Warm, buttery air. The kind that sneaks up on you right before dinner and makes your stomach grumble. That’s what fills the kitchen when we bake these Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls. They’re bouncy little miracles trending like crazy on Pinterestand for good reason.
This simple roll recipe melts together butter, shredded cheese, and garlic into the softest, toastiest dough. Think fancy French roll meets cozy bread buns you can whip up fast. Totally homemade, but way easier than grandma’s Sunday batch. Full details in the blog!
The first time I made these, my six-year-old tried to eat them straight off the cooling rack. I grew up rolling dough with my aunt while she told storieswe never made them this quick, though. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These buttery cheese garlic rolls are the ultimate cozy treat. Imagine pulling apart a soft, fluffy roll and finding gooey mozzarella paired with garlicky, buttery goodness. It’s the magical combination of homemade bread with a cheesy twist you didn’t know you needed.
Pro Tip: This recipe is as perfect for impressing brunch guests as it is for a quiet weekend baking project. Plus, these rolls freeze beautifully, so baking ahead is totally an option.
If you’ve been hesitant about bread making, fear not! This recipe is beginner-tested and includes foolproof steps to make sure your rolls turn out perfectly every time.
Key Ingredients & Tools
This recipe shines with just a handful of everyday ingredients. Here’s the magic lineup that brings those fluffy, flavorful rolls to life:
Garlic Butter: Roasted garlic, butter, olive oil, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of salt create the irresistible garlicky filling.
The Dough: A mix of all-purpose and bread flour for structure, plus warm milk, active dry yeast, and honey to get it rising. A touch of sugar and egg yolk adds richness.
The Cheese: Mozzarella is the star hereideal for its melt factor. Use pre-shredded or shred it yourself for maximum ooze.
Tools You’ll Need: A stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading a breeze, but you can knead by hand too. You’ll also need a baking sheet, ramekin for roasting garlic, and a sharp knife or dental floss for slicing the rolls.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Baking these rolls may look fancy, but it’s straightforward when you take it step by step. Let’s dive in:
Roast the Garlic: Cut the top off a garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and roast at 320°F for 2 hours until soft and buttery.
Make the Garlic Butter: Mash your roasted garlic, then mix it with softened butter, parsley, and 2 tablespoons of garlic-infused oil. Set aside for later.
Prepare the Yeast: Combine warm milk, yeast, and honey in a bowl. Let it proof for about 10 minutes until it turns frothy.
Make the Dough: Combine flours, sugar, milk powder, butter, salt, egg yolks, and the yeast mixture in a mixing bowl. Knead with a dough hook for 15–20 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it double in sizeabout 1 hour and 30 minutes at a warm room temperature.
Shape the Rolls: Roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thick. Spread the garlic butter evenly, sprinkle with mozzarella, and roll into a tight log. Cut into 6 equal pieces.
Second Rise: Arrange the rolls cut-side up on a baking sheet. Cover and proof for another 30 minutes until puffy.
Bake: Brush with egg wash, bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, and watch the tops turn beautifully golden brown.
Final Touch: Brush the warm rolls with the remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Let them cool slightly before diving in!
Pro Tips & Variations
Here are a few smart tweaks and tips to make these rolls your ownor rescue them if something goes a little sideways:
No Mozzarella? Swap it for cheddar, gouda, or even a mix of cheeses for variety.
Short on Time? You can roast the garlic a day in advance and store it in the fridge. That’ll save you a step on baking day!
Trouble with Sticky Dough? Lightly oil your hands or sprinkle just a touch of flour to keep it manageable without drying it out.
Note: For extra cheesy rolls, sprinkle a little extra mozzarella on top of the rolls 5 minutes before baking time is up!
Serving, Storage & Reheating
These garlic cheese rolls are best served fresh and warm (cue the cheese stretch!), but here’s how to make the magic last:
Serving: Pair them with a warm soup or pasta for the ultimate comfort meal. They also make a dreamy appetizer crowd pleaser.
Storing: Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Let baked rolls cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Pop them in a resealable freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm frozen (or refrigerated) rolls in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Wrap in foil to avoid drying out!
Action
Storage Method
Time
Room Temperature
Airtight Container
2 Days
Refrigerator
Airtight Container
5 Days
Freezer
Resealable Freezer Bag
3 Months
Expert Says: The Science Behind Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls
Buttery cheese garlic rolls combine fat, moisture, and umami to create an irresistibly tender crumb with rich flavor. The butter not only enhances mouthfeel but also helps achieve a soft, golden crust, while garlic’s aromatic compounds complement the cheese’s savory depth. This balance is key for truly memorable rolls.
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The Journey to Perfect Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls
It took several rounds in my kitchen to nail these buttery cheese garlic rolls. I learned the hard way that too much garlic can overwhelm, and under-kneading leaves them dense. After many tries, I finally found the balance of soft, cheesy, and just garlicky enough to make these rolls a family favorite every time.
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
Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls come together in just under two hours, and trust me, you’ll love how they turn outsoft, pillowy, with that perfect cheesy pull that smells like cozy Sunday afternoons. The golden crust gives way to a tender crumb that’s rich without being heavy. It’s one of those easy bread rolls recipes that feel fancy but don’t require a baking degree, making your kitchen smell downright irresistible.
For a little twist, try swapping mozzarella for sharp cheddar or adding fresh herbs into the garlic butter for extra zing. These rolls freeze beautifully, so baking ahead is a real win during busy weeks. A tip I picked up from my aunt: always wrap leftover rolls in foil before reheating to keep that buttery goodness from drying outgame changer!
Did you grow up eating warm, homemade bread rolls like these? I’d love to hear your stories or see your versionssnap a pic and share it! Save this bread rolls recipe for when you need a quick cozy fix or a crowd-pleasing snack. Happy baking, and here’s to filling your home with love and butter!
Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls are irresistibly soft and fluffy, loaded with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for any occasion, this easy bread rolls recipe combines the rich flavors of garlic and butter for a delicious homemade treat. Ideal bread idea for quick bread making.
Ingredients
Scale
garlic butter
1 garlic head
Sprinkle of salt
3 tbsp olive oil
50 grams (1/4 cup) butter
1 tablespoon fresh parsley
90 grams (1/3 cup) warm milk
7 grams (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 tbsp honey
200 grams (1 1/2 cups) all purpose flour
50 grams (1/2 cup) bread flour
20 grams (3 tbsp) milk powder (optional)
25 grams (2 tbsp) butter
2 egg yolks
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
200 grams (2 cups) mozzarella cheese
Garlic butter we made previously
1 egg
Instructions
Roast garlic by placing a whole garlic head cut on top in a ramekin, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle salt, cover with foil, and roast at 160°C for 2 hours until soft.
Mix roasted garlic with softened butter, chopped parsley, and 2 tablespoons garlic oil to make garlic butter.
Combine warm milk, yeast, and honey; let proof for 10 minutes until frothy.
Mix flours, sugar, milk powder, softened butter, salt, egg yolks, and yeast mixture to form dough.
Knead dough with a dough hook on medium speed for 15-20 minutes until smooth.
Proof dough in a warm place for 1 hour 30 minutes until doubled.
Roll dough to 1/4 cm thickness, spread garlic butter evenly, sprinkle mozzarella cheese, then roll tightly into a log.
Cut dough into 6 equal pieces, place on baking sheet, cover, and proof for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 175°C, brush rolls with egg wash, and bake for 20-25 minutes.
Brush baked rolls with leftover garlic butter and sprinkle chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For crisp tops, broil 2–3 minutes at the end
If you try this recipe, please leave us a review on our website! And if you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments—I’ll try to reply as fast as I can
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
