Garlic Cheese Rolls Recipe

The Best Garlic Cheese Rolls Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Garlic cheese rolls tantalize taste buds with their irresistible aroma and mouthwatering appeal.

Soft, pillowy dough embraces a rich, savory filling that promises pure comfort.

Warm, golden-brown surfaces hint at the delectable experience waiting inside each delicate roll.

Fragrant herbs and melted cheese create a harmony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Home cooks adore these simple yet impressive bread companions that elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Crisp edges and tender centers make these rolls a crowd-pleasing side or standalone treat.

Crafting these delightful morsels requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Why Garlic Cheese Rolls Are the Best Savory Snack

  • Burst with Cheesy Goodness: Each roll packs three melty cheese cubes inside, creating an oozing center that delivers an irresistible burst of flavor with every bite.
  • Foolproof Preparation: The recipe uses pre-made rolls and simple techniques, making it perfect for beginner bakers who want delicious results without complex skills.
  • Quick and Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ready in under an hour, these garlic cheese rolls work wonderfully as appetizers, side dishes, or party snacks that everyone will love and devour quickly.
  • Aromatic Garlic Butter Magic: The homemade garlic butter with Parmesan, parsley, and Italian seasoning transforms ordinary rolls into a restaurant-quality experience with minimal effort.

Ingredients That Make Garlic Cheese Rolls So Irresistible

Bread Base:
  • Frozen Unbaked Yeast Rolls: Convenient base that provides soft, pillowy texture and classic yeast roll flavor.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds rich moisture and helps create golden, crisp exterior for rolls.
Cheese Components:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Colby Jack Cheese: Provide deep, tangy cheese flavor with creamy, melty texture. Choose fresh, high-quality cheeses for best results.
  • Cheese Cubes: Create surprise cheese pockets within the rolls for extra burst of flavor.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Fresh Parsley: Brings fresh, bright herbal notes and vibrant green color to the rolls.
  • Garlic: Adds robust, aromatic flavor that complements cheese perfectly.
  • Dry Italian Seasoning: Provides classic herbal Mediterranean undertones and depth to the rolls.

Baking Garlic Cheese Rolls with Soft Centers and Crispy Edges

Step 1: Prepare the Muffin Playground

Grab a 12-cup muffin tin and lovingly coat every nook and cranny with melted butter using a pastry brush. Save that extra butter for later magic.

Step 2: Wake Up the Dough

Let frozen rolls hang out at room temperature for about 15 minutes. They should feel relaxed but still chilly.

Step 3: Create Cheese Pouches

On a clean surface, gently stretch each roll into a 3-inch circle. Ingredients for filling:
  • Cheese cubes

Place cheese cubes right in the center of each dough circle. Carefully fold the edges over the cheese, pinching them together like a delicate envelope.

Step 4: Nestle Rolls in Tin

Tuck each cheese-filled roll into the buttered muffin tin, seam side down. Make sure they’re cozy but not cramped.

Step 5: Let the Dough Dance

Cover the rolls with a slightly damp kitchen towel. Let them rise and expand for about 1 hour until they look puffy and almost doubled in size.

Step 6: Craft Flavor-Packed Butter

Fire up the oven to 375°F. In a small bowl, blend the remaining melted butter with these flavor boosters:
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley
  • Italian seasoning
  • Minced garlic

Step 7: Dress the Rolls

Generously brush the garlic butter mixture all over the rolls. Sprinkle with:
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Shredded cheddar cheese

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. Look for a gorgeous golden-brown color and irresistible puffiness.

Step 9: Serve and Celebrate

Pull these beauties out of the oven and serve immediately. Watch everyone’s eyes light up when they see these cheesy, garlicky treasures!

Tips to Keep Cheese Rolls Gooey Inside

  • Butter Brushing Technique: Use a silicone pastry brush for even, smooth coating of melted butter in the muffin tin and on top of rolls.
  • Cheese Cube Placement: Center cheese cubes precisely in dough rounds to ensure consistent melting and flavor distribution.
  • Dough Rising Secrets: Keep rolls in a warm, draft-free area during rising to help them expand evenly and achieve perfect texture.
  • Sealing Trick: Pinch roll edges firmly and thoroughly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
  • Golden Brown Perfection: Watch rolls closely in final baking minutes to achieve a beautiful, even golden-brown color without burning.

