Introduction

These buttery cheese garlic rolls are a delightful treat packed with rich garlic flavor and melted mozzarella cheese. Soft, fluffy, and perfectly golden, they make an excellent side or snack that’s sure to impress.

The image shows four golden brown cheese and herb rolls in a white baking tray lined with light brown parchment paper. Each roll is circular with visible layers of soft, fluffy dough spiraled and baked to a light golden color with darker browned spots on top. Melted cheese is visible between the spiral layers, and the rolls are sprinkled with chopped green herbs that add a fresh contrast to the warm colors. The tray sits on a wooden surface with a green rolling pin and a small plant in the background. The overall look is warm, inviting, and freshly baked. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 garlic head
Sprinkle of salt
3 tbsp olive oil
50 grams (1/4 cup) butter
1 tablespoon fresh parsley
90 grams (1/3 cup) warm milk
7 grams (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 tbsp honey
200 grams (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
50 grams (1/2 cup) bread flour
20 grams (3 tbsp) milk powder (optional)
25 grams (2 tbsp) butter, softened
2 egg yolks
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
200 grams (2 cups) mozzarella cheese
Garlic butter made from the roasted garlic
1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

Step 1: Roast the garlic by placing a whole garlic head (top cut off) in a ramekin. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Cover with aluminum foil and roast at 160°C (320°F) for 2 hours until the garlic is buttery soft.
Step 2: Prepare the garlic butter by mixing the roasted garlic with softened butter, chopped parsley, and 2 tablespoons of the garlic oil reserved from roasting. Set aside.
Step 3: In a bowl, combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and honey. Let it proof for about 10 minutes until frothy.
Step 4: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, bread flour, sugar, milk powder (if using), softened butter, salt, two egg yolks, and the proofed yeast mixture.
Step 5: Knead the dough using a dough hook attachment at medium speed for 15-20 minutes, until soft and smooth.
Step 6: Place the dough in a covered bowl and proof in a warm spot (around 29°C or 85°F) for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
Step 7: Roll out the dough to about 1/4 cm (1/8 inch) thickness. Spread the prepared garlic butter evenly over the surface.
Step 8: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top, then tightly roll the dough into a log.
Step 9: Cut the rolled dough into 6 equal portions using a knife or dental floss.
Step 10: Place the rolls on a baking sheet, cover them, and let proof for another 30 minutes until puffy.
Step 11: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Brush the rolls with an egg wash made from the beaten egg, then bake for 20-25 minutes, checking at 20 minutes for a golden finish.
Step 12: Once baked, brush the rolls with the leftover garlic butter and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes to the garlic butter before spreading it on the dough.
You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar or gouda for a different cheesy taste.
If milk powder is unavailable, you can omit it; the rolls will still be soft and delicious.
Use dental floss for cutting the dough if you want clean, even slices without deflating the rolls.

Storage

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in an oven at 160°C (320°F) for 5-7 minutes to restore softness and melt the cheese. Avoid microwaving as it can make the rolls chewy.

How to Serve

A single golden-brown swirl bread roll with a slightly glossy surface sits on a white plate with a delicate embossed edge. The roll has visible layers creating a spiral shape, topped with a sprinkling of chopped green herbs. In the background, a tray lined with parchment paper holds more of these bread swirls, showing similar golden tops and herb garnish. The setting includes a wooden rolling pin and some baking tools, all on a white marbled surface. A woman's hand lightly holds the edge of the plate, presenting the roll. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of roasting a garlic head?

While pre-minced garlic can save time, roasting whole garlic develops a much sweeter, buttery flavor that enhances the rolls. For best results, try to roast fresh garlic as directed.

Is it necessary to use both all-purpose and bread flour?

Using a combination of all-purpose and bread flour helps create a dough that is both tender and has good structure. Bread flour adds gluten for chewiness, but if unavailable, all-purpose flour alone can be used with slightly adjusted kneading time.