Description
Cheesy Garlic Butter Rolls
These soft and fluffy cheese-filled garlic butter rolls are baked to golden perfection, oozing with melty cheese and topped with fresh parsley for the ultimate savory treat!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
1 tbsp sugar
½ tsp salt
¾ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
2 tbsp melted butter
1 egg
For the Garlic Butter:
3 tbsp butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp salt
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Cheese Filling:
1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes.
Add melted butter, egg, flour, and salt. Mix and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
Cover and let rise for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
Stuff & Shape the Rolls:
Divide dough into small balls. Flatten each piece and place a cube of mozzarella inside.
Seal and shape into smooth rolls.
Bake the Rolls:
Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
Brush with melted garlic butter and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until golden brown.
Finish & Serve:
Brush with extra garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan & parsley.
Enjoy these soft, cheesy, and garlicky rolls as a perfect side or snack!
Would you like a spicy version or dipping sauce recommendation?
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy, proving the yeast is active.
2. Make the Dough: To the yeast mixture, add the melted butter and egg. Stir gently. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
3. Prepare Fillings & Topping: While the dough rises, cube the mozzarella, shred the Parmesan, and prepare the garlic butter by mixing melted butter, minced garlic, salt, and parsley.
4. Shape the Rolls: Punch down the risen dough. Divide into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a disc, place a mozzarella cube in the center, and pinch the edges tightly to seal. Roll into a smooth ball.
5. Second Rise & Bake: Place sealed rolls seam-side down in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Brush generously with half the garlic butter. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-22 minutes until golden.
6. Final Touch: Immediately upon removing from the oven, brush with the remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan and extra parsley.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these rolls warm for the best cheese pull. They are perfect alongside pasta dishes, soups, or stews. For a party, offer a side of marinara, ranch, or a spicy sriracha-mayo dip. They also make an impressive appetizer for gatherings.
How-to Summary
Activate yeast in warm milk and sugar. Mix with butter, egg, flour, and salt to form dough; knead and let rise for 1 hour. Divide dough, fill with mozzarella cubes, and seal into balls. Place in a dish for a 30-minute second rise. Brush with garlic butter and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Finish with more garlic butter, Parmesan, and parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant? Yes. Activate it in the warm milk and sugar for 10 minutes until frothy before proceeding.
How can I make these ahead of time? After shaping, cover the rolls tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let them come to room temperature and complete the second rise before baking.
My cheese leaked out. How do I prevent this? Ensure the dough is sealed tightly around the cheese. Using cold, cubed cheese (not shredded) and not overfilling also helps create a better seal.
Can I freeze these rolls? Absolutely. Bake and cool completely. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven from frozen.
What’s a good spicy version? Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter. For the filling, mix the mozzarella with a finely chopped jalapeño.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using milk that is too hot (over 115°F), which can kill the yeast.
- Not sealing the dough balls tightly, causing cheese to leak during baking.
- Overbaking, which leads to dry rolls. Remove them as soon as they are golden brown.
- Adding garlic to the butter raw can cause bitterness. For a mellower flavor, sauté the minced garlic in the butter for 1 minute before using.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Garlic Butter Rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, combining soft, fluffy dough with a molten cheese center and aromatic garlic butter. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can master this impressive recipe. Perfect for any meal or occasion, they bring a touch of bakery-quality indulgence right to your table.