Discover how to make soft, golden Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls packed with rich flavors that instantly elevate any meal or snack craving. These irresistible rolls combine fluffy dough, melty cheese, fragrant garlic, and a generous buttery coating to create a fresh-baked treat that’s perfect whether you’re serving dinner, entertaining guests, or indulging yourself during a snack break. With every bite offering a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and garlicky goodness, these rolls are sure to be your new kitchen favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate comfort food: Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls offer a warm, cheesy, and garlicky taste experience that feels like a cozy hug.
- Perfectly versatile: Whether as a side for pasta or soup, or a standalone snack, these rolls fit every occasion.
- Simple yet impressive: Basic kitchen ingredients come together to create a bakery-style treat that wows your taste buds.
- Customizable flavors: Add your own twist with herbs, different cheeses, or spice for a personalized touch.
- Great for gatherings: These rolls are easy to make in batches, making them ideal for family dinners or parties.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls requires just a handful of simple, quality ingredients, each playing a crucial role in developing the rich flavors, soft texture, and golden crust you’ll love.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the soft, chewy base of the rolls with just the right structure.
- Active dry yeast: Ensures the dough rises tenderly, giving that light, fluffy crumb.
- Warm milk: Activates the yeast and tenderizes the dough for softness.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a moist crumb while contributing to that irresistible buttery coating.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for a robust, aromatic punch that defines the flavor profile.
- Shredded cheese: Use a melty variety like mozzarella or cheddar to create gooey centers in every roll.
- Sugar: Just a pinch helps activate the yeast and balances the savory notes subtly.
- Salt: Enhances flavor in both the dough and garlic butter mixture.
- Egg: Helps bind the dough and adds richness.
Variations for Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to mix and match ingredients or adapt them according to dietary needs and tastes to make these rolls uniquely yours.
- Herb-infused rolls: Add fresh chopped parsley, rosemary, or thyme to the dough or garlic butter for an herbal twist.
- Different cheeses: Experiment with Parmesan, Asiago, or pepper jack for unique flavor combinations.
- Whole wheat option: Substitute half of the flour with whole wheat for a nuttier, heartier roll.
- Vegan alternative: Use plant-based butter, milk, and cheese substitutes to create vegan-friendly rolls.
- Spicy kick: Mix in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños with the garlic butter for a subtle heat.
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How to Make Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Combine warm milk and sugar in a bowl, then sprinkle yeast over the top and let it activate until frothy, about 5-7 minutes. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and softened butter, then add the yeast mixture and egg. Knead until you have a smooth, elastic dough, adding flour as needed to prevent stickiness. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter and Cheese Filling
While the dough rises, melt butter in a saucepan, then add finely minced garlic and lightly cook until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and set aside. Shred your choice of cheese to have ready for filling.
Step 3: Shape and Fill the Rolls
Once dough has doubled, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the garlic butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle shredded cheese across the top. Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into individual rolls about 1.5 inches thick.
Step 4: Final Rise and Bake
Place the rolls in a greased baking pan, spaced slightly apart. Cover and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Brush with extra melted butter after baking for an even richer finish.
Pro Tips for Making Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls
- Warm liquids: Ensure your milk is warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading patience: Knead the dough long enough to develop gluten, resulting in soft but structured rolls.
- Even garlic flavor: Cook garlic gently in butter to mellow its sharpness, preventing bitterness.
- Cheese distribution: Spread cheese evenly to get gooey surprises in every bite.
- Rest between rises: Allow sufficient rising times for fluffy rolls instead of dense bread.
How to Serve Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or chives sprinkled over the hot rolls add a pop of color and fresh flavor that balances the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair wonderfully with hearty soups such as tomato basil or creamy potato, and also complement pasta dishes or salad meals perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the rolls in a basket lined with a colorful cloth for a rustic feel, or place them stacked on a wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like marinara or garlic butter for interactive snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate them to extend freshness for three to five days.
Freezing
Wrap individual or groups of rolls tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or microwave briefly with a damp paper towel to restore softness and warmth.
FAQs
Can I use frozen garlic for this recipe?
While fresh garlic offers the best flavor, frozen minced garlic can be used in a pinch; just adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid burning.
What cheese melts best for these rolls?
Mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack work excellently, as they melt smoothly and create gooey texture.
How long can I store the rolls after baking?
Freshly baked Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls can be stored at room temperature for 2 days and refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain quality.
Is it possible to make these rolls gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free flour blend designed for bread baking, though the texture may be slightly different than traditional rolls.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough and let it rise once, then refrigerate overnight, allowing you to shape and bake fresh rolls the next day.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting smell and taste of freshly baked Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls. This recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen — simple to whip up, endlessly customizable, and always ready to delight. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these rolls bring a special touch of comfort and flavor to your table. Give them a try and savor every melty, buttery bite with those you love!
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Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, golden Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls combine fluffy dough, melty cheese, fragrant garlic, and a generous buttery coating to create a warm, savory treat perfect for dinner sides, snacks, or parties. These rolls deliver a comforting blend of cheesy, garlicky, and buttery flavors with a soft texture and golden crust.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
Garlic Butter and Filling
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3–4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or blend)
- Optional: fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, thyme) or red pepper flakes for variation
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, combine warm milk and sugar, sprinkle active dry yeast on top, and let it activate until frothy, about 5-7 minutes. In a large mixing bowl, mix flour and salt. Add softened butter, activated yeast mixture, and egg. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, adding extra flour if sticky. Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Make Garlic Butter and Prepare Cheese: While the dough rises, melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook gently until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, avoiding browning, then remove from heat. Shred your choice of cheese and have it ready for filling.
- Shape and Fill Rolls: Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently and roll out on a floured surface into a rectangle roughly 12×15 inches. Spread the garlic butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into individual rolls about 1.5 inches thick.
- Final Rise and Bake: Place the rolls spaced apart in a greased baking pan. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Brush the baked rolls with extra melted butter for a richer finish.
Notes
- Use warm milk (not hot) to properly activate yeast without killing it.
- Knead the dough sufficiently to develop gluten for soft yet structured rolls.
- Cook garlic gently in butter to mellow sharpness and avoid bitterness.
- Distribute cheese evenly for gooey bites in every roll.
- Allow the dough to rise fully for fluffy, light rolls.
- For vegan variations, substitute plant-based butter, milk, and cheese.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, refrigerated for 3-5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes or microwave briefly with a damp paper towel.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg


