Description
These Cheesy Garlic Butter Pull Apart Rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with gooey melted mozzarella and savory garlic parmesan butter. Perfect as a delicious appetizer or side, these homemade rolls are easy to make with a yeast dough, buttery garlic sauce, and cheesy filling that bake to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 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
Filling & Topping
- 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
- Warm the milk: Microwave 1 cup milk in 30-second intervals until it reaches 100℉ to 110℉, or warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Mix dough ingredients: In a large bowl or stand mixer with a dough hook, combine warm milk, yeast, sugar, salt, softened butter, egg, and 2 1/2 cups flour to start. Mix on low speed until flour incorporates, then increase to medium.
- Add remaining flour: Gradually add more flour until the dough pulls from the bowl and is soft, elastic, and tacky but not sticky, using 3 to 3 1/2 cups total.
- First rise: Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let rise for about 90 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Melt butter for garlic sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/2 cup salted butter and set aside to cool.
- Shape the rolls: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch pan or 12-inch cast iron skillet. Divide dough into 12 equal pieces, roll each into balls, press a thumb-sized indentation, fill with a pinch of shredded mozzarella, and seal the dough over the cheese.
- Prepare garlic butter and assemble: Stir minced garlic and parmesan cheese into the melted butter. Dip each roll into the garlic butter, place in the prepared pan, and tuck extra mozzarella between the rolls. Spoon remaining garlic butter on top.
- Second rise: Cover rolls again and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18 to 20 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through.
- Serve: Enjoy warm or let cool completely. Store cooled rolls in a plastic bag for 3 to 4 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
- Dough consistency should be soft and tacky but not sticky; adjust flour as needed.
- Using a cast iron skillet adds a nice crust but a 9×13 baking pan works well too.
- Pressing the center of dough balls and filling with mozzarella ensures cheesy pull-apart rolls.
- Extra garlic butter brushed on top enhances flavor and browning.
- Store leftovers in a sealed bag to keep rolls soft.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cheesy Pull Apart Rolls, Garlic Butter Rolls, Mozzarella Rolls, Homemade Bread, Dinner Rolls, Cheese Bread
