Introduction
Hey there! Today I want to share with you my favorite recipe for Garlic Cheese Rolls. These rolls are the perfect combination of garlicky goodness and melty cheese, all wrapped up in a soft and fluffy roll. Whenever I make these, they disappear within minutes! They are a hit with my family and friends, and I’m sure they’ll be a hit with yours too. So let’s get started and dive into this delicious recipe!
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Cheese Rolls
I make these rolls whenever I need a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a tasty side dish. My family goes crazy for them because they are packed with flavor and incredibly addictive. The aroma of garlic wafting through the kitchen as these rolls bake is simply irresistible. Plus, they are so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried them sooner!
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Optional substitutions: If you’re in a hurry, you can use pre-made pizza dough instead of making your own. I sometimes like to use cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella for a slightly different flavor. Feel free to experiment and make these rolls your own!
Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture. Add the olive oil and minced garlic. Mix everything together until a dough forms.
3. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten it slightly with your hands.
5. Place a small handful of shredded mozzarella cheese and a pinch of grated Parmesan cheese in the center of each dough round. Fold the edges of the dough over the cheese filling and pinch them together to seal.
6. Arrange the filled rolls on a greased baking sheet, seam side down. Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle them with chopped fresh parsley.
7. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
I’ve found that using fresh garlic gives these rolls the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder instead. The rolls may seem a bit sticky when you first start kneading the dough, but don’t worry, it will become more manageable as you continue to knead. And trust me, even if they look a bit weird when you fold them, they will turn out absolutely delicious!
Variations
Over the years, I’ve tried a few variations of these Garlic Cheese Rolls. One experiment that didn’t work out so well was adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the filling. They ended up making the rolls too wet and the texture wasn’t quite right. However, I have had success with adding a sprinkle of dried oregano or basil to the cheese filling for an extra burst of flavor. Feel free to get creative and try your own variations!
Equipment
While not essential, a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment can make the process of kneading the dough much easier. If you don’t have one, don’t worry! You can always knead the dough by hand, it just takes a bit more elbow grease. So don’t let the lack of fancy equipment stop you from making these delicious rolls!
Storage
These Garlic Cheese Rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the cheese is gooey and the rolls are still warm. However, if you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Although, in my house, they never last more than a day!
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these rolls as an appetizer at parties or as a side dish with pasta dishes or soups. They are also great for dipping into marinara sauce or ranch dressing. And here’s a little secret: I think they taste even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to enjoy them as a snack straight from the fridge!
Pro Tips
Through trial and error, I’ve learned a few things that can take your Garlic Cheese Rolls to the next level:
- Make sure the water for activating the yeast is warm, but not too hot. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast and your dough won’t rise.
- If you want to add a bit of extra flavor, you can sauté the minced garlic in a little bit of olive oil before adding it to the dough. This will help mellow out the sharpness of the garlic.
- When shaping the rolls, try to seal them tightly to prevent any cheese from leaking out during baking.
- If you prefer a more garlicky taste, you can brush the rolls with garlic butter instead of plain melted butter before baking.
FAQ
Q: Can I freeze these Garlic Cheese Rolls?
A: Absolutely! Once the rolls have cooled completely, you can place them in a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze them for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until they are warmed through.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Of course! While mozzarella and Parmesan are my go-to choices, you can use any type of cheese that melts well. Cheddar, Gouda, or even a mix of different cheeses would work great in these rolls.
Q: Can I make the dough in advance?
A: Definitely! You can prepare the dough up to the point of dividing it into individual rolls. Once you have shaped the rolls, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let them come to room temperature before baking as directed.
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a portion or all of the all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour will yield a slightly denser texture and a nuttier flavor. You may need to adjust the amount of water as whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid.
Q: Can I make these rolls without yeast?
A: Unfortunately, yeast is an essential ingredient in this recipe to achieve the soft and fluffy texture of the rolls. Without yeast, the rolls won’t rise properly and may turn out dense and heavy.
I hope you enjoy making these Garlic Cheese Rolls as much as I do! They are a true crowd-pleaser and always disappear in no time. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking!
Garlic Cheese Rolls
Soft and fluffy rolls filled with garlicky goodness and melty cheese, these Garlic Cheese Rolls are incredibly addictive and perfect as an appetizer or side dish. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Directions
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In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Dissolve the yeast in warm water and let sit for 5 minutes.
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Add yeast mixture, olive oil, and minced garlic to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
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Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth. Let it rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Divide dough into 12 pieces, fill with cheeses, fold, and seal.
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Arrange rolls on a baking sheet, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with parsley.
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Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before serving.