A swirl of warmth, butter, and golden cheese wrapped in pillowy garlic dough. These Melted Heart Garlic Cheese Rolls are soft on the inside, golden on the outside, and filled with deep roasted garlic flavor and stretchy mozzarella. Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or indulgent snack straight from the oven.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE GARLIC CHEESE ROLLS
These rolls combine slow-roasted garlic butter, enriched dough with egg yolks, and gooey melted cheese. The result is bakery-style rolls that are aromatic, tender, and incredibly comforting.
INGREDIENTS
ROASTED GARLIC BUTTER
1 whole head garlic
1 pinch salt
3 tbsp olive oil
50 g butter, softened
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
DOUGH
90 g warm milk
7 g active dry yeast
1 tbsp honey
200 g all-purpose flour
50 g bread flour
20 g milk powder (optional)
25 g butter, softened
2 egg yolks
1½ tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
FILLING & FINISH
200 g shredded mozzarella cheese
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
INSTRUCTIONS
ROAST THE GARLIC
Slice the top off the garlic head. Place it in a small ramekin, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Cover with foil and roast at 160°C (320°F) for about 2 hours until very soft and golden. Let cool slightly.
MAKE THE GARLIC BUTTER
Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into a bowl. Add softened butter, 2 tablespoons of the garlic-infused oil, and chopped parsley. Mash and mix until smooth. Set aside.
ACTIVATE THE YEAST
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and honey. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
PREPARE THE DOUGH
In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, bread flour, milk powder, sugar, salt, butter, and egg yolks. Add the yeast mixture and knead for 15–20 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
FIRST RISE
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 90 minutes or until doubled in size.
SHAPE THE ROLLS
Roll the dough into a rectangle about ⅛ inch thick. Spread an even layer of roasted garlic butter over the surface, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Roll tightly into a log and slice into 6 equal rolls.
SECOND RISE
Arrange the rolls on a lined baking tray. Cover and let proof for 30 minutes until puffy.
BAKE
Brush the rolls with egg wash. Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and fully baked.
FINISH & SERVE
While still warm, brush with remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with extra parsley if desired. Serve warm for maximum cheese pull.
TIME & DETAILS
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 25 minutes
Proof Time: 2 hours
Servings: 6 rolls
Difficulty: Intermediate
PERFECT FOR
Garlic bread lovers
Holiday tables and dinner parties
Comfort food cravings
Serving alongside pasta, soup, or salads
These Melted Heart Garlic Cheese Rolls are rich, aromatic, and irresistibly soft — one bite and you’ll understand why they disappear fast. 🧄🧀✨