Cheesy Garlic Rolls Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about warm, cheesy garlic rolls fresh out of the oven — and that’s exactly what this Cheesy Garlic Rolls Recipe delivers. Picture soft bread dough rolled up with rich garlic butter and gooey mozzarella, topped with a sprinkle of parmesan and fresh parsley for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth bite. It’s a total crowd-pleaser whether you’re making a cozy family dinner or bringing a special treat to a potluck.

I first tried this recipe on a lazy Sunday afternoon, and it instantly became a favorite because it’s surprisingly easy to whip up, even if you don’t bake often. Plus, these rolls freeze beautifully and reheat like a dream, so you can make a batch ahead and always have something delicious to enjoy. Trust me, once you make these cheesy garlic rolls, you’ll find tons of excuses to bake them again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create that perfect balance of fluffy bread, melty cheese, and garlicky goodness. Here’s a quick rundown and a few shopping tips so you get the best flavor and texture.

• Bread dough: I recommend using store-bought dough if you’re short on time—it’s a lifesaver and tastes great. Or feel free to make your own if you want to get extra hands-on.
• Butter (softened): Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy spreading without tearing the dough.
• Minced garlic: Fresh garlic works best here to give that vibrant punch of flavor.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Use quality shredded mozzarella for that classic gooey, stretchy texture.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds a sharp, nutty finish that complements the mozzarella beautifully.
• Chopped parsley: Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness, making these rolls look as good as they taste.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Cheesy Garlic Rolls Recipe depending on the season or my mood. Feel free to get creative—this recipe is like a blank canvas that’s perfect for personalization!

• Herb twist: Once, I swapped parsley for a mix of fresh basil and oregano, which gave the rolls an Italian vibe that my friends couldn’t stop raving about.
• Different cheeses: You can swap mozzarella for provolone or add a bit of sharp cheddar for a cheesier profile that stands out even more.
• Spicy kick: I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a subtle heat that pairs surprisingly well with the cheese.
• Garlic alternative: Roasted garlic instead of fresh gives a sweeter, mellower flavor if you want something less sharp.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture

Start by mixing your softened butter with the minced garlic. This step is simple but crucial since you want the garlic flavor to infuse the butter evenly. Let it sit at room temperature if you can—this makes it easier to spread over the dough without tearing it.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll your bread dough into a large rectangle, roughly 12 by 9 inches. Try to get the thickness even so the rolls bake uniformly. If the dough resists, just let it rest a few minutes and then try again. Patience here really pays off.

Step 3: Spread Butter and Add Cheese

Spread that garlicky butter all over the dough, right up to the edges. Next, sprinkle half the mozzarella and parmesan evenly across the dough. This layering ensures each roll gets a perfect cheesy center.

Step 4: Roll Up and Cut

Starting at the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into about 12 equal slices. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly uniform; they’ll still bake beautifully.

Step 5: Arrange and Top

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cut side up. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan on top along with the chopped parsley. This extra cheese on top creates that crave-worthy golden crust.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. If you see the tops browning too quickly, tent with foil. Let them cool just a bit before digging in – hot cheesy rolls are a kitchen win!

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

I like to add a few fresh parsley leaves on top right before serving—it adds a lovely pop of green and a fresh, herbal scent that brightens the rich cheese. Sometimes, a light drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt makes the rolls even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

These cheesy garlic rolls are fantastic alongside hearty soups like tomato basil or creamy potato leek. I often pair them with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. They’re also perfect with pasta dishes or served as an appetizer at parties.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging the rolls in a circular pattern to make a pull-apart bread centerpiece. You can even bake them in muffin tins for individual rolls with crispy edges. Adding colorful garnishes like red pepper flakes or extra herbs on top makes them pop visually.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cheesy garlic rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If I won’t eat them that fast, I pop them in the fridge, tightly wrapped, which keeps them good for about 4 days. Just be sure to reheat properly to bring back the softness.

Freezing

Freezing is a game changer for this recipe. After baking and cooling completely, I freeze the rolls individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then place them in a ziplock bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I pop the rolls in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, uncovered. This warms the cheese and re-crisps the edges without drying them out. If you’re short on time, the microwave works, but the texture isn’t as nice—so I only do that as a last resort.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Garlic Rolls Recipe is one of those comfort foods that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen. I love sharing it with friends because it’s straightforward but feels special, perfect for both busy weeknights and weekend gatherings. Once you try these, you’ll understand why they’re a staple in my home. So go ahead, give this recipe a whirl—it’ll soon become a go-to you’ll keep coming back to for that perfect cheesy, garlicky bite every time.

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