1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Cheesy Garlic Rolls

Fresh Baked Cheese Rolls

Featured in Freshly Baked Breads.

These homemade dinner rolls are a cheese lover's dream. Each roll is soft and fluffy, loaded with sharp cheddar and fresh garlic, then topped with garlic butter and chives. While they take about 2 hours to make, most of that is rising time, and the results are absolutely worth the wait.

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:11:23 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
A white dish filled with golden, cheesy biscuits, some of which are oozing cheese, garnished with fresh parsley. Pin it
A white dish filled with golden, cheesy biscuits, some of which are oozing cheese, garnished with fresh parsley. | recipesbyclare.com

Cheesy Garlic Dinner Rolls are soft, pillowy rolls infused with sharp cheddar cheese, garlic, and chives, brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with salt. Perfect for any meal, these rolls are quick to make and irresistibly delicious. Sharing them might be the hardest part!

Pure Comfort In Every Bite

These dinner rolls combine the richness of sharp cheddar with the savory kick of garlic and chives. The melted cheese pockets add texture and flavor, while the garlic butter topping and sprinkle of salt elevate these rolls into a gourmet delight everyone will crave.

Essential Ingredients Required

  • All-Purpose Flour: 2½ cups (312g) unbleached flour, protein content 10-12%, sifted and at room temperature (68-72°F/20-22°C) for optimal gluten development
  • Active Dry Yeast: 2¼ teaspoons (7g) fresh rapid-rise yeast, checked for activity before use, stored properly sealed
  • Sharp Cheddar: 1 cup (113g) freshly grated aged cheddar (minimum 12 months), coarse shred for visible pockets, room temperature
  • Fresh Garlic: 2 large cloves (10g) finely minced, ensuring even distribution of flavor, divided between dough and topping
  • Fresh Chives: 2 tablespoons (6g) finely chopped, bright green and crisp, measured after chopping
  • Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons (57g) European-style butter (82% fat), melted but not hot (110°F/43°C)
  • Kosher Salt: 1½ teaspoons (9g) Diamond Crystal kosher salt for dough, plus extra for topping

Master Perfect Roll Making

Create Perfect Dough Base
Mix flour with yeast in large bowl. Heat water to exactly 110°F (43°C). Add water gradually while mixing, incorporating garlic and chives. Knead 8-10 minutes until dough passes window pane test. Maintain dough temperature 75-78°F (24-26°C).
First Rise Excellence
Place dough in lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Let rise 60 minutes at 75°F (24°C) until doubled. Dough should spring back slowly when pressed, leaving slight indentation.
Shape With Precision
Divide dough into 12 equal portions (65g each). Shape into tight balls using cupped palm technique. Surface should be smooth and tension evident. Rest 5 minutes if dough resists.
Cheese Integration
Flatten each ball, add 1 tablespoon (9g) cheese to center. Pinch edges to seal completely, reshape into smooth ball. Ensure no cheese is exposed to prevent leaking.
Perfect Second Rise
Arrange rolls in 9x13-inch pan, edges touching. Cover loosely. Rise 15 minutes at 75°F (24°C) until puffy but not doubled.
Bake To Perfection
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C). Brush immediately with garlic butter mixture (110°F/43°C). Sprinkle with kosher salt while warm.

Smart Make Ahead Options

To save time, freeze the dough balls after the first rise. Arrange on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw, let rise, and bake as instructed for fresh rolls anytime.

Proper Storage Guidelines

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze them. To freeze, wrap cooled rolls in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

A bowl of golden-brown, shiny dinner rolls topped with sesame seeds and parsley, some rolls are partly broken open to reveal their fluffy interior. Pin it
A bowl of golden-brown, shiny dinner rolls topped with sesame seeds and parsley, some rolls are partly broken open to reveal their fluffy interior. | recipesbyclare.com

Versatile Serving Ideas

Serve these cheesy garlic dinner rolls alongside soups, salads, or hearty main courses. They're versatile enough for everyday meals yet elegant enough for special occasions. Add them to your menu, and they're sure to become a favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why does the milk need to be warm?

Warm milk (110-115°F) activates the yeast properly. Too hot will kill the yeast, too cold won't activate it enough for proper rising.

→ Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

You can prepare them up to the second rise, then refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and complete the final rise before baking.

→ How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size during each rise. Gently poke it with your finger - if the indent stays, it's ready.

→ Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes, freeze them after baking. Thaw completely and warm in the oven before serving. Add the garlic butter after reheating.

→ Why is my dough too sticky?

Dough consistency can vary based on humidity. Add flour gradually until it pulls away from the bowl but stays soft and pliable.

Cheesy Garlic Rolls

Pillowy soft dinner rolls packed with sharp cheddar, fresh garlic, and chives, then brushed with garlic butter. The perfect side for any meal.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
27 Minutes
Total Time
47 Minutes


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 rolls)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour, divided.
02 2 envelopes (4½ teaspoons) rapid-rise yeast.
03 ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar.
04 1 large egg, room temperature.
05 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
06 1½ cups (366g) whole milk.
07 2 cups (226g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded.
08 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced.
09 1 tablespoon fresh chives, minced.
10 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted.
11 1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced.
12 1 teaspoon fresh chives, minced.
13 1 teaspoon kosher salt.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix 3 cups flour, yeast, sugar, egg, and salt in stand mixer with dough hook.

Step 02

Warm milk to 110-115°F and add to mixture. Knead 2 minutes at medium speed.

Step 03

Add ½ cup flour, knead 2 more minutes.

Step 04

Mix in remaining flour, cheese, garlic, and chives. Knead until soft dough forms.

Step 05

Cover, let rise 45 minutes until doubled.

Step 06

Punch down dough. Divide into 12 balls.

Step 07

Place in greased 9x13 pan. Cover, rise 30 minutes.

Step 08

Heat oven to 375°F.

Step 09

Bake 22-27 minutes until golden.

Step 10

Mix melted butter with garlic and chives. Brush on warm rolls.

Step 11

Sprinkle with salt and serve warm.

Notes

  1. Add flour gradually if dough is sticky.
  2. Can be prepped ahead through second rise and refrigerated overnight.

Tools You'll Need

  • Stand mixer with dough hook.
  • 9x13 baking dish.
  • Pastry brush.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (milk, cheese, butter).
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 293
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 10 g