Name: The BEST Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h 25 min
Total time: 4 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 garlic head; Sprinkle of salt; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 ½ tbsp butter (softened); 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped); ⅓ cup warm milk; 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet); 2 tbsp honey; 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup bread flour; 1 ½ tbsp milk powder (optional); 3 tbsp butter (softened); 2 large egg yolks; 1 ½ tsp salt; 1 tbsp sugar; 7 oz mozzarella cheese (shredded); Garlic butter (prepared earlier); 1 egg (for egg wash)

These Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls are the ultimate comfort food – soft, pillowy rolls packed with roasted garlic butter and gooey mozzarella cheese. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory garlic flavor and cheesy goodness wrapped in a tender homemade dough.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The combination of homemade dough and roasted garlic creates an aroma that will fill your kitchen with warmth
Perfect for special occasions or as an elevated side for pasta nights
The rolls are surprisingly versatile – great as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a meal on their own
Making your own bread is deeply satisfying, and this recipe strikes the perfect balance between impressive results and manageable effort
The roasted garlic adds a deep, mellow flavor that store-bought garlic bread can’t compete with

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Active dry yeast is the magic that makes your dough rise and develop its tender texture. Make sure your milk is warm (not hot) when blooming the yeast to activate it properly without killing it.

Honey provides food for the yeast while adding a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements. You can substitute sugar if needed, though honey adds a more complex flavor.

All-purpose flour forms the foundation of the dough, giving these rolls their structure while maintaining a soft texture. For best results, measure by weight if possible for accuracy.

Bread flour adds extra gluten that helps create that perfect chewy texture and structure. If you don’t have bread flour, you can use all all-purpose flour instead, though the texture will be slightly different.

Milk powder is optional but enhances the richness and tenderness of the dough, giving your rolls that bakery-quality softness. It also helps achieve a golden-brown crust.

Butter brings richness and flavor to both the dough and the garlic spread. Use unsalted butter for better control over the salt content in your rolls.

Egg yolks enrich the dough, making it more tender and giving it a beautiful yellow hue. They also provide structure and help with rising.

Roasted garlic transforms from sharp and pungent to sweet and mellow through the roasting process, becoming the star flavor. Roasting whole garlic heads intensifies their flavor while eliminating any harshness.

Mozzarella cheese creates those irresistible gooey, stretchy cheese pulls when the rolls are pulled apart. Its mild flavor complements the garlic butter perfectly without overwhelming it.

Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a subtle fresh flavor that brightens the rich, buttery rolls. You can substitute dried parsley in a pinch, but fresh gives the best visual appeal and flavor.

Directions

Roast the Garlic:
Preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C). Cut the top off a garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, cover with aluminum foil, and roast for about 2 hours until buttery soft.
Prepare Garlic Butter:
After roasting, squeeze the garlic from its skins and mix with softened butter, chopped parsley, and 2 tablespoons of the garlic oil. Set aside.
Make Yeast Mixture:
In a bowl, combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and honey. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
Prepare Dough:
In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, bread flour, sugar, milk powder (if using), softened butter, salt, egg yolks, and the yeast mixture.
Knead Dough:
Using a dough hook attachment, knead the dough on medium speed for 15-20 minutes until soft and smooth.
Proof the Dough:
Place the dough in a covered bowl and let it rise in a warm place (around 85°F or 29°C) for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
Roll Out Dough:
Roll the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Spread the prepared garlic butter evenly over the surface.
Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the garlic butter, then tightly roll the dough into a log.
Cut the Dough:
Using a knife or dental floss, cut the rolled dough into 6 equal portions.
Second Proof:
Place the rolls on a baking sheet, cover, and let them proof for another 30 minutes, or until puffy.
Bake:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the rolls with egg wash (beaten egg) and bake for 20-25 minutes, checking at 20 minutes.
Decorate:
Once baked, brush the rolls with the leftover garlic butter and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 6 delicious garlic cheese rolls.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (including garlic roasting)
Rising Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
Calories: 220 kcal per roll

Variations

Herb and Cheese Rolls: Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to your garlic butter for an aromatic twist. You can also experiment with different cheese combinations – try a mix of mozzarella and parmesan for extra flavor depth.

