Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls (Printable)
Soft, pillowy rolls filled with garlic butter, mozzarella and Parmesan—golden, savory bites for sides or brunch.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dough
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
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 - 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
11 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
13 - ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
→ Topping
14 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
15 - 1 clove garlic, minced
16 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a large mixing bowl. Allow the mixture to rest for 5 to 7 minutes until frothy.
02 - Incorporate the softened butter, large egg, and salt into the yeast mixture. Stir until fully blended.
03 - Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft dough develops. Knead by hand or with a mixer and dough hook for 6 to 8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
04 - Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in volume.
05 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, parsley, and Italian herbs for the filling.
06 - Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each into a small round, place a generous portion of the filling in the center, and pinch edges to seal, forming a ball.
07 - Arrange the rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking tray. Cover loosely and let rise for 25 to 30 minutes.
08 - Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
09 - While still hot, brush the tops with the melted butter and garlic topping. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- No one can resist the combination of pillowy dough, rich garlic butter, and plenty of melty cheese—these disappear before you know it.
- If you&aposve ever thought homemade rolls were intimidating, this forgiving recipe might surprise you by how fun the process feels.
02 -
- Once, I rushed the second rise and my rolls came out smaller and denser—let the dough have its full rest so your rolls turn out plush.
- Brushing the rolls while they're fresh from the oven helps the butter soak in and carry the flavor right through, so don't skip this bit.
03 -
- Sift the flour before measuring for ultra-light, airy rolls—it makes more difference than you might expect.
- A final brush of butter after baking locks in softness and adds a bakery-fresh shine.