Cheesy Garlic Dinner Rolls Recipe

Fluffy Cheesy Garlic Dinner Rolls Recipe: Homemade Comfort Joy

Soft, pillowy bread meets intense garlic flavor in these mouthwatering cheesy garlic dinner rolls that promise to steal the spotlight at any meal.

Golden-brown edges hint at the delectable experience waiting inside each roll.

Melted cheese weaves through the dough, creating pockets of pure comfort.

Warm from the oven, these rolls carry an irresistible aroma that draws everyone to the table.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of buttery richness and sharp garlic notes.

The combination of herbs and melted cheese creates a simple yet spectacular side dish that elevates any dinner.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of these irresistible rolls.

Fresh Baked Cheese Rolls: Why They’re Irresistible

  • Craft Delicious Comfort: Homemade cheese rolls deliver mouthwatering warmth with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for satisfying hunger with fresh-baked goodness.
  • Quick Family Pleaser: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make these rolls an ideal recipe for busy households, bringing everyone together around the dinner table.
  • Versatile Crowd-Winner: Adaptable for multiple occasions like potlucks, game nights, or casual gatherings, these cheese rolls complement various meal styles and dietary preferences.
  • Beginner Baker Friendly: Foolproof technique allows novice cooks to create professional-looking bakery-style rolls without advanced culinary skills, boosting kitchen confidence.

Fresh Baked Cheese Roll Ingredient Checklist

Main Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: A crucial base that provides structure and texture to the cheese rolls.
  • Yeast: Essential leavening agent that helps the dough rise and develop a light, airy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast activity.
  • Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to the rolls.
Dairy and Binding Ingredients:
  • Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness to the dough.
  • Milk: Provides moisture and helps activate the yeast.
  • Cheese: Adds a savory flavor and creamy texture to the rolls.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Chives: Fresh herbs that contribute aromatic and zesty notes to the rolls.
  • Butter: Used for brushing to create a golden, soft crust with additional flavor.

Baking Fresh Cheese Rolls at Home

Baking Fresh Cheese Rolls at Home

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Grab your stand mixer and attach the dough hook.

Pour in flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.

Crack an egg into the mixing bowl and get ready to create some magic.

Step 2: Activate Yeast Mixture

Gently warm milk until it reaches a cozy 110-115 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pour the warm milk into the dry ingredient mixture.

Knead the dough for 2 minutes on medium speed until everything starts to come together.

Step 3: Build Dough Structure

Gradually add more flour to the mixing bowl.

Continue kneading for another 2 minutes to develop the dough’s texture and strength.

Step 4: Enhance Flavor Profile

Incorporate the remaining ingredients with precision:
  • Shredded cheese
  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped chives

Knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 5: First Fermentation

Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel.

Let it rest and rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes.

The dough should double in size, creating beautiful air pockets.

Step 6: Shape The Rolls

Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles.

Divide the dough into 12 equal portions, rolling each into a perfect ball.

Step 7: Prepare Baking Vessel

Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.

Arrange the dough balls with slight spacing between them.

Cover and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.

Step 8: Preheat Cooking Environment

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Allow it to fully warm up before baking.

Step 9: Bake To Golden Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven.

Bake for 22-27 minutes until the rolls turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 10: Create Delicious Topping

Prepare a luscious coating:
  • Melted butter
  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped chives

Brush this mixture generously over the warm rolls.

Step 11: Final Flourish

Sprinkle a touch of salt over the rolls.

Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the incredible aroma and flavor.

Cheese Roll Tips for Fluffy Results

  • Use high-quality, freshly grated cheese for maximum flavor and melt-ability in your rolls.
  • Precisely warm milk between 110-115F to activate yeast without killing it, ensuring perfect dough rise.
  • Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten, creating tender and soft cheese rolls with consistent texture.
  • Cover dough during rising stages with clean kitchen towel to maintain moisture and prevent surface from drying out.
  • Experiment with different cheese types like cheddar, parmesan, or swiss to create unique taste profiles in your rolls.

