Garlic Cheese Rolls are a delectable treat that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you're hosting a party, looking for a delicious snack, or simply craving a cheesy garlic delight, these rolls are the perfect choice. Imagine biting into a soft, warm roll filled with gooey cheese and infused with the aromatic flavors of garlic. It's a culinary experience that is hard to resist.
Why You'll Love Garlic Cheese Rolls
I make these rolls when I want to impress my guests with a mouthwatering appetizer. My family goes crazy for them because they are incredibly flavorful and satisfying. The combination of garlic and cheese is a match made in heaven, and the rolls are so versatile that you can serve them as a side dish or enjoy them on their own. Plus, they are super easy to make, so you don't have to spend hours in the kitchen to create a delicious treat.
Ingredients
To make these irresistible Garlic Cheese Rolls, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm water
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Feel free to experiment with the ingredients. I sometimes use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, or I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the rolls a little kick. You can also swap the mozzarella cheese with cheddar or any other cheese of your choice. The possibilities are endless!
Directions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
2. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
3. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
6. Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles, then roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface.
7. Spread the minced garlic evenly over the dough.
8. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the garlic.
9. Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll the dough into a log.
10. Cut the log into 12 equal-sized rolls.
11. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving some space between each roll.
12. Cover the dish with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
13. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
14. Brush the melted butter over the risen rolls.
15. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
16. Remove the rolls from the oven and sprinkle them with freshly chopped parsley (optional).
17. Serve the Garlic Cheese Rolls warm and enjoy!
Notes
Through trial and error, I've discovered that using freshly minced garlic adds a stronger flavor to the rolls compared to garlic powder. However, if you're in a hurry, you can substitute the minced garlic with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Additionally, make sure to let the rolls cool slightly before serving, as the cheese filling can be hot.
Variations
I love experimenting with different variations of Garlic Cheese Rolls. One variation I've tried is adding cooked and crumbled bacon to the cheese filling. The combination of garlic, cheese, and bacon creates a heavenly taste. Another variation is substituting the mozzarella cheese with pepper jack for those who enjoy a spicy kick. However, I once attempted to add caramelized onions to the filling, but it resulted in a less desirable outcome. It's all about finding what works best for your taste buds!
Equipment
You don't need any fancy equipment to make these Garlic Cheese Rolls. However, if you don't have a rolling pin, you can use a wine bottle as a makeshift alternative. Just make sure to clean it thoroughly before using it in your kitchen.
Storage
Although Garlic Cheese Rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, I highly doubt they will last that long. In my house, they tend to disappear within hours! For longer storage, you can freeze the rolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Simply thaw them at room temperature and reheat in the oven before serving.
Serving Suggestions
I personally love serving Garlic Cheese Rolls alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup. The combination of the cheesy rolls and the tangy soup is simply divine. You can also serve them as a side dish with your favorite pasta or salad. These rolls are versatile and complement a wide range of meals.
Pro Tips
Through my own kitchen mishaps, I've learned a few valuable lessons when making Garlic Cheese Rolls. One important tip is to not rush the rising process. Allowing the dough to rise for the specified times ensures a light and fluffy texture. Another tip is to resist the temptation to overstuff the rolls with cheese. While it may seem like more cheese is better, it can lead to the filling oozing out during baking. Finally, don't skip the step of brushing melted butter over the rolls before baking. It adds a beautiful golden color and enhances the flavor.
FAQ
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in the same quantity. Just keep in mind that instant yeast may result in a slightly faster rising time.
Q: Can I make the dough in advance and bake it later?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise once, shape the rolls, and then refrigerate them overnight. The next day, let the rolls come to room temperature and rise for the second time before baking.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Of course! While mozzarella and Parmesan cheese work wonderfully, you can experiment with your favorite cheeses. Sharp cheddar, Gouda, or even a combination of different cheeses can take these rolls to a whole new level.
I hope you enjoy making and devouring these delightful Garlic Cheese Rolls as much as I do. They are sure to become a favorite in your household. So, grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and let's get baking!
Garlic Cheese Rolls
Soft, warm rolls filled with gooey cheese and infused with the aromatic flavors of garlic. A delectable treat that is perfect as a snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm water
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Directions
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
-
In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
-
Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
-
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
-
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
-
Punch down the dough, roll it out into a rectangle, spread minced garlic, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, roll into a log, and cut into 12 rolls.
-
Place the rolls in a baking dish, let them rise for 30 minutes, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), brush with melted butter, bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
-
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with parsley, and serve warm.