Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls

Update : November 13, 2025

Why Make This Recipe

Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls are more than just a side dish. They are a delightful addition to any meal, whether it’s dinner, lunch, or a festive celebration. The incredible blend of roasted garlic and melted mozzarella cheese creates a flavor explosion. The aroma alone will fill your kitchen with warmth and happiness.

These rolls are soft and fluffy, with a buttery richness that contrasts beautifully with the garlic. Imagine the moment when you take the first bite: the crispy golden exterior gives way to a soft, cheesy interior. They make for a perfect pairing with soups, salads, and pastas, or can simply be enjoyed with a pat of more garlic butter.

Not only are these rolls delicious, but they also provide the joy of homemade baking. Making them from scratch can be a fulfilling experience, especially when you see the rolls rise and become golden in the oven. Whether you are an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and rewarding. So roll up your sleeves and prepare to impress your family and friends with these delightful Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls.

How to Make Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls

Making Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls requires a few simple steps. Follow the directions closely, and you’ll be on your way to creating these stunning and tasty rolls that everyone will love.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients:

1 garlic head
Sprinkle of salt
30 grams olive oil
50 grams butter (softened)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
90 grams warm milk
7 grams active dry yeast
25 grams honey
200 grams all-purpose flour
50 grams bread flour
20 grams milk powder (optional)
25 grams butter (for the dough)
2 egg yolks
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
200 grams mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Garlic butter (made previously)
1 egg (for egg wash)

Directions

Roast Garlic: Start by cutting off the top of the garlic head. Drizzle it with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Cover it with foil and place it in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 2 hours until it becomes soft.
Make Garlic Butter: After roasting, take the garlic out and let it cool slightly. In a bowl, mix the roasted garlic with 50 grams of softened butter, chopped parsley, and any reserved garlic oil. This will be your aromatic garlic butter.
Prepare Yeast Mixture: In another bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and honey. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes. You will know it’s ready when it bubbles and becomes frothy.
Make Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, bread flour, sugar, milk powder (if using), 25 grams of butter, salt, egg yolks, and the yeast mixture. Mix everything until a dough starts to form.
Knead Dough: Knead the dough for 15-20 minutes on a clean surface until it feels smooth and elastic.
Proof Dough: Place the kneaded dough in a covered bowl and let it sit in a warm place for about 1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
Roll Out Dough: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4 cm thickness. Spread the garlic butter evenly over the rolled-out dough.
Add Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the garlic butter. This will add a wonderful cheesiness to your rolls.
Cut Dough: Roll the dough into a log shape and cut it into 6 equal portions.
Second Proof: Place the rolls on a baking sheet and let them proof for another 30 minutes. This will help them become airy and soft when baked.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Brush the rolls with the egg wash to create a beautiful golden color. Bake them for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Serve: Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven. Brush them with any remaining garlic butter and sprinkle some fresh parsley on top before serving.

How to Serve Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls

These rolls are perfect for almost any occasion. You can serve them as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a snack. Pair them with your favorite soup, such as creamy tomato or hearty minestrone. They also go wonderfully with salads, especially Caesar or garden salads.

For a delightful twist, serve the rolls with a mixture of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. You can also cut them in half and make little sliders by filling them with your favorite fillings like deli meats or vegetables. The possibilities are endless!

How to Store Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls

If you have leftovers (which can be rare!), you can store them to enjoy later. Let the rolls cool completely and then place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to two days.

If you want to store them for longer, place them in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, simply place the rolls in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

Tips to Make Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls

Choose Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic makes a significant difference in flavor. Look for garlic heads that are firm and have no soft spots.
Don’t Rush the Proofing: Give the dough enough time to rise properly. Proofing is essential for fluffy rolls, so find a warm spot in your kitchen.
Customize Cheese: While mozzarella is fantastic, you can use other types of cheese like cheddar or gouda to mix things up.
Use a Stand Mixer: If you have one, a stand mixer can help with the kneading process. It saves time and effort.
Add Herbs: For additional flavor, consider adding other herbs to the garlic butter, like thyme or rosemary.

Variation

If you want to experiment with flavors, consider adding toppings like chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes on top of the cheese before rolling the dough. This can add a rich and savory note to your rolls.

Another variation is to include different cheeses along with mozzarella. Mixing in some feta or parmesan can enhance the flavor profile of your Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls. For those who love spicy food, adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter can kick things up a notch!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought garlic butter instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use store-bought garlic butter. However, homemade garlic butter can be more flavorful and fresh.

How long does it take to make these rolls?

From start to finish, including roasting the garlic, it takes about four hours. However, most of this time is passive, as you’ll wait for the dough to rise.

Can I make the dough a day ahead?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Shape the rolls and let them proof the next day before baking.

Do these rolls freeze well?

Yes, they freeze very well! Just make sure they cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat them in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to eat.

Now you are ready to create your own Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls! Enjoy the delightful flavors that come together in these homemade treats. Happy baking!