Cheese Roll Variations to Try

  • Gluten-Free Cheese Rolls: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free yeast and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Cheese Alternative: Swap dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese. Use almond milk instead of regular milk and replace egg with ground flaxseed mixture.
  • Low-Carb Cheese Rolls: Substitute wheat flour with cauliflower flour or coconut flour. Reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining rich cheese flavor and soft texture.
  • Herb-Infused Variation: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano instead of chives. Add fresh herbs directly into dough for enhanced aromatic profile.

Serving Up Fresh Baked Cheese Rolls

  • Cheesy Bread Companions: Creamy tomato soup makes a perfect dipping partner for these warm rolls, complementing their rich cheese flavor.
  • Flavor Boosters: Spread soft herb butter or garlic aioli on top for an extra burst of savory goodness that enhances the roll's natural cheesiness.
  • Brunch Brilliance: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a delightful weekend morning meal that feels like a gourmet restaurant experience.
  • Side Dish Magic: Pair with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad to create a balanced, satisfying plate that highlights the rolls' warm, cheesy texture.

Storage for Fresh Baked Cheese Rolls

  • Store leftover cheese rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping them fresh and delicious.
  • Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for a quick snack or bread option.
  • Warm refrigerated or frozen rolls in the oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes to restore their soft texture and bring back that just-baked taste.
  • Place a damp paper towel over rolls when reheating to maintain moisture and prevent them from becoming tough or hard.

FAQs

  • Can I make these cheese rolls without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand. Mix ingredients in a large bowl and knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  • What kind of cheese works best in this recipe?

Sharp cheddar or a blend of mozzarella and parmesan are excellent choices. The cheese should melt well and provide good flavor.

  • How do I know if my yeast is still active?

Dissolve yeast in warm milk. If it becomes foamy and bubbly within 5-10 minutes, it’s good to use. If not, discard and get fresh yeast.

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Cheesy Garlic Dinner Rolls Recipe

Cheesy Garlic Dinner Rolls Recipe


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4.5 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Irresistible cheesy garlic dinner rolls blend warm, buttery comfort with zesty herb-infused flavors. Pillowy homemade bread kissed with melted cheese and aromatic garlic promises a delightful side that will elevate your meal and satisfy hungry diners.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (226 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 1/2 cups (366 grams) whole milk
  • 4 cups (500 grams) all-purpose flour

Dough Enhancers and Seasonings:

  • 2 envelopes (4 1/2 teaspoons) rapid-rise yeast
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt

Topping and Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced

Instructions

  1. Combine flour, yeast, sugar, egg, and salt in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, creating a preliminary mixture.
  2. Gently warm milk to precisely 110-115F and stream into the mixing bowl. Engage the mixer, kneading for 2 minutes at medium speed to develop gluten structure.
  3. Gradually incorporate additional flour, continuing to knead for another 2 minutes until dough begins to smooth out.
  4. Fold in remaining flour, cheese, minced garlic, and chopped chives. Continue kneading until dough transforms into a soft, cohesive texture.
  5. Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and allow to rise in a warm environment for 45 minutes until volume doubles.
  6. Deflate dough by gently pressing down. Divide into 12 uniform portions, shaping each into a smooth ball.
  7. Arrange dough balls in a generously greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Drape with kitchen towel, permit second rise for 30 minutes.
  8. Position oven rack in center, preheat to 375F, ensuring consistent temperature.
  9. Bake rolls for 22-27 minutes, rotating pan midway, until surface achieves a rich golden-brown coloration.
  10. Meanwhile, melt butter and blend with finely minced garlic and chives. Brush mixture generously over warm rolls immediately after baking.
  11. Sprinkle with delicate sea salt, serve immediately while maintaining optimal warmth and freshness.

Notes

  • Flour Selection Choose bread flour for higher protein content, creating a more robust and chewy texture in your cheese rolls.
  • Temperature Precision Use a digital thermometer to ensure milk is exactly 110-115F, which activates yeast perfectly without killing it.
  • Cheese Variation Experiment with different cheese types like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or parmesan to customize flavor profiles.
  • Gluten-Free Alternative Swap wheat flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain dough structure and softness.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 205
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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