Spicy Garlic Rolls: Add red pepper flakes to your garlic butter for a spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with the cheese and garlic.

Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil to the filling for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Whole Wheat Option: Substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier, more nutritious roll. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.

Sweet Garlic Rolls: For a unique sweet-savory twist, drizzle the finished rolls with a small amount of honey before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Freshly baked rolls can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The flavor is best on the first day.

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before reheating for best results.

Freezing: These rolls freeze beautifully. Once completely cooled, wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating from Room Temperature or Refrigerated: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat the rolls for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual rolls for 15-20 seconds, though the texture won’t be as good as oven reheating.

Reheating from Frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 7-10 minutes. Alternatively, heat from frozen in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 15-20 minutes.

Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare these rolls up to the point of the second proof, then refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. The main difference is that instant yeast doesn’t need to be activated in liquid first. You can mix it directly with your dry ingredients and reduce the amount by about 25% (use about 1 3/4 teaspoons instead of 2 1/4 teaspoons).

Why do I need to roast the garlic for so long?

The long roasting time transforms the garlic from sharp and pungent to sweet and mellow. This process caramelizes the natural sugars in garlic, creating a complex, rich flavor that can’t be achieved with raw or quickly cooked garlic. The wait is definitely worth it!

Can I make the dough without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! While a stand mixer makes the process easier, you can mix the dough by hand. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, then turn out onto a floured surface and knead by hand for about 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic. It’s a bit more work but can be quite therapeutic.

What if my dough isn’t rising?

Dough rising issues usually come down to yeast or temperature. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that you’ve activated it properly in warm (not hot) milk. The environment should be warm (ideally 75-85°F/24-29°C) and draft-free. If your kitchen is cold, try turning your oven on for just a minute, then turning it off and placing the covered dough inside.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

While convenient, pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent proper melting. For the gooiest, stretchiest results, it’s best to shred your own mozzarella. If you must use pre-shredded, look for varieties with minimal additives.

What can I substitute for milk powder?

Milk powder enhances the flavor and texture but isn’t essential. You can simply omit it without replacing it, or use an additional tablespoon of flour. The rolls will still be delicious, just slightly less tender and rich.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and shape the rolls, then refrigerate them overnight before the second proof. Allow them to come to room temperature and complete their rise (about 45-60 minutes) before baking. Alternatively, you can fully bake them, cool completely, and freeze for later reheating.

Why is my dough too sticky?

Dough consistency can vary based on flour type, humidity, and measuring methods. If your dough is too sticky after mixing, gradually add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. It should be soft and slightly tacky but not stick to your fingers.

Can I skip the egg wash?

The egg wash gives the rolls a beautiful golden-brown shine. You can skip it, but your rolls won’t have that professional bakery look. Alternatives include brushing with milk, cream, or melted butter, though none will provide quite the same glossy finish as an egg wash.

What’s the best way to cut the rolled dough without squishing it?

Dental floss is actually the perfect tool for this job! Slide a piece of unflavored dental floss under the roll, cross the ends over the top, and pull to cut through the dough cleanly. If using a knife, make sure it’s very sharp and use a gentle sawing motion rather than pressing down.

Conclusion

These Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls represent comfort food at its finest – the perfect blend of homemade bread, aromatic roasted garlic, and melty cheese. While they do require some time and patience, most of that is hands-off rising and roasting time, making them accessible even to novice bakers.

The magic of these rolls lies in the transformation of simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The long-roasted garlic develops a sweetness that permeates every bite, while the homemade dough provides a tender canvas for the rich filling.

Whether you’re serving these as a special side for a family dinner, bringing them to a potluck, or simply treating yourself to something special, these rolls are sure to impress. There’s something deeply satisfying about pulling apart a warm roll and watching the cheese stretch between the pieces, releasing that irresistible garlic aroma.

So set aside an afternoon, embrace the process, and enjoy the incomparable pleasure of freshly baked Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls straight from your own oven.

The BEST Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls