Dinner

Cheesy Garlic Butter Pull-Apart Rolls Recipe

ByElara Stone October 25, 2025October 25, 2025

Introduction

These Cheesy Garlic Butter Pull Apart Rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with flavorful mozzarella and parmesan. Perfect for sharing, they make a delicious side or snack with their irresistible garlic butter coating and gooey cheese inside.

A round cast iron pan holds twelve soft, golden brown bread rolls, arranged in a close circular pattern. Each roll has a light bubbly texture with a slightly toasted top, sprinkled with melted cheese that is browned in spots, giving a crispy look. The rolls are touching each other, showing soft edges with some cheese melted between them, creating a warm, fresh-baked appearance. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a block of grated cheese and fresh green parsley nearby, along with garlic cloves and a striped cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
1 tablespoon instant dry yeast
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons salted butter (softened)
1 large egg
3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup salted butter (melted)
4 teaspoons minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Warm the milk by microwaving it in 30-second increments until it reaches 100°F to 110°F, or warm it gently on the stove over medium-low heat.
Step 2: In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the warm milk, yeast, sugar, salt, softened butter, egg, and 2 1/2 cups of the flour.
Step 3: Mix on low speed, increasing to medium once the flour begins to incorporate. Gradually add more flour, a little at a time, until the dough pulls away from the bowl sides. Use between 3 and 3 1/2 cups total. The dough should be soft, elastic, and tacky but not sticky.
Step 4: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased large bowl. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let rise until doubled in size, about 90 minutes.
Step 5: Melt the 1/2 cup of salted butter in a small microwave-safe bowl and set aside to cool while shaping the rolls.
Step 6: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan or 12-inch cast iron skillet. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each into a ball. Use your thumbs to gently press an opening into each ball, add a pinch of shredded mozzarella, then pinch closed to seal.
Step 7: Stir the minced garlic and grated parmesan into the melted butter. Dip each roll into this garlic butter to coat, then place into the prepared pan. Tuck extra mozzarella between the rolls and spoon remaining garlic butter over the tops.
Step 8: Cover again and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
Step 9: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18 to 20 minutes, or until lightly browned on top.
Step 10: Serve the rolls warm or allow them to cool completely before storing.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the garlic butter.
You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar or a blend of cheeses for a different taste.
If you don’t have instant yeast, use active dry yeast but proof it first in warm milk with sugar.

Storage

Store cooled rolls in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to restore softness and warmth before serving.