Introduction

These Garlic Cheese Rolls are soft, buttery, and packed with a flavorful garlic-cheese filling. Perfect as a savory snack or a side to your favorite meal, they fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma while baking.

Four golden-brown baked rolls shaped like swirls sit close together on a round white plate. Each roll has a soft, fluffy dough base with a shiny, slightly crispy top layer that shows melted and lightly browned cheese. Small green herb pieces and black pepper flakes are scattered evenly over the top of each roll, adding a touch of color and texture. The plate rests on a white marbled surface that subtly reflects some light, giving the scene a clean, fresh feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour (or use store-bought dough)
2¼ tsp active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk (around 110°F)
¼ cup sugar
⅓ cup butter (softened)
2 eggs (room temperature)
1 tsp salt
½ cup butter (softened)
6 garlic cloves (minced)
2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella + sharp cheddar)
¼ cup grated Parmesan
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Dissolve the yeast in warm milk with ¼ cup sugar and let it sit until foamy, about 5–10 minutes.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt.
Step 3: Add the softened butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Mix and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes.
Step 5: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Step 6: Meanwhile, prepare the garlic butter by mixing ½ cup softened butter with the minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper.
Step 7: Combine the shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses with the grated Parmesan in a small bowl.
Step 8: Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
Step 9: Spread the garlic butter evenly over the dough.
Step 10: Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
Step 11: Roll the dough up tightly into a log starting from one long side.
Step 12: Slice the log into rolls of your desired thickness, typically about 1 to 1½ inches each.
Step 13: Place the rolls cut side up in a greased baking dish, leaving space between each for rising.
Step 14: Cover and let the rolls rise until puffy, about 30–45 minutes.
Step 15: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 16: Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Step 17: Optionally, brush the rolls with additional garlic butter right after baking for extra flavor and shine.
Step 18: Let the rolls cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a quicker option, use store-bought pizza dough and skip the yeast activation and first rise steps.
You can substitute Italian seasoning with dried oregano or basil if you prefer.
Try mixing in some cooked bacon bits or caramelized onions with the cheese for added flavor.
Brush the rolls with melted butter instead of garlic butter if you want a milder taste.

Storage

Store leftover garlic cheese rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through and fresh.

How to Serve

Four cheese rolls sit closely together on a white plate, each one showing soft, pale dough spiraled with a slightly melted, golden-brown cheese topping. The rolls have a shiny, smooth surface with a few small browned spots from baking. Small green parsley pieces are sprinkled evenly over them, adding a fresh pop of color. The plate rests on a white marbled texture, giving a clean and bright look to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to the second rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature and let them rise again before baking.

What cheese works best for these rolls?

A mix of mozzarella and sharp cheddar gives a nice balance of meltiness and flavor, but you can customize with your favorite cheeses like Monterey Jack or provolone.