Name: Garlic Butter Parmesan Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
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 cloves; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup chopped parsley; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 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

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 77 reviews

If you love warm, irresistible breads that bring everyone to the table, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Garlic Butter Parmesan Rolls Recipe. These rolls are a flavorful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, swapping in savory roasted garlic, rich butter, fresh herbs, and ooey-gooey cheese to create a pull-apart delight with crispy edges and tender, fluffy centers. Whether it’s for a family meal, holiday gathering, or simply to brighten up a weeknight dinner, these rolls promise to steal the show and become an instant favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a black pan with a yellow handle filled with cooked garlic cloves. The cloves are in one layer, light golden with some pieces showing darker brown edges from cooking. The texture of the garlic looks soft and slightly shiny, with some pieces breaking apart a little. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Garlic Butter Parmesan Rolls Recipe relies on simple, time-tested ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the tender dough to the luscious filling and irresistible topping, every component is made with love and care.

Whole milk (1/2 cup, lightly warmed): Essential for activating the yeast and adding moisture to the dough for softness.
Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Just enough sweetness to help with yeast activation and gently balance savory notes.
Active dry yeast or instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The magical agent that makes the dough rise into fluffy rolls.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons melted, plus 2 tablespoons for topping): Brings rich, creamy flavor and tenderizes the dough and crust.
Large egg and egg yolk (1 each, room temperature): Adds structure and richness to the dough.
All purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation of the dough, providing strength and chew.
Kosher salt (1 teaspoon plus 1/2 teaspoon for filling): Enhances all the other ingredients and balances the sweetness.
Garlic (4 heads, tops cut off): Roasted to sweet, mellow perfection for the star savory flavor in the filling.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps roast the garlic cloves evenly and adds subtle fruity notes.
Softened unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Blended with roasted garlic for a spread that seeps into every tender layer.
Chopped parsley (1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon for topping): Adds a bright, fresh herbal kick that lifts the richness.
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Adds a subtle kick and depth to the filling.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups, preferably thick-cut): Melts into gooey pockets of cheesy delight inside each roll.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (1 tablespoon plus more for garnish): Adds nutty, salty complexity to the topping and final presentation.
Minced garlic (1–2 teaspoons for topping): Gives a punch of aromatic garlic flavor to finish the rolls beautifully.

How to Make Garlic Butter Parmesan Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Start the Dough

Begin by warming your milk to about 110°F, just warm enough to feel cozy but not hot enough to kill the yeast. Combine the warmed milk, sugar, and yeast in your mixer bowl and let it sit until it’s bubbly and fragrant—this is where the magic starts! If you’re using instant yeast, you can skip the waiting and move right along. After that, incorporate melted butter, eggs, flour, and salt before kneading the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This will take 6 to 8 minutes if using a mixer, or about 10 minutes by hand on a lightly floured surface.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Shape your kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, covering it tightly to keep the warmth in. Find a cozy spot in your kitchen for it to rise until doubled in size, which should take about 1 to 2 hours. This period is essential to developing that pillowy texture everyone loves.

Step 3: Roast the Garlic

While your dough is resting, preheat your oven to 400°F and prepare to roast the garlic heads. Drizzle olive oil over the exposed bulbs, tent them with foil, and roast for 30 to 40 minutes until each clove is golden and tender. Once cool enough to handle, squeeze those softened cloves out of their skins and set aside; this aromatic roasted garlic will become the soul of your filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and roll it out to a 13×8 inch rectangle on a floured surface. Blend the roasted garlic into a paste, then spread softened butter over the dough. Layer on the garlic paste, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper, and finally sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella, lightly pressing it into the surface to keep everything in place.

Step 5: Roll, Slice, and Second Rise

Roll the dough up tightly starting from the long edge, sealing the seam as best as you can. Trim the ends if you prefer more uniform rolls, then slice the log into nine even pieces using a sharp knife or floss for clean cuts. Arrange the rolls in a parchment-lined 9×9 baking dish, cover, and let them rise again until puffy—another 1 to 2 hours of lovely anticipation.

Step 6: Bake and Top the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F, then bake the rolls uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until they are a beautiful golden brown. While baking, mix together melted butter, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, and minced garlic to create a luscious finishing topping. As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with this mixture and sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for that perfect, savory crust.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Parmesan Rolls Recipe

The image shows close-up soft golden rolls with three visible layers of light dough rolled into a spiral shape. Each roll is topped with finely chopped green herbs, small bits of caramelized brown onions or garlic, and a sprinkle of shredded pale cheese giving a slightly melted and textured look. The rolls are packed closely together on a surface with a white marbled texture in the background. The overall appearance is warm and inviting, highlighting the layers and herb details on the soft rolls photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your Garlic Butter Parmesan Rolls recipe presentation pop, sprinkle on extra freshly grated Parmesan and a few fresh parsley leaves right before serving. This adds a burst of color and an extra hit of cheesy, herbal freshness that’s simply irresistible.

Side Dishes

These garlic butter rolls pair beautifully with hearty soups like tomato basil or creamy potato leek, crisp green salads dressed lightly in vinaigrette, or even alongside your favorite pasta dishes. They’re perfect for soaking up sauces or serving as a savory snack on their own.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, consider pulling the rolls apart and serving them family-style in a cast iron skillet right from the oven. You can also drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze or infuse the topping with fresh rosemary or thyme to tailor the rolls’ flavor profile to your mood or occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them soft and fresh, place a slice of bread in the container—it helps maintain moisture and prevents the rolls from drying out.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the fully baked and cooled rolls by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Warm your leftover or thawed rolls in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, loosely covered with foil to keep them moist. Alternatively, a quick 20-second zap in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel can refresh their softness if you’re in a rush.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought garlic paste instead of roasting garlic?

While you can technically substitute store-bought garlic paste, roasting fresh garlic provides a sweeter, more nuanced flavor that really makes this Garlic Butter Parmesan Rolls recipe stand out. If possible, I highly recommend roasting the garlic yourself.

Is it possible to make this recipe without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! Kneading by hand works wonderfully for this recipe. Just prepare for about 10 minutes of hand kneading on a lightly floured surface until your dough is smooth and elastic.

Can I use a different kind of cheese instead of mozzarella?

Yes! While mozzarella melts beautifully, you can experiment with cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar for a different but delicious twist on the flavor.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should roughly double in size and look puffy. To test, gently press a finger into the dough—if the indentation springs back slowly and not completely, your dough is perfectly proofed.

Can I make these rolls gluten-free?

Substituting gluten-free flour for all purpose flour can be tricky because it affects the dough’s texture and rise. If attempting, choose a high-quality gluten-free baking mix designed for yeast breads and expect some differences in the final roll’s chewiness.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about pulling fresh, golden rolls from the oven and watching the melted garlic butter and Parmesan create that perfect savory crust. This Garlic Butter Parmesan Rolls recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you serve it for a special occasion or just because you feel like treating yourself. Give it a try, and I promise these rolls will quickly become one of your all-time favorite homemade breads.