Cheesy Garlic Rolls: Soft, Buttery, and Irresistibly Savory

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Garlic Rolls are the kind of baked treat that instantly brings warmth and comfort to the table. Soft, fluffy rolls are infused with buttery garlic flavor and filled with melted cheese, creating a pull-apart texture that is impossible to resist. They are perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even a casual snack, and they pair beautifully with pasta, soups, or salads.

What makes these rolls especially appealing is their homemade quality without unnecessary complexity. The dough is simple to work with, and the filling comes together quickly using everyday ingredients. When I first made these rolls, the aroma alone was enough to win everyone over before they even reached the oven. Freshly baked, they are tender on the inside with just enough richness from the cheese and garlic butter. These rolls are a reliable crowd-pleaser and a recipe you will find yourself returning to often.

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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
Flour provides structure to the dough, creating soft yet sturdy rolls that hold their shape.

Instant yeast
Yeast helps the dough rise, giving the rolls their light and fluffy texture.

Granulated sugar
Sugar activates the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory filling.

Salt
Salt enhances overall flavor and balances the richness of the cheese and butter.

Warm milk
Milk adds moisture and richness, contributing to a soft crumb.

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

Egg
Egg enriches the dough and improves its structure and tenderness.

Garlic
Garlic delivers bold aroma and savory depth that defines these rolls.

Mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella melts smoothly, creating a gooey, stretchy filling.

Cheddar cheese
Cheddar adds sharpness and depth to the cheese filling.

Fresh parsley
Parsley adds freshness and a light herbal finish.

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit briefly until foamy. Add the melted butter, egg, and salt, then gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms.

Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.

Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle. Brush with melted butter mixed with minced garlic. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into equal portions.

Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and allow to rise again until puffy. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden. Brush with additional garlic butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley 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 12 rolls. Preparation takes approximately 25 minutes, rising time about 1 hour, and baking time 30 minutes. Total time is roughly 1 hour and 55 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat in the oven for best texture or briefly in the microwave.

Variations and Customizations

Cheesy Garlic Rolls are easy to adapt to different tastes. For a richer filling, add cream cheese or Parmesan to the cheese mixture. I have tested this with Parmesan, and it adds a deeper, more savory flavor.

You can also incorporate herbs such as oregano or basil into the garlic butter for extra aroma. For a spicy variation, add a pinch of chili flakes to the filling. Whole wheat flour can replace part of the all-purpose flour for a heartier roll, though the texture will be slightly denser.

These rolls can also be shaped as pull-apart bread by arranging smaller pieces together in a loaf pan. Each variation maintains the comforting character of the rolls while offering new flavor possibilities.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

These rolls provide carbohydrates for energy and protein from the cheese and egg. They contain dairy and gluten and are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced meal.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Soft Dough
Do not add too much flour; a slightly sticky dough yields softer rolls.

Even Slicing
Use a sharp knife for clean cuts and uniform baking.

Cheese Control
Distribute cheese evenly to avoid leaking during baking.

Golden Finish
Brush with butter immediately after baking for shine and flavor.

Fresh Aroma
Add parsley at the end to preserve freshness.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate the dough overnight and bring to room temperature before shaping.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, though freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.

Why are my rolls dense?

Insufficient rising time or too much flour can cause density.

Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes, freeze baked rolls and reheat in the oven.

What cheese works best?

Mozzarella for melt and cheddar for flavor is an ideal combination.

Can I make them without egg?

Yes, though the texture will be slightly less rich.

Are these rolls very garlicky?

They are flavorful but can be adjusted to taste.

Can I bake them close together?

Yes, this creates soft pull-apart sides.

What dishes pair well with these rolls?

They pair well with pasta, soups, and salads.

Can I make them smaller?

Yes, divide the dough into more pieces and reduce baking time slightly.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Rolls are a comforting, homemade classic that combines soft bread, rich butter, and melted cheese in every bite. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, they are a dependable recipe that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal or gathering.

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