Cheesy Garlic Bread Rolls – Perfect for Sharing

These Cheesy Garlic Rolls are everything you want in a comforting side: golden, pillowy-soft dough filled with melty cheese, brushed with garlic butter, and baked until the edges are golden and the centers are irresistibly gooey. Whether you’re serving them with pasta, soup, or on their own as an appetizer, these rolls are guaranteed to disappear fast.

With a savory garlic-butter topping, stretchy mozzarella inside, and a soft, fluffy texture, they’re a perfect crowd-pleasing addition to any meal—or just an indulgent snack.

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 A Flavorful Twist on Classic Dinner Rolls

Classic dinner rolls are a staple on holiday tables and cozy dinners alike—but these cheesy garlic rolls take things to the next level. They’re stuffed with cheese, infused with garlic and herbs, and brushed with a generous amount of buttery garlic glaze that soaks into every crevice.

Think of them as a cross between pull-apart garlic bread and cheese-stuffed rolls—but softer, gooier, and far more addictive. They’re great for dipping into marinara, pairing with hearty mains like lasagna, or serving alongside soups and stews.

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Ingredient Overview: Why Each Element Matters

All-Purpose Flour

Provides structure and softness. Bread flour can be used for a chewier roll, but AP flour yields fluffier results.

Active Dry Yeast

The leavening that gives these rolls their pillowy rise. Ensure it’s fresh and properly bloomed for best results.

Sugar

Feeds the yeast and adds a slight hint of sweetness to balance the garlic and cheese.

Salt

Enhances overall flavor and strengthens the dough structure.

Warm Milk

Hydrates the flour, activates the yeast, and makes for a richer dough than water.

Butter

Used in the dough and brushed on top for softness and rich flavor.

Garlic

Freshly minced garlic infuses the butter topping with savory depth. Garlic powder can be added for extra punch.

Mozzarella Cheese

The ideal melty, stretchy cheese for the center. You can also use cheddar, provolone, or a mix.

Fresh Herbs (optional)

Parsley, oregano, or basil adds a burst of freshness to balance the richness.

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Step-by-Step Instructions: From Dough to Golden Perfection

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp active dry yeast

• 1 tbsp granulated sugar

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast.

2. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast may be expired or the milk too hot.

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Step 2: Make the Dough

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions:

1. Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture.

2. Stir in melted butter and mix until a shaggy dough forms.

3. Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 7–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

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Step 3: Shape and Fill the Rolls

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups shredded or cubed mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Punch down the risen dough and divide into 12 equal pieces.

2. Flatten each piece slightly, place a heaping tablespoon of cheese in the center, and pinch edges to seal.

3. Roll gently into a ball and place seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or round skillet.

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Step 4: Second Rise

• Cover rolls and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.

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Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra kick)

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat.

2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (don’t brown).

3. Add parsley and garlic powder, then remove from heat.

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Step 6: Bake the Rolls

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Brush rolls generously with half the garlic butter.

3. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden on top and cheese is bubbling inside.

4. Brush with remaining garlic butter immediately after baking.

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Tips for Perfect Rolls

• Don’t overstuff or the cheese will leak out. A tablespoon is plenty.

• Use whole milk for a richer dough.

• Make ahead: Dough can be refrigerated overnight after the first rise.

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Flavor Variations

• Cheddar Jalapeño: Add shredded cheddar and diced pickled jalapeños for a spicy twist.

• Pizza Rolls: Stuff with mozzarella, pepperoni, and a spoon of marinara.

• Herb & Cheese: Mix Italian herbs into the dough or filling.

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Substitutions

• Instant yeast: Skip the proofing step and mix directly with the dry ingredients.

• Non-dairy: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter; choose a melty vegan cheese.

• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free bread flour and add 1 tsp xanthan gum if not included.

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

These rolls are endlessly versatile and perfect for:

• Holiday feasts (Thanksgiving, Christmas)

• Pasta night

• Appetizers or game-day snacks

• Soup pairings (especially tomato or creamy potato soup)

• Brunch spreads

Dipping Sauces to Try:

• Warm marinara

• Garlic aioli

• Ranch dressing

• Hot honey for a sweet-savory kick

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Nutritional & Health Notes

These rolls are indulgent but made with real, simple ingredients. Each one is rich in protein and fat from cheese and butter and makes a satisfying side or snack.

Approximate per roll (1 of 12):

• Calories: 230

• Fat: 11g

• Carbs: 23g

• Protein: 8g

• Sugar: 1g

For a lighter version:

• Use part-skim mozzarella

• Brush with olive oil instead of butter

• Halve the cheese filling and load up on fresh herbs

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes! You can use store-bought pizza dough or frozen dinner roll dough. Just stuff, rise, and bake as directed.

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2. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes. After shaping the rolls, cover and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temp for 30 minutes before baking.

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3. What cheese works best inside?

Low-moisture mozzarella is ideal—it melts beautifully and doesn’t leak as much. You can also try provolone, fontina, or even a mix of cheeses.

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4. Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes. Bake, cool completely, and freeze in a zip-top bag. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 10–12 minutes.

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5. Why didn’t my rolls rise?

The yeast may have been expired, the milk too hot or cold, or the room too cool. Make sure the yeast is bubbly before proceeding.

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6. Can I bake these in a cast iron skillet?

Absolutely! It creates a lovely crispy bottom crust. Just be sure to grease it well.

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7. How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day, or refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat in a warm oven for best results.

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