Skip to Content

Easy Made Cheesy Garlic Rolls

Cheesy garlic rolls

Cheesy Garlic Rolls are soft, fluffy bread rolls filled with melted cheese and brushed with buttery garlic goodness. Warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, they are perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack for gatherings and family meals.

These rolls combine the irresistible aroma of garlic butter with gooey melted cheese, creating a bakery-style treat that feels special yet is easy to make at home. Fresh from the oven, they are golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and impossible to resist.

The Backstory

Garlic bread has long been a favorite across many cuisines, loved for its simplicity and bold flavor. Cheesy garlic rolls take that classic idea a step further by wrapping cheese inside soft dough, turning a familiar side into a more indulgent and satisfying bite. They are especially popular for sharing at the table, where everyone reaches for just one more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Soft and fluffy texture with a rich, cheesy center
  • Simple ingredients and easy preparation
  • Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack
  • Always a crowd favorite

Cheesy Garlic Rolls Recipe

Servings: 12 rolls
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 18–22 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Calories: Approximately 210 per roll

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add melted butter, salt, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece slightly and place cheese in the center. Pinch edges to seal and shape into rolls.
  5. Arrange rolls seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for 15 minutes.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  7. Mix melted butter with garlic and brush generously over the rolls.
  8. Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  9. Brush with additional garlic butter and sprinkle with parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Tips to Make Them Even Better

  • Use a mix of cheeses for extra flavor.
  • Add Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the dough.
  • Serve with marinara or ranch for dipping.
  • Reheat briefly in the oven to restore softness.
Cheesy garlic rolls

🧄🧀 Cheesy Garlic Rolls

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 260

Ingredients
  

For the Rolls:
  • 12 refrigerated dinner rolls or pizza dough balls
  • cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese
For the Garlic Butter:
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
  • ¼ tsp salt

Method
 

Preheat Oven:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Fill the Rolls:
  1. Flatten each dough ball slightly. Place about 2 tablespoons of cheese in the center. Pinch dough tightly around cheese to seal and form a smooth ball.
Arrange:
  1. Place rolls seam-side down in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
Garlic Butter:
  1. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, parsley, and salt. Brush half of the garlic butter over the rolls.
  2. Bake:
  3. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
Finish:
  1. Remove from oven and immediately brush with remaining garlic butter. Serve warm.

Notes

Extra Cheesy: Add a cube of mozzarella inside each roll for a gooey center.
Flavor Boost: Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top before baking.
Make Ahead: Assemble rolls and refrigerate up to 12 hours before baking.
Air Fryer Option: Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Serving Idea: Perfect with marinara sauce, soups, or pasta dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh.

Can I freeze cheesy garlic rolls?

Yes, bake, cool completely, and freeze for up to 2 months.

What cheese works best?

Mozzarella melts smoothly, while cheddar adds sharper flavor.

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, pizza or dinner roll dough works well for a shortcut.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Garlic Rolls are the kind of comforting, homemade bread that instantly elevates any meal. With their soft texture, rich garlic butter, and melted cheese center, they are guaranteed to disappear quickly and become a repeat favorite at your table.

Recipe Rating