A delightful aroma wafts through the kitchen, hinting at the buttery goodness about to emerge from the oven. These buttery cheese garlic rolls are a perfect combination of soft, pillowy dough infused with the rich flavors of roasted garlic and melty cheese, taking about three hours from start to finish. This recipe works wonderfully because the roasted garlic adds depth while the cheeses provide a lovely stretch and creaminess.
This recipe is ideal for garlic lovers and anyone looking to impress at their next gathering. Great for serving with pasta, enjoying at a family dinner, or sharing at a cozy brunch, these rolls can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The rolls are irresistibly soft and fluffy.
- Roasted garlic creates a rich, savory flavor.
- Cheesy goodness pulls apart beautifully.
- They are perfect for any occasion or as a snack.
What You’ll Need
Gather the following ingredients to create these flavorful rolls.
For Roasting the Garlic
- 3 heads garlic, peeled
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of salt
For the Dough
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup (120 ml) warm milk
- 2 ½ tsp (8 g) active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp honey
- Slightly over 1 ¾ cups (230 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (50 g) bread flour
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 ½ tbsp (35 g) soft, unsalted butter
For the Cheese Filling
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cups (200 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup (45 g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
For the Garlic Butter
- 3 ½ tbsp (50 g) soft unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp parsley, chopped
- Pinch of salt
- Previously roasted garlic from above
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Note: Use fresh garlic for best flavor.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup.
- Bread flour can be replaced with all-purpose if needed.
- Use any melty cheese instead of mozzarella.
- Dried parsley works in place of fresh parsley.
How to Make It
Follow these steps to create your delicious rolls.
Roast the Garlic
Preheat your oven to 302°F (150°C). Place 3 peeled garlic heads in a ramekin, drizzle with 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle a pinch of salt over them. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 1 hour and 45 minutes until tender and fragrant.
Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl, combine ½ cup (120 ml) warm milk, 2 ½ tsp (8 g) active dry yeast, and 1 tsp honey. Stir and let this mixture sit in a warm environment for 10-15 minutes, or until you see a foam layer on top.
Combine Ingredients
To the yeast mixture, add 2 eggs, slightly over 1 ¾ cups (230 g) all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup (50 g) bread flour, 1 ½ tsp salt, and 1 tbsp granulated sugar. Using a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment, knead the dough on medium-low speed for 15 minutes.
Add Butter
After 15 minutes, add 2 ½ tbsp (35 g) soft, unsalted butter and knead for an additional 10 minutes. The dough should be very soft and slightly sticky.
Let it Proof
Cover the dough and let it proof in a warm spot for 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Prep Cheese and Parsley
While the dough proofs, chop parsley to obtain about 4 tbsp, and grate enough mozzarella to measure 2 cups (200 g) and ½ cup (45 g) of parmesan cheese.
Make Garlic Butter
In a bowl, mash together 3 ½ tbsp (50 g) soft unsalted butter, 3 tbsp fresh chopped parsley, a pinch of salt, and the roasted garlic until well combined.
Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface. Spread the prepared garlic butter evenly over the surface, then add the 2 cups (200 g) mozzarella cheese and ½ cup (45 g) parmesan cheese on top.
Cut and Shape
Cut the dough into 6 strips, rolling each one up individually. Place them into a prepared pan lined with parchment paper and let them proof again for 30 more minutes.
Bake the Rolls
Preheat the oven to 355°F (180°C). Beat one egg for the egg wash, then brush each roll with it. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Yes, rolls can be frozen after baking.
Reheat: Microwave for 15-20 seconds or bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Tips for Best Results
- Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, for the yeast to activate.
- Don’t skip roasting the garlic; it elevates the flavor.
- Let the rolls rise in a warm spot for optimal results.
- Brush with melted butter after baking for extra richness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these rolls warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
- Pair with a hearty salad for a complete meal.
- Great alongside soups or stews for a delicious combo.
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