How to Store Garlic Cheese Rolls Without Losing Flavor

  • Refrigerate: Place cooled rolls in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
  • Reheat: Warm rolls in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave for 15-20 seconds until heated through, but be cautious to avoid making them tough.

What to Serve with Garlic Cheese Rolls

  • Savor Complementary Wine Pairings: Match these cheesy garlic rolls with crisp white wines like sauvignon blanc or chardonnay, which cut through the richness and enhance the garlic's bold flavor.
  • Create Hearty Side Companions: Serve alongside fresh green salad with light vinaigrette or roasted vegetable medley to balance the rolls' intense cheesy profile and provide nutritional contrast.
  • Design Perfect Dipping Sauce: Prepare classic marinara or herbed ranch dressing for extra flavor complexity, allowing guests to customize their taste experience with each delicious bite.
  • Select Protein Enhancers: Pair with grilled chicken, sliced ham, or light protein options that won't overwhelm the rolls' delicate cheese and garlic notes, creating a satisfying meal combination.

Garlic Cheese Roll Variations for Next Time

  • Herb-Infused Cheese Rolls: Replace Italian seasoning with fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage for an aromatic herbal version.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Rolls: Add diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese inside the rolls for a fiery kick.
  • Mediterranean Cheese Rolls: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and dried oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Bacon Cheddar Cheese Rolls: Mix crispy bacon bits into the cheese filling and top with extra sharp cheddar for a smoky, rich variation.
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Garlic Cheese Rolls Recipe

Garlic Cheese Rolls Recipe


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4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Cheesy garlic rolls bring southern comfort to your table with irresistible warm bread oozing with melted cheese and aromatic herbs. Pillowy dough wrapped around herbed cheese creates a perfect side that welcomes hungry diners to savor each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 12 frozen unbaked yeast rolls, thawed but still cold
  • 36 ½-inch cubes Colby Jack cheese
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Colby Jack/Mozzarella)

Cheese and Seasoning:

  • 2 tablespoons (2 tbsp) grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon (½ tsp) dry Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) fresh parsley, finely chopped

Liquid and Aromatics:

  • 4 tablespoons (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 medium cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Coat the interior of a 12-cavity muffin tin generously with melted butter, ensuring complete coverage of bottom and sides. Reserve the remaining butter for later use.
  2. Remove frozen rolls from packaging and allow them to soften at ambient temperature for approximately 15 minutes, maintaining a cool state.
  3. On a smooth, non-adhesive surface, gently press each roll into a circular shape measuring roughly 3 inches in diameter.
  4. Position three cheese cubes precisely in the center of each flattened dough circle.
  5. Carefully gather the dough’s edges, pressing and sealing them together to create a compact parcel encasing the cheese.
  6. Carefully nestle each sealed roll into the buttered muffin tin, positioning them with the sealed side facing downward.
  7. Drape a slightly dampened cloth over the rolls, creating a humid environment to facilitate rising. Allow the dough to expand for approximately one hour until they have visibly doubled in volume.
  8. Preheat the oven to 375°F, preparing for baking.
  9. Combine the remaining melted butter with Parmesan cheese, finely chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic, creating a fragrant herb-infused mixture.
  10. Liberally brush the garlic butter concoction across the surface and sides of the rolls.
  11. Sprinkle a combination of grated Parmesan and shredded cheddar cheese over the buttered rolls.
  12. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, monitoring until the rolls transform into a puffy, golden-brown delicacy.
  13. Remove from oven and serve immediately while warm for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Insider’s tip: freezer-stored rolls work perfectly for this quick garlic cheese creation.
  • Cold dough transforms magically when gently coaxed into cheesy, buttery masterpieces.
  • Muffin tin helps shape these rolls into perfectly portioned, golden-edged delights that’ll vanish faster than you can say “cheese”.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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