Description

These Garlic Butter Parmesan Rolls are soft, flavorful, and loaded with roasted garlic, melted cheese, and a buttery parmesan topping. Perfect as a savory side or appetizer, these homemade rolls have a tender crumb enriched by whole milk and eggs, and are packed with a delicious garlic butter cheese filling that will delight any bread lover.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

1/2 cup whole milk, lightly warmed
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 envelope (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast or instant yeast
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and lightly cooled
1 large egg, room temperature
1 large egg yolk, room temperature
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt

Roasted Garlic

4 heads of garlic, tops cut off to expose the individual cloves
1 tablespoon olive oil

Filling

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, preferably thick-cut

Topping

2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 tablespoon freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
1–2 teaspoons minced garlic

Instructions

Activate yeast: Warm the whole milk to about 110°F. In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit undisturbed for 7-10 minutes until bubbly if using active dry yeast. For instant yeast, skip this step.
Make dough: Add melted butter, egg, egg yolk, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Attach dough hook and knead on medium speed for 6-8 minutes until smooth. Add flour one tablespoon at a time if dough sticks. Alternatively, knead by hand on floured surface for 10 minutes.
First rise: Shape dough into a ball and place in a greased large bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, 1-2 hours.
Roast garlic: Preheat oven to 400°F. Peel off papery garlic bulb outer layers. Place bulbs cut side up in a foil-lined small baking dish. Drizzle olive oil over garlic and tent with foil. Roast for 30-40 minutes until cloves are golden and tender. Let cool and extract softened cloves from skins.
Prepare dough for filling: Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll out into a 13×8 inch rectangle.
Make filling: Pulse roasted garlic cloves in a food processor until paste forms. Spread softened butter evenly over dough, leaving edges clear. Spread garlic paste over butter, then sprinkle chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Evenly distribute mozzarella cheese on top and gently pat it in.
Roll dough: Roll dough tightly from long side into a log with seam down. Stretch log gently if needed and pinch to seal edges. Optionally trim ends for even rolls.
Slice rolls: Cut log crosswise into 9 equal pieces using a sharp knife or unwaxed floss.
Second rise: Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment. Place rolls cut side up, cover tightly with plastic wrap and towel, and let rise in warm place until puffy, 1-2 hours.
Bake rolls: Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove coverings and bake rolls for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Prepare topping: Combine melted butter, chopped parsley, parmesan, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Stir well and set aside.
Finish rolls: Immediately after baking, brush rolls generously with the garlic parmesan butter topping. Garnish with extra grated parmesan if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Use thick-cut shredded mozzarella for best melty, gooey texture in rolls.
If you don’t have a stand mixer, knead the dough by hand on a floured surface.
Roasting garlic ahead can be done 1 day prior; store cloves wrapped in fridge.
Kneading and proofing times may vary depending on kitchen temperature.
For extra cheesy rolls, sprinkle some mozzarella inside the roll log before slicing.
Use parchment paper in baking dish to prevent leakage and for easy cleanup.
Serve rolls warm for best flavor and texture.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Bread, Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired

Keywords: garlic rolls, cheesy garlic bread, parmesan rolls, homemade bread, roasted garlic rolls, garlic butter rolls, appetizer rolls, mozzarella rolls