These Garlic Cheese Rolls combine a pillowy dough with the rich flavors of melted cheese, fragrant garlic, and fresh parsley. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or indulgent snack, these rolls are baked to golden perfection, offering a deliciously soft and savory bite every time. Whether served with marinara sauce or enjoyed as-is, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Cheese Rolls
Cheesy Perfection: A combination of mozzarella and Parmesan creates a gooey, flavorful filling.
Garlic Butter Heaven: Minced garlic and melted butter take these rolls to the next level.
Soft and Fluffy: The perfectly risen dough ensures these rolls are irresistibly tender.
Crowd-Pleaser: These rolls are loved by kids, adults, and everyone in between. They pair beautifully with soups, salads, or pasta dishes.
Simple Yet Impressive: With just a few pantry staples, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a bakery.
Key Ingredients
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the dough, providing structure and softness to the rolls.
Instant Yeast: Speeds up the rising process, ensuring the dough becomes light and fluffy without the wait.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy filling.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella and garlic.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the rolls with a bold, savory flavor that’s irresistible.
Butter: Melted butter not only enhances the richness but also helps the garlic and cheese adhere to the dough.
Olive Oil: Keeps the dough moist and tender while adding a subtle richness.
Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a light, herby flavor to balance the richness of the cheese and garlic.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix and Knead the Dough
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 packet instant yeast (about 2 ¼ tsp)
1 teaspoon salt
Stir until the ingredients are evenly mixed.
Add Wet Ingredients:
Pour in:
¾ cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Stir until the mixture comes together into a soft dough. If too sticky, add additional flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until manageable.
Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
Knead for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. This step helps develop the gluten, giving the rolls their perfect texture.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
First Rise:
Grease a bowl lightly with olive oil and place the dough inside.
Cover the bowl with a clean cloth or plastic wrap.
Allow the dough to rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when the rolls are prepared.
Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air.
Roll the dough into a rectangle, approximately ½-inch thick, on a floured surface.
Step 4: Add Flavor
Butter and Garlic:
Spread 2 tablespoons melted butter evenly over the rolled-out dough.
Sprinkle 3 cloves minced garlic across the surface.
Cheese and Parsley:
Sprinkle:
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Top with 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and a touch of color.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
Form the Log:
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. A tight roll helps keep the filling intact during baking.
Slice the Rolls:
Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Each slice will reveal the beautiful spiral of cheese and garlic.
Step 6: Bake
Prepare the Baking Dish:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange the rolls spiral side up. Place them close together for soft, fluffy rolls.
Bake the Rolls:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Cool Slightly:
Let the rolls cool for 5 minutes in the pan before serving. This helps the cheese set slightly and makes them easier to handle.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm on their own or with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish!
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Cheese Rolls are incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:
Pair with pasta dishes like spaghetti, lasagna, or Alfredo for a cozy Italian-inspired dinner.
Serve alongside a hearty soup such as tomato basil or minestrone.
Add to a charcuterie board for a cheesy, garlicky treat that’s perfect for entertaining.
Enjoy with a crisp Caesar salad for a light yet satisfying meal.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their fluffiness and melt the cheese.
Freeze: These rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Variations to Try
Herbed Rolls: Add Italian seasoning or rosemary to the dough for extra flavor.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the cheese before rolling.
Sweet Twist: Swap the garlic and cheese for cinnamon sugar and butter to make sweet rolls.
Loaded Rolls: Add cooked bacon bits, caramelized onions, or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling.
Final Note
Garlic Cheese Rolls are the perfect combination of soft bread, gooey cheese, and savory garlic. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a potluck, or a cozy night in, they’re sure to be a hit.
So go ahead, give them a try—your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
Garlic Cheese Rolls
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 packet instant yeast (about 2 ¼ tsp)
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Stir in warm water and olive oil until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle about ½-inch thick.
- Spread melted butter over the dough. Sprinkle with garlic, mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 equal pieces. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.
