If you love warm, buttery dinner rolls, just wait until you try these soft, cheesy garlic rolls packed with melty mozzarella, savory garlic, and a hint of parsley. They’re golden, gooey, and completely addictive straight from the oven. Whether served with pasta, soup, or as a mouthwatering appetizer, these rolls are the kind of comfort food that disappears fast.
Imagine a tender roll that unravels into soft layers with strings of cheese stretching from every bite… that’s exactly what you get here. This simple recipe transforms everyday bread dough into the ultimate cheesy garlic roll, all with just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort. If you already love homemade rolls, prepare to be obsessed — these are even better.
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Garlic Rolls
Homemade bread is always a win, but adding butter, garlic, and cheese takes things to a whole new level. These rolls check every box:
- Soft and fluffy inside
- Buttery and golden outside
- Loaded with melted mozzarella
- Easy to prepare with store-bought bread dough
- A perfect side dish for any meal
They’re simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests, game day, or holiday dinners. If you enjoy easy recipes that taste like you spent hours on them, this one is for you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just six simple ingredients create layers of flavor inside every roll. Everything is easy to find and requires no special equipment.
Bread Dough
A one-pound loaf of frozen bread dough works perfectly. Once thawed, it rolls out beautifully and bakes into soft, tender rolls. If you prefer, refrigerated pizza dough also works.
Butter
Softened butter spreads easily over the dough and gives the rolls their rich, decadent flavor. Salted butter adds extra seasoning and enhances the garlic.
Garlic
Use either fresh minced garlic or garlic powder. Both bring great flavor — fresh garlic gives a bold kick while garlic powder creates a smoother, milder taste.
Mozzarella Cheese
Freshly shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and gives you that irresistible cheesy pull. Pre-shredded cheese works too, but freshly grated melts creamier.
Parmesan Cheese
Adds a slightly salty, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with garlic and butter.
Parsley
Fresh or dried parsley brings color and brightness to the filling and topping.
How to Make These Cheesy Garlic Rolls
Before beginning, make sure your bread dough is fully thawed. This typically takes about 4 hours at room temperature, depending on the brand. While the dough thaws, set your butter on the counter so it softens.
Once your ingredients are ready, the process is simple and quick.
Step 1 — Roll Out the Dough
Place the thawed loaf on a clean surface and roll it into a rectangle, about 14×10 inches. It doesn’t have to be perfect — just even enough to hold the filling.
Step 2 — Add Butter and Garlic
Spread the softened butter across the entire surface of the dough. Sprinkle the garlic evenly over the butter. This step is where the flavor begins!
Step 3 — Add the Cheeses and Parsley
Sprinkle the mozzarella and most of the Parmesan over the buttered dough, then add the parsley. You’ll save a small portion of each cheese to add on top of the rolls before baking.
Step 4 — Roll and Slice
Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting with the longer side. A snug roll ensures beautiful spirals and an even bake.
Use a serrated knife to cut the log into 9 equal slices. Cutting into thirds, then thirds again, helps keep the rolls the same size.
Step 5 — Arrange and Bake
Place the slices into a greased square baking dish. Leave a little space between each roll so they can rise and expand in the oven.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, then bake until the rolls are golden brown and the centers are fully cooked. If you want to be extra sure, use a thermometer — the dough should reach 190°F in the middle.
Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, though it’s hard to wait when they smell this good.
Serving Suggestions
These cheesy garlic rolls go with almost anything. Enjoy them:
- With spaghetti, lasagna, or ravioli
- Alongside a warm bowl of soup or chowder
- As a game-day appetizer
- With roasted chicken or steak
- Or simply on their own as a cheesy snack
They’re especially incredible with creamy soups like corn chowder or tomato bisque, where you can use the rolls to soak up every last drop.
Storage Instructions
Even though these rolls rarely last long, you can store leftovers easily.
Room Temperature
Keep cooled rolls in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
Refrigerator
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Freezer
Freeze baked, cooled rolls for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
Other Bread Recipes You Might Love
If you enjoy this kind of soft, comforting bread side, here are a few more ideas:
- Garlic toast or garlic knots
- Classic homemade dinner rolls
- Buttery crescent-style rolls
- No-knead artisan bread
- Skillet cornbread for quick dinners
These cheesy garlic rolls are truly one of those simple, comforting recipes that never disappoint. They’re easy, flavorful, and guaranteed to become a go-to favorite.
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Irresistibly Soft Cheesy Garlic Rolls (The Perfect Savory Side Dish!)
- Total Time: 40 min
Description
Soft, buttery, and packed with mozzarella, these cheesy garlic rolls are the perfect savory side for pasta night, soup season, or weekend gatherings. They’re simple to prepare and bake into fluffy, golden spirals filled with garlic and melty cheese.
Ingredients
1 pound bread dough, thawed
1/4 cup salted butter, softened
1 teaspoon minced garlic (or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 teaspoon chopped parsley (fresh or dried)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Place the thawed bread dough on a clean surface. Roll it into a rectangle about 14 × 10 inches.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle the garlic over the butter, spreading it out as needed.
- Add 3/4 cup mozzarella, 3 tablespoons Parmesan, and the chopped parsley over the dough.
- Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Using a serrated knife, slice the log into 9 equal pieces.
- Arrange the rolls in the prepared baking dish, leaving slight space between each one.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the center roll is fully baked.
(Internal temperature should reach 190°F for best accuracy.) - Let cool for a few minutes, then serve warm.
Notes
- Garlic Options: If you don’t have fresh minced garlic, garlic powder works well. Use 1/4 teaspoon.
- Baking Pan Options: A 9×9 square pan is ideal. A 7×11-inch pan also works.
- Dough Options: This recipe also works with a 13.8-ounce tube of refrigerated pizza dough, though the texture will be slightly different.
- Storage:
- Room Temp: 2–3 days, covered
- Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
- Freezer: Up to 2 months
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
I’m a passionate home cook sharing easy, flavorful recipes inspired by my roots and travels — bringing a splash of joy and global taste to every family meal.
