Garlic Butter Parmesan Rolls Recipe
Introduction
These Garlic Butter Parmesan Rolls are soft, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. Filled with roasted garlic and mozzarella, then topped with a buttery parmesan mixture, they make a delicious addition to any meal or a tasty snack on their own.

Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole milk, lightly warmed
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 envelope (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and lightly cooled
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 heads of garlic, tops cut off to expose the individual cloves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, preferably thick-cut
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1-2 teaspoons minced garlic
Instructions
- Step 1: Warm the milk to about 110°F using a microwave or stovetop. In a stand mixer bowl, combine the warmed milk, sugar, and sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit undisturbed for 7-10 minutes to activate the yeast if using active dry yeast. Skip this waiting if using instant yeast.
- Step 2: Add melted butter, egg, egg yolk, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Attach the dough hook and knead on medium speed for 6-8 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, adding flour by tablespoon if too sticky. Alternatively, knead by hand for 10 minutes on a floured surface.
- Step 3: Shape dough into a ball and place in a greased large bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel, then let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
- Step 4: Preheat oven to 400°F. Peel outer skins off garlic heads and place cut-side up in a foil-lined baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and cover with foil tent. Roast for 30-40 minutes until cloves are golden and soft. Cool, then squeeze cloves out of skins and set aside.
- Step 5: Once dough has risen, punch down and roll out on a floured surface into a 13×8 inch rectangle.
- Step 6: In a food processor, blend roasted garlic cloves into a paste. Spread softened butter over dough, leave a small border. Spread garlic paste over butter, then sprinkle parsley, salt, and pepper evenly. Top with shredded mozzarella and gently press it into the mixture.
- Step 7: Roll dough into a tight log from the longest side with seam down, pinch edges to seal. Trim ends if desired to ensure even rolls.
- Step 8: Cut the log crosswise into 9 equal pieces using a sharp knife or unflavored floss.
- Step 9: Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Arrange rolls in dish, cover with plastic wrap and towel, then let rise again in a warm spot until puffy, about 1-2 hours.
- Step 10: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove coverings and bake rolls for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 11: While baking, mix melted butter, chopped parsley, parmesan cheese, and minced garlic in a small bowl.
- Step 12: When rolls are done, immediately brush with the garlic parmesan topping. Garnish with extra parmesan if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, use bread flour instead of all purpose flour for chewier rolls.
- If you prefer less garlic heat, reduce minced garlic in the topping or omit entirely.
- Substitute fresh basil for parsley for a different herb twist.
- Try mixing in cooked crumbled bacon or sautéed mushrooms with the cheese filling for extra savory rolls.
Storage
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F for 10-12 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as this may make the rolls soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen garlic cloves for the filling?
Fresh roasted garlic works best for flavor and texture. Frozen garlic may be too moist and can affect how the filling spreads and bakes. If needed, thaw and dry frozen garlic well before use.
Can I make the dough and rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and do the first rise overnight in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and proceed with the recipe. You can also shape the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight before baking the next day.
PrintGarlic Butter Parmesan Rolls Recipe
These Garlic Butter Parmesan Rolls are soft, fluffy bread rolls filled with roasted garlic, melted mozzarella, and fresh parsley, then topped with a flavorful garlic butter parmesan mixture. Perfect as a savory side or snack, these rolls combine rich buttery garlic flavor with cheesy goodness and are baked to a golden brown perfection for a delicious homemade treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 9 rolls 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole milk, lightly warmed
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 envelope (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and lightly cooled
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Roasted Garlic Filling
- 4 heads of garlic, tops cut off to expose the individual cloves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, preferably thick-cut
Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1–2 teaspoons minced garlic
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: Warm the milk to approximately 110°F using a microwave or stove. In a stand mixer bowl, combine the warmed milk, sugar, and sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit undisturbed for 7-10 minutes if using active dry yeast until bubbly. If using instant yeast, proceed immediately without waiting.
- Prepare the dough: Add melted butter, egg, egg yolk, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Attach the dough hook and knead on medium speed for 6-8 minutes until a smooth dough forms. Add flour by the tablespoon if the dough is sticky. Alternatively, knead by hand for 10 minutes on a lightly floured surface.
- First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel. Let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
- Roast the garlic: Preheat oven to 400°F. Peel off outer papery layers of garlic heads. Place bulbs cut side up in a foil-lined baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and tent with foil. Roast 30-40 minutes until cloves are golden, soft, and tender. Cool, then remove cloves from skins and set aside.
- Roll out the dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it onto a lightly floured surface into a 13×8 inch rectangle.
- Prepare the filling: Pulse roasted garlic in a food processor or blender until smooth paste forms. Spread softened butter over the dough, then spread the garlic paste, sprinkle parsley, salt, and pepper evenly. Finally, evenly layer the shredded mozzarella cheese and gently press it into the mixture.
- Roll the dough: Starting on the longest edge, roll the dough into a tight log with seam side down. Stretch gently if needed and pinch the seam closed. Trim ends if desired.
- Cut the rolls: Using a sharp knife or unscented floss, cut the log crosswise into 9 equal pieces.
- Second rise: Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Arrange the rolls in the dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel. Let rise in a warm place until puffy, about 1-2 hours.
- Bake the rolls: Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove coverings and bake the rolls for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, chopped parsley, grated parmesan, and minced garlic until combined. Set aside.
- Finish and serve: Brush the hot baked rolls immediately with the garlic butter parmesan topping. Garnish with extra grated parmesan if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Warm milk should be about 110°F to properly activate yeast.
- Using instant yeast skips the activation wait time.
- Roasting garlic mellows its flavor and adds depth to the rolls.
- Trim roll ends if they appear uneven for a neater presentation.
- Use parchment paper to catch any melted cheese or filling that may leak during baking.
- Serve rolls warm for best texture and flavor.
- Can substitute mozzarella with other melty cheese if preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently to preserve softness.
Keywords: garlic butter rolls, parmesan rolls, cheesy garlic bread rolls, homemade dinner rolls, roasted garlic bread

