Description
These Homemade Garlic Cheese Rolls are soft, fluffy dinner rolls filled with a savory garlic and cheese mixture. Perfect as a side dish for pasta nights or cozy soups, these rolls feature a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses with a buttery garlic filling, topped with a garlic butter glaze for extra flavor. Made from scratch with yeast and baked to golden perfection, they are a delicious treat that combines classic American and Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
Garlic Cheese Filling
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Topping
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Extra parsley and Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture is foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the Dough: Add the flour, salt, softened butter, and egg to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 6–8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it tightly, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Rolls: Punch down the dough to release air. Divide it into 12 equal portions. Flatten each piece into a small disk, then brush with melted butter. Sprinkle minced garlic, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese evenly over each dough disk. Fold the edges over the filling and shape them into balls, ensuring the filling is sealed inside.
- Second Rise: Arrange the filled dough balls seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes to puff up.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls for 18–22 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top and are cooked through.
- Topping: While the rolls are still warm, brush them with the melted butter mixed with garlic powder. Optionally, sprinkle additional parsley and Parmesan cheese on top. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- These rolls make a perfect side for pasta dishes or comforting soups.
- You can prepare the rolls ahead of time and refrigerate the unbaked rolls overnight; just bring them to room temperature before baking.
- For extra flavor, try adding herbs like oregano or basil into the garlic cheese filling.
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast.
- Use fresh minced garlic for a more robust garlic flavor in the filling.