Garlic Cheese Rolls are a delightful, savory treat that combines the fluffy goodness of homemade rolls with the rich, comforting flavors of garlic and cheese. These rolls are perfect as a side dish for pasta, a snack, or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The combination of soft dough, melted mozzarella, and the sharp tang of Parmesan, all infused with garlic, makes these rolls irresistibly delicious.
I remember the first time I made these rolls for a family gathering. The aroma of baking garlic and cheese filled the house, drawing everyone into the kitchen. As we pulled apart the warm, cheesy rolls, they quickly became the highlight of the meal. These Garlic Cheese Rolls are now a staple in our home, and I’m excited to share this recipe with you.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup warm water
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix and Knead the Dough
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, 1 packet of instant yeast, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in 3/4 cup of warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough is manageable.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for approximately 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for developing the gluten, which gives the rolls their structure and chewiness.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
First Rise: Grease a bowl with a bit of olive oil. Place the kneaded dough inside and cover it with a cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, which usually takes about 1 hour. This rise allows the yeast to work, creating a light and airy texture.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when the rolls are assembled.
Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any trapped air. Roll it out onto a floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/2-inch thick. This creates the base for adding the garlic and cheese.
Step 4: Add Flavor
Butter and Garlic: Spread 2 tablespoons of melted butter evenly over the dough surface. Sprinkle the minced garlic (from 3 cloves) over the butter, ensuring even distribution for consistent flavor in every bite.
Cheese and Parsley: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the dough. Top with 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley. The cheese and parsley add both flavor and a beautiful visual appeal.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
Form the Log: Carefully roll up the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Rolling tightly ensures that the filling stays inside the rolls during baking.
Slice the Rolls: Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Each slice will become an individual roll, showing the beautiful spiral of cheese and garlic inside.
Step 6: Bake
Prepare the Baking Dish: Place the cut rolls with their spiral sides up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Arranging them snugly helps them rise upward rather than outward, keeping them soft and fluffy.
Bake the Rolls: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Cool Slightly: Once baked to perfection, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes in the pan. This makes them easier to handle and allows the flavors to meld.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the rolls warm, either straight from the baking dish or transferred to a serving plate. They’re perfect on their own or with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Variations and Substitutions
Different Cheeses: Try using different cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, or a mix of your favorites for a unique flavor.
Herb Variations: Substitute parsley with other fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, or thyme to change the flavor profile.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a bit of heat.
Whole Wheat Option: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier version. You may need to adjust the amount of water slightly.
Garlic Lovers: Increase the amount of garlic if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor.
Conclusion
Garlic Cheese Rolls are an appealing and enjoyable recipe to make and eat. The combination of warm, fluffy rolls with the rich, savory filling of garlic and cheese is simply irresistible. This recipe is straightforward enough for novice bakers but yields results that impress even seasoned cooks. The versatility in variations and substitutions allows you to tailor the rolls to your taste, making them a perfect addition to any meal or occasion.
Whether you’re making them as a side for a family dinner, a snack for a gathering, or simply indulging in some baking therapy, these Garlic Cheese Rolls are sure to be a hit. The detailed steps ensure you can achieve perfect rolls every time, creating a delicious and comforting treat that everyone will love.