If you’re looking for comfort food that will wow at any occasion, look no further than Cheesy Garlic Rolls. These fluffy rolls are swirled with melty mozzarella, savory parmesan, and plenty of fresh garlic butter, making them completely irresistible the moment they come out of the oven. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy dinner side or sneaking one straight off the tray, Cheesy Garlic Rolls are bound to become your favorite way to turn any meal into a celebration.

Cheesy Garlic Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things blissfully simple, but each ingredient is carefully chosen to balance richness and flavor. From the pillowy bread dough to the golden parmesan topping, every addition matters for a batch of Cheesy Garlic Rolls you’ll crave again and again.

Bread Dough: Using store-bought or frozen bread dough saves time while still giving you impossibly soft rolls—just make sure it’s fully thawed before starting.
Butter (softened): Softened butter is key for easy spreading and soaks into every bite, making each roll rich and tender.
Minced Garlic: Nothing beats the flavor of real garlic; it perfumes the rolls and infuses every swirl with savory goodness. (Granulated garlic can work in a pinch!)
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melty and stretchy, mozzarella is the star of the cheesy filling and gives the rolls their classic pull-apart texture.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a pop of salty, nutty flavor on top and inside every roll, creating that perfect golden crust.
Chopped Parsley: A small sprinkle of parsley brings freshness and a pop of color that makes these rolls as pretty as they are delicious.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Rolls

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by greasing a 9×9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray or butter. Next, crank up your oven to 350°F so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Trust me, these Cheesy Garlic Rolls bake up beautifully when the oven’s ready to go!

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out your thawed bread dough into a rectangle roughly 14 inches by 10 inches. The thinner and more even you get it, the more delicious cheesy swirls you’ll have in every bite.

Step 3: Butter and Garlic It Up

Spread the softened butter generously over the surface of the dough, making sure to reach all the way to the edges. Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the butter. Take an extra moment to spread it out with your fingers or a spoon—this is where that unmistakable Cheesy Garlic Rolls aroma begins!

Step 4: Add Cheese and Herbs

Now the magic happens. Top the dough with 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella and 3 tablespoons of the grated parmesan. Sprinkle over the chopped parsley for a burst of green and an herby twist that brings the whole filling to life.

Step 5: Roll, Slice, and Arrange

Starting from the long edge, roll up the dough tightly into a log—like you would with cinnamon rolls. Use a serrated knife to carefully cut the log into nine even slices. Arrange them in your greased pan, nestling them in three rows of three. They’ll rise and bake into pillowy perfection!

Step 6: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the top of the rolls. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown, bubbling, and impossibly tempting. Serve your Cheesy Garlic Rolls warm for the ultimate cheese pull experience!

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Rolls

Garnishes

For a final flourish that makes your Cheesy Garlic Rolls even more mouthwatering, add a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or a dusting of parmesan right after baking. A brush of melted butter on top never hurts, and it amps up both shine and flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with hearty pasta dishes, salads, or cozy soups—the gooey cheese and garlic work beautifully with classics like spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, or a big bowl of tomato basil soup. They also make a perfect partner for roasted chicken or a holiday roast.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange Cheesy Garlic Rolls in a circular pattern on a large board with a small bowl of marinara or ranch in the center for dipping. You can also tuck them into a bread basket lined with a pretty cloth napkin for laid-back family dinners—no one will be able to resist grabbing one!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), simply let the Cheesy Garlic Rolls cool to room temperature, then keep them in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days when stored on the counter, or up to a week in the fridge.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in foil or freezer bags once fully cooled. When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat them directly from the freezer for a convenient cheesy snack or side.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-baked magic, warm Cheesy Garlic Rolls in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes (longer if frozen), or microwave in 20-second bursts until hot and melty. A quick brush of butter after reheating revives that bakery-fresh taste!

FAQs

Can I use pizza dough instead of bread dough?

Yes, you absolutely can! Store-bought pizza dough works well and gives a slightly different texture, but it’s still delicious. Just follow the same instructions and enjoy the shortcut.

Can I make Cheesy Garlic Rolls ahead of time?

You sure can! Assemble the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed for an easy, freshly baked treat.

What if I don’t have fresh garlic on hand?

No worries—use 1/4 teaspoon of granulated garlic or garlic powder as a substitute. While the flavor is a little milder, your Cheesy Garlic Rolls will still be crave-worthy.

Can I add other cheeses or ingredients?

Absolutely! Try adding a bit of fontina or cheddar to mix up the flavor. Some folks love a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, or a handful of cooked bacon bits for a savory twist.

Why did my rolls turn out dense?

If your rolls didn’t rise enough, the dough may have been too cold or under-proofed. Make sure your dough is fully thawed and given a little time to puff up before baking for the fluffiest Cheesy Garlic Rolls.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to win hearts at your next meal, Cheesy Garlic Rolls are the way to go. So soft, buttery, and packed with cheesy, garlicky goodness, they’re comfort food done right. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if you start making them on repeat!

Cheesy Garlic Rolls Recipe

Print Recipe

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5.2 from 10 reviews

These soft and cheesy garlic rolls are filled with a savory blend of butter, mozzarella, and just the right amount of garlic! They’re the perfect side for any meal and irresistible fresh out of the oven.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 42 minutes
Yield: 9 rolls
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Bread Dough:

1 pound bread dough

Filling:

1/4 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon minced garlic*
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
1 teaspoon chopped parsley

Instructions

Thaw Dough: Before starting, ensure the frozen bread dough is completely thawed as per package instructions.
Prepare Pan: Grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray and preheat the oven to 350°F.
Roll Out Dough: Place the thawed bread dough on a clean surface and roll it out to a rectangle (approximately 14 inches by 10 inches).
Spread Butter and Garlic: Spread the softened butter on top of the dough, then sprinkle the minced garlic on top.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella, 3 tablespoons of parmesan, and the parsley over the dough.
Roll and Slice: Roll the dough tightly, then cut it into 9 equal slices using a serrated knife.
Bake: Place the rolls in the prepared pan, sprinkle with remaining cheeses, and bake for 22-25 minutes.
Serve: Enjoy warm!

Notes

If you don’t have fresh minced garlic, you can use 1/4 teaspoon of granulated garlic instead.
A 9×9 inch square baking dish is recommended, but you can use a 7×11-inch pan if needed.
This recipe was also tested with a 13.8-ounce tube of refrigerated pizza dough, yielding great results.