Why Make This Recipe

Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls are the perfect addition to any meal. Their soft, fluffy texture combined with the rich flavors of garlic, butter, and melted mozzarella create a delightful experience for the senses. These rolls are not only delicious but also easy to make, making them a great choice for both novice and experienced bakers. Whether for a family dinner, a cozy gathering with friends, or just a treat for yourself, these rolls are sure to impress everyone around the table.

How to Make Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls

Ingredients

1 garlic head
Sprinkle of salt
30 grams olive oil
50 grams butter
1 tablespoon fresh parsley
90 grams warm milk
7 grams active dry yeast
25 grams honey
200 grams all purpose flour
50 grams bread flour
20 grams milk powder (optional)
25 grams butter
2 egg yolks
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
200 grams mozzarella cheese
Garlic butter we made previously
1 egg

Directions

Roast Garlic: In a ramekin, place one whole garlic head (cut the top off), drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, cover with aluminum foil, and roast at 160°C (320°F) for 2 hours until buttery soft.

Garlic Butter: When the garlic is ready, mix with softened butter, chopped parsley, and 2 tablespoons of the garlic oil, then set aside.

Yeast Mixture: In a bowl, combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and honey, then let it proof for about 10 minutes until frothy.

Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, bread flour, sugar, milk powder, softened butter, salt, two egg yolks, and the yeast mixture.
Knead Dough: Knead the dough using a dough hook attachment on medium speed for 15-20 minutes until soft and smooth.
Proof Dough: Place the dough in a covered bowl and let it proof in a warm place (around 29°C or 85°F) for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

Roll Out Dough: Roll out the dough to about 1/4 cm (or 1/8 inch) thickness, then spread the prepared garlic butter evenly over the surface.
Add Mozzarella: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, then tightly roll the dough into a log.
Cut Dough: Cut the dough into 6 equal portions using a knife or dental floss.

Second Proof: Place the rolls on a baking sheet, cover, and let them proof for another 30 minutes until puffy.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F), brush the rolls with egg wash, and bake for 20-25 minutes (check after 20 minutes).
Decorate: Brush the baked rolls with the leftover garlic butter and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

How to Serve Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls

Serve these rolls warm, straight from the oven. They make a great side dish for soups, salads, or pasta. You can also enjoy them on their own with a bit of extra garlic butter on the side.

How to Store Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just wrap each roll in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to a month in the freezer.

Tips to Make Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls

Make sure the milk is warm, but not hot, when mixing with the yeast. It should feel just warm to the touch.

Kneading the dough properly helps create that fluffy texture, so don’t rush this step.
If you want a stronger garlic flavor, feel free to add more garlic to the butter mixture.

Variation

You can customize these rolls by adding other types of cheese, such as cheddar or parmesan, or mix in some cooked herbs like oregano or thyme for added flavor.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use fresh garlic instead of roasted?
A1: Yes, you can use fresh garlic, but roasted garlic gives a sweeter and milder flavor.

Q2: If I don’t have bread flour, can I just use all-purpose flour?
A2: Yes, you can replace bread flour with all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly different.

Q3: Can I make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it?
A3: Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time, let it rise once, then cover it tightly and refrigerate. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature and rise again before baking.