Introduction To Cheesy Garlic Butter Rolls
There’s something truly irresistible about the aroma of freshly baked bread—especially when it’s drenched in garlic butter and stuffed with gooey cheese. Cheesy Garlic Butter Rolls are the kind of side dish that steals the spotlight from the main course. Imagine pulling apart warm, fluffy rolls and watching melty cheese stretch in perfect golden strands. Whether you’re serving them with pasta, soup, salad, or just enjoying them on their own, these rolls are a crave-worthy comfort food that’s impossible to resist.
Think buttery, pillowy dough brushed with a garlicky herb butter and stuffed with mozzarella or cheddar—then baked until golden and bubbling. These rolls are a dream for carb lovers and cheese fans alike, making them ideal for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or weeknight treats.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to fall head over heels for these rolls because:
🧄 Garlic lovers’ dream – Rich with savory garlic flavor in every bite
🧀 Cheesy center – Melty, stretchy cheese makes every roll a mini surprise
🍞 Soft and fluffy – Tender dough that’s pillowy on the inside, golden on the outside
🧈 Buttery goodness – Brushed with garlic herb butter before and after baking
👩🍳 Perfect side or snack – Serve with dinner or enjoy as a savory treat anytime
🌿 Customizable – Add herbs, switch up the cheese, or even make them spicy
Ingredients:
Here’s everything you need to make these cheesy showstoppers:
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast 🍶
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F) 🥛
- 2 tbsp sugar 🍬
- 1 tsp salt 🧂
- 1 large egg 🥚
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened 🧈
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar 🧀
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese 🧀
For the Garlic Butter:
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted 🧈
- 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley 🌿
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning 🌿 (optional)
- Pinch of salt 🧂
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add egg, salt, and softened butter, then gradually mix in flour. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 8–10 minutes). Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Shape and Fill the Rolls
Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal portions. Flatten each piece, add a tablespoon of cheese in the center, then pinch the edges to seal. Roll gently into a ball.
Step 3: Arrange and Rise Again
Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or on a lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes, until puffy.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter
While the rolls rise, combine melted butter, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, and salt. Set aside.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the rolls with half of the garlic butter. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Butter and Serve
Remove from the oven and brush immediately with the remaining garlic butter. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy pull!
Variations
🧅 Onion Lover’s Roll: Add caramelized onions to the cheese filling for extra depth.
🌶 Spicy Kick: Mix red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños into the cheese.
🧄 Extra Garlic: Roast the garlic before adding to the butter for a mellow flavor.
🌿 Herb Explosion: Use fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary in the butter for a fragrant twist.
🧀 Mixed Cheese: Combine mozzarella, gouda, and parmesan for a flavor bomb.
Serving Suggestions
🍝 Pasta Night: The perfect sidekick to spaghetti, lasagna, or fettuccine alfredo.
🥣 Soup & Salad: Serve with tomato soup or a hearty Caesar salad.
🍗 Holiday Dinners: A hit at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter meals.
🧺 Picnics & Potlucks: Travel-friendly and crowd-pleasing every time.
🧈 Snack Time: Reheat and dip in marinara or ranch for a cheesy snack.
Tips for Success
- Use freshly grated cheese for best meltability—bagged cheese may not melt as well.
- Don’t overstuff the rolls or they may burst while baking.
- Be sure to pinch the dough tightly when sealing the cheese inside.
- Use warm milk, not hot, to activate yeast properly.
- Brushing with garlic butter before and after baking boosts flavor big time.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 90 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: ~2.5 hours
Nutrition (Per Roll – Approximate)
- Calories: 230
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Sugar: 2g
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! Make the dough, let it rise, then refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temp before shaping.
Q: What cheeses work best?
A: Mozzarella melts beautifully, while cheddar adds flavor. You can mix both!
Q: Can I freeze these rolls?
A: Absolutely—freeze after baking. Reheat at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until warm.
Q: Can I make them gluten-free?
A: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check that your cheese and other ingredients are GF.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temp for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Cheesy Garlic Butter Rolls are more than just a side—they’re a cheesy, garlicky bundle of joy that turns any meal into a feast. With their soft texture, gooey center, and rich garlic butter topping, these rolls are the kind of food that vanishes the moment they hit the table. Make them for your next dinner and watch the compliments roll in—pun intended!
