First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Prepare the Garlic Butter: While the dough is rising, make the garlic butter. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, oregano, and garlic powder. Stir well and set aside.
Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle about 12×8 inches.
Add the Filling: Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the rolled-out dough, making sure to cover every inch. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese evenly over the dough.
Shape the Rolls: Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 even rolls and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cut-side up.
Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes, allowing them to puff up.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If desired, brush the tops of the rolls with a beaten egg to give them a golden finish. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top and the cheese is melted.
Serve: Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the cheesy, garlicky goodness while they’re still warm!
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Serving: Garlic cheese rolls are perfect as a side dish with any Italian meal like pasta, pizza, or salad. They also make a great appetizer or snack with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or a creamy ranch dressing.
Storing: Leftover garlic cheese rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until the cheese is gooey and the rolls are warm.
Variants:
Herb Garlic Cheese Rolls: Add extra herbs to the dough or garlic butter, such as basil, thyme, or rosemary, for an aromatic twist. Fresh herbs will give your rolls a fragrant, herbal depth that complements the garlic and cheese.
Spicy Garlic Cheese Rolls: For a kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the garlic butter mixture or add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese filling. This will give your rolls a spicy bite that pairs perfectly with the richness of the cheese.
Cheddar and Bacon Garlic Rolls: For an indulgent variation, mix in crumbled cooked bacon with the cheese filling. The smoky, savory bacon will enhance the flavor of the garlic and cheese, making it a real crowd-pleaser.
Vegan Garlic Cheese Rolls: Use vegan butter, a dairy-free cheese alternative, and a plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) to make a dairy-free version of these garlic cheese rolls. You can even add nutritional yeast for a cheesy, vegan flavor.
Stuffed Garlic Rolls: For an even more decadent treat, stuff the rolls with extra ingredients like sautéed spinach, caramelized onions, or cooked sausage. This turns the rolls into a more substantial snack or meal.
FAQ:
1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough and fillings in advance. After rolling and slicing the dough, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate the rolls overnight. In the morning, allow them to rise for about 30 minutes before baking.
2. Can I freeze garlic cheese rolls? Absolutely! After shaping the rolls and placing them in the baking dish, you can freeze them before the second rise. Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, allow the rolls to thaw and rise at room temperature before baking.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese? Definitely! While mozzarella and parmesan are the classic choices, feel free to use any cheese you like. Cheddar, Gouda, or even a blend of cheeses would work wonderfully for a different flavor profile.
4. How can I make the dough fluffier? For an even fluffier texture, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the dough mixture. This will give the rolls a soft and tender crumb.
5. Can I use store-bought dough for a shortcut? Yes, you can use pre-made pizza dough or bread dough as a shortcut to save time. Simply roll it out, add the filling, and follow the remaining steps as usual.
Garlic cheese rolls are the perfect balance of cheesy, garlicky, and buttery goodness. Whether you’re looking for a side dish, appetizer, or snack, these rolls will surely be a hit at your next meal or gathering. With a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have a batch of irresistible rolls that everyone will love!
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