Chef Mitchell preparing Cheesy Garlic Bread Rolls
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the joy of making cheesy garlic bread rolls during my culinary training in Italy. The aroma of fresh garlic and melting cheese wafting through the kitchen was irresistible. After perfecting this recipe over the years, I can finally share it with you. It's a crowd-pleaser that brings friends and family together around the table."

With a passion for Italian cuisine, I have spent over a decade creating and perfecting recipes that celebrate traditional flavors. My expertise in appetizer recipes draws from my experiences in Italy and my culinary education. I believe in using high-quality ingredients to enhance every dish.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Cheesy Garlic Bread Rolls served on a plate

Why This Cheesy Garlic Bread Rolls Recipe Works

This recipe combines soft, fluffy dough with a rich cheesy filling that makes every bite irresistible. The balance of flavors from the garlic, herbs, and cheeses creates a savory delight that pairs perfectly with a wide variety of meals. Furthermore, the rolls are straightforward to make, making them accessible even for novice bakers.

The technique of letting the dough rise twice is crucial for achieving a light texture. Mixing the cheeses ensures a gooey, melty filling that complements the crust beautifully. Each roll is packed with flavor, making them a standout choice for any gathering or dinner.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, use room temperature ingredients and allow the dough to rise in a warm environment. This helps activate the yeast properly, resulting in a fluffy texture. Additionally, don't skip on brushing the rolls with melted butter before serving for added richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the rolls ahead of time. After shaping the rolls, place them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Allow them to rise at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This way, you can enjoy fresh rolls without the last-minute rush.

If you don't have mozzarella cheese, you can substitute it with provolone or fontina cheese for similar meltiness. Both cheeses have a mild flavor that pairs well with the garlic and herbs in the recipe.

The rolls are done when they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped. You can also use a kitchen thermometer; the internal temperature should read about 190°F (88°C) when fully baked.

Yes, you can freeze the rolls either before or after baking. For unbaked rolls, arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. For baked rolls, let them cool completely before wrapping in foil or freezer-safe bags. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

These rolls pair wonderfully with marinara sauce or a fresh salad. They also complement Italian dishes like spaghetti or lasagna, making them a versatile addition to your meal. Consider serving them with a variety of dips for a fun appetizer platter.

Cheesy Garlic Bread Rolls can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh, make sure they are tightly wrapped or placed in an airtight container. Reheat them gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and shape the rolls in advance. After the first rise, shape the rolls and place them in the refrigerator overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking to achieve the best texture.

The best way to reheat the rolls is to place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will keep them soft and restore their cheesy, gooey filling without drying them out.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your rolls turn out dry, it may be due to overbaking or too much flour in the dough.

Solution: Make sure to measure your flour accurately and check on the rolls a bit earlier than the recommended baking time to avoid overbaking.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the rolls are not getting crispy enough, they may have too much moisture.

Solution: Try baking them a little longer or placing them under the broiler for the last few minutes. Just watch them closely to prevent burning.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If the rolls are overcooked, they will be hard and dry.

Prevention: To prevent this, always keep an eye on the rolls towards the end of the baking time and use a kitchen thermometer to check for doneness.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: Undercooked centers can happen if the rolls are too large or if the oven temperature is too high.

Recovery: To fix this, make smaller rolls or lower the oven temperature slightly and extend the baking time, ensuring the centers cook through.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: A burnt exterior suggests that the rolls have been in the oven too long or at too high a temperature.

Prevention: To prevent burning, reduce the temperature of your oven and cover the rolls with aluminum foil if they are browning too quickly.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the rolls taste too sweet, reduce the amount of sugar in the dough next time.

Too Salty: If the rolls are too salty, try decreasing the salt in the dough and filling.

Bland: If the rolls are bland, enhance the flavor with more garlic, herbs, or seasoning in the cheese filling.

Fresh ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Bread Rolls

Essential Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Bread Rolls

The success of Cheesy Garlic Bread Rolls lies in the quality of ingredients used. Fresh garlic, a mix of cheeses, and high-grade flour will enhance the flavor and texture significantly. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of taste.

For the best rolls, opt for real butter instead of margarine and consider using freshly grated cheese for a richer taste. The freshness of the herbs also impacts the overall flavor, so using dried herbs is a good alternative if fresh isn't available.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Flour: Use all-purpose flour for the best texture. Make sure to spoon and level the flour in your measuring cup to avoid packing too much into it.
  • Cheese: A combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar provides a great flavor profile. Opt for block cheese and shred it yourself for optimal meltiness.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for this recipe. Mince it finely to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the filling for maximum flavor.
Cooking process for Cheesy Garlic Bread Rolls

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Cheesy Garlic Bread Rolls involves mixing, kneading, and baking. Each step is simple and straightforward, making it easy for anyone to follow. Allowing the dough to rise properly is key to achieving that fluffy texture.

Ensure your oven is preheated for even cooking, and remember to check on the rolls as they bake. The golden brown crust is a good indicator, but every oven is different, so adjust as necessary to get the perfect result.

Key Technique for Perfect Cheesy Garlic Bread Rolls

The most important technique for these rolls is the proper rising of the dough. Allowing the dough to rise twice ensures that it develops a light and airy structure, which is crucial for achieving that tender and fluffy interior.

Cheesy Garlic Bread Rolls

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    For brushing
  • 4 cloves garlic
    Minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
    Fresh
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
    For flavor

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    For the dough
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    For filling
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    For filling
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
    Melted
  • 2 cloves garlic
    Minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
    For flavor
  • 1 tsp salt
    To taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
    To taste
  • 1/2 cup warm water
    For activating yeast

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast

    In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.

  2. Prepare Dough

    In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, oregano, and black pepper. Add the melted butter, activated yeast mixture, and beaten egg. Mix until a dough forms.

  3. Knead Dough

    Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  4. Let Dough Rise

    Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.

  5. Prepare Filling

    In a small bowl, mix the mozzarella, Parmesan, cheddar cheese, minced garlic, and parsley.

  6. Shape Rolls

    Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into small balls. Flatten each ball, add a spoonful of cheese filling, and roll it up tightly.

  7. Arrange Rolls

    Place the rolls seam-side down on a greased baking sheet, cover, and let them rise for another 15 minutes.

  8. Bake

    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

  9. Serve

    Remove from the oven, brush with additional melted butter, and serve warm.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store any leftover Cheesy Garlic Bread Rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain their texture, reheat them in the oven rather than the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cheesy Garlic Bread Rolls warm with marinara sauce for dipping. They complement a variety of Italian dishes such as pasta and salad, making them a versatile appetizer.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like gouda or add herbs such as basil or thyme. You can also try adding cooked spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.