Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls Recipe
Introduction
These buttery cheese garlic rolls are irresistibly soft and packed with rich garlic flavor and gooey mozzarella. Perfect as a snack or alongside your favorite meal, they’re sure to become a family favorite. The slow-roasted garlic mixed with fresh herbs brings a delicious depth that everyone will love.

Ingredients
- 1 garlic head
- Sprinkle of salt
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 50 grams (1/4 cup) butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
- 90 grams (1/3 cup) warm milk
- 7 grams (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp honey
- 200 grams (1 1/2 cups) all purpose flour
- 50 grams (1/2 cup) bread flour
- 20 grams (3 tbsp) milk powder (optional)
- 25 grams (2 tbsp) butter
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 200 grams (2 cups) mozzarella cheese
- Garlic butter (from roasted garlic mixture)
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F). Place the whole garlic head with the top cut off in a ramekin, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, cover with aluminum foil, and roast for 2 hours until the garlic is buttery soft.
- Step 2: Once roasted, mix the garlic cloves with 50 grams of softened butter, chopped fresh parsley, and 2 tablespoons of the garlic oil from the ramekin. Set this garlic butter aside.
- Step 3: In a bowl, combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and honey. Let it proof for about 10 minutes or until frothy.
- Step 4: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, bread flour, sugar, milk powder (if using), softened butter, salt, egg yolks, and the yeast mixture.
- Step 5: Knead the dough using a dough hook on medium speed for 15–20 minutes until it is soft and smooth.
- Step 6: 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.
- Step 7: Roll out the dough to about 1/4 cm (or 1/8 inch) thickness. Spread the prepared garlic butter evenly over the surface.
- Step 8: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly on top, then tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Step 9: Cut the rolled dough into 6 equal portions using a knife or dental floss.
- Step 10: Place the rolls on a baking sheet, cover them, and let them proof for another 30 minutes until puffy.
- Step 11: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Brush the rolls with a beaten egg for a shiny finish and bake for 20–25 minutes, checking after 20 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Step 12: After baking, brush the rolls with the remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For an extra flavorful twist, add a pinch of chili flakes to the garlic butter for a mild heat.
- Substitute mozzarella with sharp cheddar or a cheese blend for different cheesy profiles.
- If you don’t have milk powder, simply omit it; it helps with softness but isn’t essential.
- Use dental floss to cut the dough rolls cleanly without squishing them.
Storage
Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them tightly wrapped for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10 minutes until soft and warmed through.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of roasting a whole garlic head?
While you can, roasting garlic provides a sweeter, milder, and richer flavor that really makes these rolls special. Using pre-minced garlic will give a sharper taste but is a convenient shortcut.
What is the purpose of the second proofing?
The second proof allows the shaped rolls to rise again, resulting in fluffier, lighter rolls with a better texture once baked.
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Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: Approximately 3 hours (including resting, proofing, and roasting)
- Yield: 6 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buttery Cheese Garlic Rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with rich garlic butter and gooey mozzarella cheese. These aromatic rolls are made by roasting whole garlic heads to create a sweet, mellow garlic butter that is spread inside soft yeast dough and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for garlic lovers and cheese fans, these rolls make a comforting snack, side dish, or party treat everyone will adore.
Ingredients
Roasted Garlic Butter
- 1 garlic head
- Sprinkle of salt
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 50 grams (1/4 cup) butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Dough
- 90 grams (1/3 cup) warm milk
- 7 grams (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp honey
- 200 grams (1 1/2 cups) all purpose flour
- 50 grams (1/2 cup) bread flour
- 20 grams (3 tbsp) milk powder (optional)
- 25 grams (2 tbsp) butter, softened
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Filling and Finishing
- 200 grams (2 cups) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Garlic butter made previously
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Roast Garlic: Place a whole garlic head with the top cut off in a ramekin. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and roast at 160°C (320°F) for 2 hours, or until the garlic is buttery soft and fragrant.
- Make Garlic Butter: When the roasted garlic has cooled, squeeze out the softened cloves and mix with softened butter, chopped parsley, and 2 tablespoons of the garlic oil from the roasting process. Set aside this flavorful garlic butter.
- Prepare Yeast Mixture: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and honey. Let it proof for about 10 minutes until frothy and bubbles appear, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, bread flour, sugar, milk powder (if using), softened butter, salt, egg yolks, and the proofed yeast mixture.
- Knead Dough: Using a dough hook on medium speed, knead the dough for 15-20 minutes until it becomes soft, smooth, and elastic.
- First Proof: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it proof in a warm environment (around 29°C or 85°F) for about 1 hour and 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Roll Out Dough: Once risen, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 cm (1/8 inch) thickness evenly.
- Add Garlic Butter: Spread the prepared garlic butter evenly across the surface of the rolled dough.
- Add Mozzarella: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the garlic butter layer.
- Roll Dough: Starting from one edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape.
- Cut Rolls: Using a knife or dental floss, cut the rolled dough into 6 equal portions.
- Second Proof: Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover them lightly, and let them proof again for 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Brush the rolls with a beaten egg wash for a glossy finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown, checking after 20 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Decorate and Serve: Once out of the oven, brush the rolls with leftover garlic butter and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- Roasting the garlic low and slow ensures a mellow, buttery texture and flavor critical to this recipe.
- Using both all-purpose and bread flour adds structure and chewiness to the rolls.
- Milk powder is optional but adds extra tenderness and richness.
- Kneading the dough thoroughly develops gluten for a fluffy, elastic texture.
- Proofing in a warm, draft-free spot helps the dough rise properly.
- Use dental floss to cut rolls cleanly without squashing them.
- Brush with egg wash before baking for a shiny, golden crust.
- These rolls are best served fresh but can be reheated gently without drying out.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (excluding garlic roasting time)
- Cook Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
Keywords: buttery cheese garlic rolls, garlic rolls, mozzarella cheese rolls, homemade garlic bread, soft cheese rolls, garlic butter rolls

