Name: Garlic Butter Parmesan Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 3 h 30 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 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

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 by microwaving it for 45-50 seconds. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warmed milk, sugar, and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 7-10 minutes until bubbly if using active dry yeast. Skip this resting if you’re using instant yeast.

Step 2: Add the 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 is smooth. Add a tablespoon of flour if the dough sticks too much. Alternatively, knead by hand for 10 minutes on a floured surface.

Step 3: Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap and a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.

Step 4: While the dough rises, preheat the oven to 400°F. Prepare the garlic by peeling off the outer layers, place the garlic heads cut side up in a foil-lined baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and tent with foil. Roast for 30-40 minutes until cloves are soft and golden. Let cool, then squeeze the cloves out of their skins.

Step 5: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn onto a floured surface. Roll into a 13×8 inch rectangle.

Step 6: In a food processor, pulse the roasted garlic cloves into a paste. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then spread the garlic paste, sprinkle with chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Top with shredded mozzarella and gently press it into the dough.

Step 7: Roll the dough tightly into a log starting from the longest side, seam side down. Pinch to seal and trim the ends if desired.

Step 8: Using a sharp knife or clean floss, cut the log into 9 equal pieces.

Step 9: Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Place the rolls in the dish, cover with plastic wrap and a towel, and let rise for another 1-2 hours until puffy.

Step 10: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove covers and bake the rolls for 30-35 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 11: While baking, mix melted butter, chopped parsley, parmesan cheese, and minced garlic in a small bowl to make the topping.

Step 12: When rolls are done, immediately brush them with the topping mixture. Garnish with extra parmesan if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try mixing fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the filling along with parsley.

If you prefer a stronger garlic taste, add more roasted garlic cloves to the paste.

Use instant yeast to save time as it doesn’t require proofing.

Sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top for a subtle heat.

Use a mix of mozzarella and fontina cheese for a creamier texture.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature and rise again before shaping and baking.

Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of roasting fresh garlic?

Roasted garlic offers a sweet, mellow flavor that pre-minced garlic can’t fully replicate. If pressed for time, you can use minced garlic but reduce the quantity and consider adding a touch of butter to mimic the roasted texture.