These irresistible garlic cheese rolls are made from a simple homemade dough, filled with melty garlic-flavored cheese, and finished with melted butter for a golden, flavorful crust.
Why this recipe works
Cheese, bread, and garlic are a natural combination. These garlic cheese rolls are best served warm from the oven so you can enjoy the gooey, pull-apart cheese and soft, tender crumb. They pair beautifully with hearty meals and make a comforting side for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
Serve them with pot roasts, stews, soups, or any main course that benefits from a buttery, garlicky roll. The soft interior and crisp, buttery exterior make them a crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients you will need
For full measurements and the printable recipe, see the recipe card at the end of this post.
Cheese: Garlic-flavored cheese gives these rolls a bold, savory taste, but you can substitute with mozzarella, cheddar, or any cheese that melts well.
Dry ingredients: Use unbleached all-purpose flour for best texture. If you want to experiment with whole wheat, replace no more than half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat to avoid overly dense rolls.
Fats: The recipe uses butter and olive oil. Unsalted butter is recommended; if using salted butter, reduce added salt slightly. Olive oil adds flavor, but neutral oils like vegetable or canola will also work.
How to Make Garlic Cheese Rolls
Step-by-step photos are included to help you visualize the process. Scroll to the recipe card below for exact measurements and the printable version.
- Sprinkle the yeast over warm water and let it sit for a few minutes until it begins to foam.
- When the yeast is foamy, add sugar, garlic powder, melted butter, oil, and salt. Mix, then gradually add the flour and combine using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook or by hand. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover with a soft cloth.
- Allow the dough to rise for about 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an insulated baking sheet with parchment paper for even baking.
- Divide the dough into 18 even pieces. Place a roughly 3/4-inch chunk of cheese into the center of each piece, seal the edges tightly, and place each roll seam-side down on the prepared sheet. Expert tip: using a kitchen scale helps ensure evenly sized rolls.
- Top each bun with a thin slice of the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 11–15 minutes, until the rolls are golden and the cheese is bubbly. Brush with melted butter and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
They are best fresh but will keep up to 4 days in an airtight container at room temperature.
Yes. Substitute bread flour cup-for-cup for all-purpose flour; expect a slightly chewier texture.
Yes. If using active dry yeast, proof it in warm water according to the package instructions before adding other ingredients.
A warm garlic cheese roll brushed with butter and finished with chopped parsley makes a simple, irresistible side that complements many meals.
More Roll Recipes
- Bretzel Rolls
- Parmesan Garlic Rolls
- Homemade Hawaiian Rolls
- Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls
- Homemade Pull Apart Dinner Rolls
- Bunny Rolls
This version was inspired by a popular stuffed cheese bun recipe and updated here with new photos and tips for foolproof results.
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Garlic Cheese Rolls
IMPORTANT – Check the FAQ above for helpful tips before you begin.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water approximately 115°F
- 2 tablespoons instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 8 oz. garlic cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, for brushing
Things You’ll Need
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
- Insulated baking sheet or parchment-lined baking sheet
- Kitchen scale (optional, for even rolls)
Before You Begin
- Garlic cheese adds strong flavor, but any melty cheese like mozzarella or cheddar works well.
- If substituting whole wheat flour, use no more than half whole wheat to avoid dense rolls.
- If you use salted butter, reduce added salt by about 1/2 teaspoon. Olive oil enhances flavor, but neutral oils are acceptable.
Instructions
- Sprinkle yeast over warm water and let sit a few minutes until foamy. Add sugar, garlic powder, melted butter, oil, and salt. Gradually add flour and mix with a dough hook or by hand. Knead about 10 minutes, then place in an oiled bowl and cover.
- Let the dough rise about 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Divide dough into 18 pieces. Place a small chunk of cheese in each, pinch edges closed, and set seam-side down on the baking sheet. Top with thin slices of remaining cheese.
- Bake 11–15 minutes until golden and cheese is bubbly. Brush with melted butter and serve warm.
Nutrition
This recipe was developed and tested in a conventional oven. Oven temperatures and performance vary; an oven thermometer can help ensure accurate baking. For appliances like toaster ovens or countertop ovens, you may need to adjust times and temperatures.
This post originally appeared on Apr 29, 2013 and has been updated with new photos and tips.