Cheesy Garlic Rolls – Soft, Buttery, and Irresistibly Cheesy

Introduction

Cheesy Garlic Rolls are the kind of comfort food that instantly brings everyone to the table. I love making these rolls when I want something warm, soft, and packed with flavor that feels both familiar and indulgent. Freshly baked bread infused with garlic butter and filled with melted cheese is simply hard to resist. As they bake, the rolls turn golden on the outside while staying fluffy inside, with cheese stretching beautifully as you pull them apart. What makes this recipe especially appealing is how versatile it is. These rolls work perfectly as a side dish, an appetizer, or even a snack on their own. They pair well with pasta, soups, or salads, and they are always a hit at gatherings. If you enjoy homemade bread with rich garlic flavor and plenty of cheese, these cheesy garlic rolls are a recipe you will want to bake again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers soft, fluffy rolls filled with gooey cheese and rich garlic butter. It is simple to prepare, comforting, and perfect for sharing. The rolls bake beautifully and fill the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-Purpose Flour
Flour provides structure and creates soft, tender rolls.

Yeast
Yeast helps the dough rise and gives the rolls their light texture.

Sugar
Sugar activates the yeast and adds subtle sweetness.

Salt
Salt enhances flavor and balances the richness.

Milk
Milk adds moisture and softness to the dough.

Butter
Butter adds richness to both the dough and the garlic topping.

Garlic
Garlic provides bold, savory flavor throughout the rolls.

Cheese
Cheese melts inside the rolls, creating a gooey, satisfying filling. Mozzarella or a blend works well.

Fresh Parsley
Parsley adds freshness and color to finish the rolls.

Directions

Begin by preparing the dough. In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast, allowing it to activate. Add flour, salt, and melted butter, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead until smooth and elastic, then cover and allow to rise until doubled in size.

Once risen, roll the dough into a rectangle. Brush generously with garlic butter and sprinkle evenly with grated cheese. Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into equal portions.

Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between them. Allow them to rise again briefly, then bake until golden and cooked through. Brush with additional garlic butter and sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Equipment needed

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about twelve rolls. Preparation takes approximately 25 minutes, plus rising time. Baking time is around 20 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven to restore softness and melt the cheese.

Variations and Customizations

Cheesy Garlic Rolls can be easily customized. You can add herbs such as oregano or basil to the garlic butter for extra flavor. A mix of cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan adds depth. For a richer version, add a light cream cheese layer before sprinkling the shredded cheese. You can also turn these into pull-apart rolls by baking them closer together for a softer finish. For a bit of heat, add chili flakes to the garlic butter.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

These rolls provide carbohydrates for energy and fats from butter and cheese. They are a rich side dish best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced meal.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Soft Dough
Keep the dough slightly soft for fluffy rolls.

Even Slicing
Slice evenly for uniform baking.

Generous Butter
Do not skimp on garlic butter for best flavor.

Serve Warm
These rolls taste best fresh and warm.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate the dough overnight and bake the next day.

What cheese works best?

Mozzarella melts beautifully, but blends work well too.

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, pizza or dinner roll dough can be used.

Can I freeze garlic rolls?

Yes, freeze baked rolls and reheat when needed.

Why are my rolls dense?

Underproofing or too much flour can cause density.

Can I add fillings?

Yes, cooked bacon or herbs work well.

Are these rolls kid-friendly?

Yes, they are very popular with kids.

Can I make them vegan?

Use plant-based butter, milk, and cheese alternatives.

How do I keep them soft?

Cover loosely while cooling to retain moisture.

What do these rolls pair well with?

They pair well with pasta, soups, and salads.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Rolls are a warm, comforting bake that combines soft bread, rich garlic butter, and melted cheese into one irresistible dish. Easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying, these rolls are perfect for sharing and guaranteed to become a favorite side or snack for any occasion.

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