Cheesy Garlic Rolls

This Cheesy Garlic Rolls recipe is a delightful treat that will elevate any meal or gathering. These rolls are soft, buttery, and bursting with the flavors of garlic and melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or just as a comforting snack, these rolls are sure to impress your guests with their irresistible aroma and taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, these rolls are simple to prepare with straightforward steps.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic butter and gooey mozzarella creates an unforgettable flavor profile.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a snack on their own—these rolls fit any occasion!
• Homemade Goodness: There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh bread baking in your oven. Your home will feel warm and inviting.
• Customizable Filling: Feel free to experiment by adding herbs or other cheeses to suit your taste!

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these cheesy delights, gather your tools for a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Baking pan (9×13 inch)
• Pastry brush
• Serrated knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing dough, ensuring it is well-blended and kneaded.
• Baking pan: A quality pan ensures even baking and perfect browning of your Cheesy Garlic Rolls.
• Serrated knife: Ideal for cutting through soft dough without squishing the rolls.

Ingredients

This buttery Cheesy Garlic Rolls recipe consists of soft, fluffy rolls filled with an aromatic garlic butter, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese filling that is irresistibly delicious!

For the Dough:

• 3 1/2 cups (455g) all purpose flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk (warmed to 100-110F)
• 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter (softened)

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons finely minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 3 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (shredded)

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp water

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix together the warmed milk, sugar, and yeast. Cover the bowl and let it sit until foamy, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Add the egg, flour, and salt into the activated yeast mixture. Using the dough hook on low speed, mix until a dough starts to form.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Gradually mix in the softened butter until fully incorporated. Increase speed to medium and knead for 5-6 minutes until smooth and slightly tacky.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Transfer the dough into a greased mixing bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and place it in a warm area to rise until doubled in size, approximately 60-90 minutes.

Step 5: Make Garlic Butter

While waiting for the dough to rise, mix together in a small bowl: room temperature butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.

Step 6: Shape the Rolls

Once risen, deflate the dough gently. Let it rest for about 5 minutes on a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle approximately 12×16 inches. Spread about two-thirds of garlic butter over this surface and top with shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

Step 7: Cut & Rise Again

Roll up from one long end into a log shape. Cut into eight pieces measuring about two inches each. Place them in a greased baking pan or lined with parchment paper. Cover again to rise until doubled in size for about 25-35 minutes.

Step 8: Preheat & Bake

As your rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350F. In a small dish whisk together one egg and water for an egg wash. Brush this mixture over your risen rolls before placing them in the oven.

Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. If they brown too quickly, tent with aluminum foil while baking.

Step 9: Brush & Serve

Melt any remaining garlic butter you have left and generously brush over warm rolls before serving. Enjoy your delightful Cheesy Garlic Rolls!

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Rolls

Cheesy Garlic Rolls are a delightful treat that can complement a variety of meals or be enjoyed on their own. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, these rolls will elevate any occasion.

As an Appetizer

• Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping. The combination of cheesy goodness and tangy sauce is irresistible.
• Pair with a fresh salad to create a light yet satisfying start to your meal.

With Soups

• These rolls go perfectly with hearty soups like minestrone or tomato basil. The soft texture of the rolls makes them ideal for soaking up flavorful broths.

At Barbecues

• Offer Cheesy Garlic Rolls as a delicious side at barbecues. They work well alongside grilled chicken or veggies, adding a comforting touch to outdoor gatherings.

For A Snack

• Enjoy them fresh out of the oven as an afternoon snack. Their buttery flavor and cheesy filling makes them hard to resist!

How to Perfect Cheesy Garlic Rolls

Achieving the perfect Cheesy Garlic Rolls is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Use Warm Milk: Ensure your milk is warmed to 100-110°F for optimal yeast activation, which helps create fluffy rolls.
• Knead Thoroughly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and slightly tacky. This process develops gluten, giving the rolls their soft texture.
• Let It Rise: Allow sufficient time for the dough to rise. A warm environment will help it double in size, leading to airy rolls.
• Be Generous with Butter: Don’t skimp on the garlic butter; it enhances flavor and keeps the rolls moist.
• Egg Wash: Brush an egg wash before baking for a golden-brown finish that adds visual appeal and a delectable crust.

Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Garlic Rolls

Cheesy Garlic Rolls pair beautifully with various side dishes, enhancing your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Garden Salad: A mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers tossed in a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the rolls.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots roasted until caramelized add color and nutrition.
3. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth mashed potatoes provide comfort and balance against the savory flavors of the rolls.
4. Garlic Butter Shrimp: Succulent shrimp cooked in garlic butter echo the flavors in your rolls, creating harmony on your plate.
5. Vegetable Soup: A warm vegetable soup provides a wholesome addition that pairs nicely with the cheesy goodness.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices make for a hearty dish that complements cheesy flavors beautifully.
7. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and freshness, balancing out the richness of Cheesy Garlic Rolls wonderfully.
8. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers add protein and can be seasoned to match or contrast with your roll’s flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cheesy Garlic Rolls, it’s easy to encounter a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your milk and egg are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can prevent the yeast from activating properly.

• Not kneading enough: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and slightly tacky. Insufficient kneading leads to dense rolls instead of fluffy ones.

• Overproofing the dough: Keep an eye on your dough while it rises. Overproofing can cause the rolls to deflate, resulting in a less airy texture.

• Skipping the egg wash: Applying an egg wash before baking gives the rolls a beautiful golden color and shine. Don’t skip this step!

• Cutting too large pieces: When cutting your dough into rolls, ensure they are uniform in size. This ensures even baking and helps them rise uniformly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Cheesy Garlic Rolls in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cheesy Garlic Rolls

• Place completely cooled rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Cheesy Garlic Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, wrap rolls in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

• Microwave: Place a roll on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 20-30 seconds or until warm.

• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over low heat, place rolls inside, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cheesy Garlic Rolls:

Can I use a different cheese in my Cheesy Garlic Rolls?

Yes! Feel free to substitute mozzarella with other cheeses like cheddar or gouda for different flavors.

How do I know when my Cheesy Garlic Rolls are done baking?

Your rolls should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight before shaping it into rolls.

What if my yeast doesn’t activate?

If your yeast doesn’t foam after 10 minutes, it may be expired or your liquid may be too hot or too cold. Always check the temperature before mixing!

How can I customize my Cheesy Garlic Rolls?

Add herbs like oregano or basil, or mix in cooked vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Cheesy Garlic Rolls are not only delicious but also versatile enough to complement any meal. Their fluffy texture combined with gooey cheese makes them irresistible! Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite herbs or cheeses. Try this recipe today—you won’t regret it!