Description
Garlic Herb Cheese Rolls
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
3/4 cup warm milk
1/4 cup melted butter
1 egg
For the Filling:
1/2 cup softened butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tbsp dried parsley
For Topping:
2 tbsp melted butter
Chopped fresh parsley
Additional Parmesan cheese (optional)
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Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, oregano, and parsley until combined.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
Roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface (about 1/4 inch thick).
Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the dough.
Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 1-inch rolls. Place rolls on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
4. Bake:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Finish:
Brush warm rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Activate the Yeast: Combine warm milk (110°F), sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until frothy, proving the yeast is active. 2. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk flour and salt. Create a well, then pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. 3. Knead: Turn dough onto a floured surface. Knead by pushing with the heel of your hand, folding, and turning for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. 4. First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled (about 1 hour). 5. Create Filling: While dough rises, mix softened butter, minced garlic, Parmesan, oregano, and parsley into a paste. 6. Shape Rolls: Punch down risen dough. Roll into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly. Tightly roll from the long side into a log. Slice into 12 equal rolls with a sharp knife. 7. Second Rise: Place rolls in a greased 9×13 pan. Cover and let rise 30 minutes until puffy. 8. Bake & Finish: Bake at 375°F for 15-18 minutes until golden. Immediately brush with melted butter and sprinkle with parsley.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile rolls are perfect alongside a hearty bowl of tomato soup or a fresh garden salad. For a decadent appetizer, serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. They also make an exceptional addition to a holiday feast, complementing roast chicken, beef, or pasta dishes beautifully. For a complete meal, pair with a creamy garlic alfredo pasta.
How-to Summary
Activate yeast in warm milk and sugar. Mix into flour with salt, butter, and egg to form dough. Knead until smooth, then let rise until doubled. Mix butter, garlic, Parmesan, and herbs for the filling. Roll dough, spread filling, roll into a log, and slice into rolls. Let rolls rise again, then bake at 375°F until golden. Brush with butter and herbs before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry? Yes. Simply mix instant yeast directly with the dry flour and salt, then add the warm milk mixture. Skip the initial frothing step.
My dough didn’t rise. What went wrong? The milk may have been too hot and killed the yeast, or your yeast was expired. Ensure milk is just warm to the touch (110°F) and always check yeast expiration dates.
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely. After shaping the rolls, cover the pan tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let them sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before baking as directed.
Can I use fresh herbs? Yes, fresh herbs will enhance the flavor. Use triple the amount (3 tbsp each of chopped fresh parsley and oregano) as dried herbs are more concentrated.
How do I store leftovers? Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes to restore freshness. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using hot milk that kills the yeast. It should be warm, not hot.
- Not letting the dough rise fully in a warm, draft-free environment.
- Using cold butter for the filling, which tears the dough. Ensure it’s softened.
- Over-baking, which leads to dry rolls. Remove them as soon as they turn golden brown.
- Slicing the log with a dull knife, which squishes the rolls. Use a sharp serrated knife for clean cuts.
Conclusion
These Garlic Herb Cheese Rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, transforming simple ingredients into a fragrant, buttery, and irresistible side dish or snack. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can achieve bakery-quality results at home. The process of making the dough and watching it rise is deeply satisfying, and the final product—warm, soft, and packed with garlic-parmesan flavor—is worth every minute. Master this recipe once, and it will become a cherished staple in your baking repertoire.