt: Spread cheese evenly but leave space at the edges when rolling. Don’t overload the filling!
Pro Tip: To prevent rolls from sticking to the pan, use parchment paper or generously grease the dish with butter or oil before baking.
Serving and Storing These Rolls
These Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls taste best fresh from the oven, with their gooey centers and crispy golden tops. Serve them with tomato soup, chili, pasta dishes, or as a comforting snack with your favorite beverage.
Storage Option
Details
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly before serving.
Refrigerator
Place in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm in the oven for that fresh-baked feel.
Freezer
Individually wrap cooled rolls in plastic wrap or foil and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature, then warm on a baking tray until heated through.
Reheating Tip: For melty, just-baked texture, reheat rolls in a preheated 325°F oven for 8–10 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, which may make them rubbery.
Buttery cheese garlic rolls achieve their irresistible texture through a balance of rich fats and the Maillard reaction, which caramelizes the garlic and cheese on the crust. Using softened butter and freshly grated cheese enhances both moisture and depth of flavor, making each bite delightfully tender and savory.
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The Journey to Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls
Creating these buttery cheese garlic rolls was a journey of kitchen trial and sweet reward. I realized early on that too much garlic can overwhelm, and too little cheese can be underwhelming. The balance was everything. After many small tweaksfrom changing flour types to adjusting proofing timesthe result is a soft, golden pull-apart roll packed with familiar flavors and family-style warmth.
FAQs ( Buttery cheese Garlic Rolls )
How can I make my rolls softer and fluffier?
Use warm liquid when activating yeast and avoid over-kneading the dough. Let it rise until doubled in size for a light texture. Adding a bit of milk or a little more butter helps keep these easy bread rolls tender and rich.
Can I freeze the dough or baked rolls for later?
Yes, you can freeze shaped dough before the final rise, tightly wrapped to prevent drying out. Baked rolls also freeze wellcool completely, then store in airtight bags. Reheat gently to restore softness and flavor when ready to enjoy.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Mild cheeses that melt easily like mozzarella or Monterey Jack complement the buttery garlic flavor perfectly. Avoid salty or crumbly cheeses that might overpower or alter the texture of the rolls.
How do I prevent greasy rolls without losing richness?
Balance butter quantity by brushing only the tops before baking rather than mixing all into the dough. Using melted butter for brushing also gives a rich finish without making the bread buns overly oily.
Can I use this recipe for sticky rolls or brioche-style bread?
This recipe is adaptable for soft sticky rolls by adding a honey glaze after baking. For a richer brioche style, increase eggs and butter slightly, but note this will change dough handling and rise times.
Conclusion
These Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls come together in a couple of hours and deliver soft, pull-apart rolls infused with cheesy garlic flavor. You’ll love how simple and foolproof they areideal for cozy dinners, potlucks, or treating yourself on a Sunday afternoon.
Try mixing up the cheesessharp cheddar adds punch, or toss in Parmesan for a salty finish. Store extras in the fridge or freeze for handy weekday reheating. A finishing brush of garlic butter out of the oven locks in flavor and shine just like the pros do!
I’d love to see your creations. Did your family have a version of these growing up? Or did you make them your own with a twist? Share photos or tag your bakesthey might just inspire someone else’s cozy kitchen moment. Enjoy every warm, buttery, cheesy bite!
Yesica Andrews
Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls Easy and Irresistible
Buttery cheese Garlic Rolls are incredibly soft, fluffy, and loaded with melted, bubbly mozzarella cheese, making them truly irresistible. This Quick Bread recipe is perfect for any occasion and easy to bake at home. Enjoy these Easy Bread Rolls as a delightful appetizer or snack that will keep everyone coming back for more.
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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