Imagine pulling apart a warm, buttery roll, filled with melty cheese and fragrant garlic butter, with golden swirls that are soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. The smell alone is enough to make your mouth water!
These Cheesy Garlic Swirl Rolls are the perfect side dish for pasta, soup, or even as a standalone snack. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a holiday dinner, or a cozy night in, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make these irresistible, homemade Cheesy Garlic Swirl Rolls from scratch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Soft & Buttery – Light, fluffy rolls with a rich, buttery texture. ✔️ Loaded with Cheese & Garlic – The perfect balance of savory flavors. ✔️ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and easy steps. ✔️ Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. ✔️ Customizable – Swap out cheeses, add herbs, or experiment with flavors.
Advertisement
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough
Ingredient
Quantity
Warm milk
1 cup
Active dry yeast
2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet)
Granulated sugar
2 tablespoons
Unsalted butter (melted)
¼ cup
Salt
1 teaspoon
Egg
1
All-purpose flour
3 ½ cups
For the Garlic Butter Filling
Ingredient
Quantity
Unsalted butter (softened)
½ cup
Garlic (minced)
3 cloves
Fresh parsley (chopped)
2 tablespoons
Parmesan cheese (grated)
½ cup
Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
1 cup
Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon
For the Topping
Ingredient
Quantity
Butter (melted)
2 tablespoons
Parmesan cheese
¼ cup
Garlic powder
½ teaspoon
Essential Kitchen Tools
To make these Cheesy Garlic Swirl Rolls, you’ll need:
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cheesy Garlic Swirl Rolls
1. Activate the Yeast
Warm the milk to 110°F (45°C).
Stir in sugar and yeast, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, and salt.
Add the yeast mixture and gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time.
Knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is soft and elastic.
3. Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it.
Let it rise for 1 hour until it doubles in size.
4. Prepare the Garlic Butter Filling
Mix together softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, and Italian seasoning in a bowl.
5. Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
6. Spread the Filling & Roll
Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the dough.
Roll it tightly into a log from the long side.
7. Cut and Arrange the Rolls
Slice into 12 even rolls and place them in a greased 9×13-inch pan.
Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
8. Bake the Rolls
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
9. Add the Topping
Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garlic powder.
Serve warm and enjoy!
The Secret to Soft and Fluffy Rolls
✔️ Use warm (not hot) milk – Helps activate the yeast properly. ✔️ Let the dough rise fully – This ensures a light and airy texture. ✔️ Brush with butter before and after baking – Adds softness and richness.
How to Achieve the Perfect Cheesy Swirl
✔️ Spread the filling evenly – Ensures every bite has flavor. ✔️ Roll the dough tightly – Helps keep the cheese inside. ✔️ Use a sharp knife – Clean cuts prevent squished rolls.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Ingredient
Substitutes
Mozzarella
Cheddar or Gruyère
Fresh garlic
Garlic powder
Italian seasoning
Basil and oregano mix
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
Nutritional Information Breakdown
Nutrient
Amount per Serving
Calories
~320
Protein
8g
Carbohydrates
35g
Fat
15g
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Refrigerate overnight and bake fresh in the morning.
2. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, but homemade tastes better!
Advertisement
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Now that you know how to make Cheesy Garlic Swirl Rolls, it’s time to bake a batch!
Warm, buttery, and loaded with melty cheese and fragrant garlic, these Cheesy Garlic Swirl Rolls are the perfect comfort food. With a soft, fluffy texture and a golden, crispy exterior, they make an irresistible side dish or snack for any occasion!
Advertisement
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
1 cup warm milk
2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Garlic Butter Filling:
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Topping:
2 tablespoons butter (melted)
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Activate the Yeast:
Warm the milk to 110°F (45°C) and stir in sugar and yeast.
Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, and salt.
Add the yeast mixture and gradually mix in flour, one cup at a time.
Knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is soft and elastic.
Let the Dough Rise:
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Filling:
Mix softened butter, garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, and Italian seasoning in a bowl.
Roll Out the Dough:
Lightly flour a clean surface and roll dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
Spread the Filling & Roll:
Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the dough.
Roll it tightly into a log from the long side.
Cut and Arrange the Rolls:
Slice into 12 even rolls and place in a greased 9×13-inch pan.
Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake the Rolls:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Add the Topping:
Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garlic powder.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Use warm (not hot) milk to activate the yeast properly.
Allow the dough to rise fully for a soft and airy texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
