There’s something magical about freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen. Now, imagine that bread infused with garlic butter, stuffed with gooey cheese, and topped with fragrant herbs—pure heaven! These Cheesy Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls are the kind of comfort food that brings everyone to the table with a smile. Whether you’re making them for a holiday feast, a cozy family dinner, or just because, these golden pillows of joy are guaranteed to steal the spotlight.
What Is Cheesy Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls
Cheesy Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy bread rolls filled with melted cheese, brushed with garlic butter, and sprinkled with fresh herbs. They’re baked until golden brown and slightly crispy on top, while staying soft and cheesy inside. Think of them as a combination of garlic bread and pull-apart rolls, with an irresistible twist of cheese.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
These rolls are not just bread; they’re an experience. Each bite bursts with buttery garlic flavor, stretchy melted cheese, and the comforting warmth of homemade bread. You’ll love them because:
- They’re perfect for both casual dinners and fancy holiday spreads.
- They can be customized with your favorite cheeses and herbs.
- They’re freezer-friendly, so you can make them ahead of time.
- They’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser—kids and adults alike can’t resist them.
How Does It Taste?
Soft, pillowy bread meets rich, garlicky butter, with gooey melted cheese in the center. The herbs add freshness and brightness that balance the richness. The outside is slightly crisp, while the inside is warm, fluffy, and cheesy. If comfort food had a perfect definition, this would be it.
Health & Ingredient Benefits
While these dinner rolls are indulgent, many of the ingredients bring benefits:
- Garlic: Supports immune health and has natural antibacterial properties.
- Fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or basil): Rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
- Cheese: Provides calcium and protein.
- Homemade bread dough: Free of preservatives found in store-bought options.
Of course, moderation is key—but enjoying these rolls occasionally can be both comforting and nourishing for the soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (plus more for brushing)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese cubes (or your preferred melting cheese)
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook
- Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan
- Pastry brush
- Sharp knife or dough cutter
Optional Substitutions & Additions
- Cheese: Swap mozzarella with cheddar, Gruyère, or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Herbs: Use rosemary, thyme, or dill for unique flavor profiles.
- Butter: Try garlic-infused olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- Toppings: Sprinkle sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or red pepper flakes.
How to Make
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
- Make the dough: Add flour, egg, melted butter, and salt. Mix and knead until smooth and elastic (8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a stand mixer).
- First rise: Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
- Shape the rolls: Divide dough into 16 pieces. Flatten each piece slightly, add a cube of cheese, and pinch edges to seal. Roll into a ball.
- Second rise: Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Cover and let rise again until puffy (about 30 minutes).
- Prepare garlic butter: Melt butter, stir in minced garlic and chopped parsley.
- Bake: Brush rolls with garlic butter, sprinkle Parmesan on top if using, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Final touch: Brush again with garlic butter after baking for extra flavor.
What to Serve With
These rolls are versatile and can be served with:
- Soups (like tomato, minestrone, or chicken noodle)
- Pasta dishes (lasagna, spaghetti, or Alfredo)
- Holiday dinners (roast turkey, ham, or beef)
- As a snack with marinara or ranch dip
Tips for Success
- Use warm (not hot) milk to activate yeast without killing it.
- Seal the cheese inside tightly to prevent leaks while baking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—give rolls space to expand.
- Brush generously with garlic butter for maximum flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the second rise: This makes rolls dense instead of fluffy.
- Adding too much flour: Results in dry, tough rolls.
- Using pre-shredded cheese: It doesn’t melt as well as block cheese.
- Overbaking: Watch closely to keep them soft and golden, not hard.
How to Store & Reheat
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps for 4–5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
- Reheating: Wrap rolls in foil and warm in oven for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough, shape the rolls, and refrigerate overnight. Let them rise at room temperature before baking.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella gives the best gooey pull, but Gruyère, cheddar, or provolone also work beautifully.
Can I make them without cheese?
Absolutely—just bake them plain and brush with garlic butter for classic garlic rolls.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but mix it with at least 50% all-purpose flour to keep the rolls fluffy.
Nutritional Info (approximate per serving)
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Sugar: 3g
Conclusion
Cheesy Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls are the kind of recipe that transforms any meal into a special occasion. With their golden crust, gooey cheese center, and irresistible garlic herb butter, they’re bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving them at Thanksgiving, Sunday dinner, or a casual weeknight meal, these rolls promise to deliver comfort and joy in every bite.
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Cheesy Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Every Occasion
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 rolls 1x
Description
Soft, fluffy Cheesy Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls stuffed with gooey cheese, brushed with garlic butter, and baked to golden perfection. The ultimate side dish for any meal!
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
2 tbsp sugar
1 large egg
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (plus more for brushing)
1 tsp salt
1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese cubes
3 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour, egg, melted butter, and salt. Knead until smooth and elastic.
3. Cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
4. Divide dough into 16 pieces. Flatten each, add cheese, and seal. Roll into balls.
5. Place rolls in a greased 9×13 dish. Cover and let rise 30 minutes.
6. Mix melted butter, garlic, and parsley.
7. Brush rolls with garlic butter, sprinkle Parmesan, and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.
8. Brush with more garlic butter before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, try mixing cheddar with mozzarella.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread, Side Dish
Keywords: cheesy garlic rolls, garlic herb dinner rolls, stuffed cheese bread, homemade dinner rolls, pull-apart bread recipe
