Garlic Butter Mozzarella Rolls

These Garlic Butter Mozzarella Rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with gooey melted mozzarella cheese. The dough is enriched with butter, warm milk, and egg, giving it a rich texture, while the garlic butter glaze adds a deliciously savory finish. Perfect as a side dish for soups, pasta, or just as a snack, these rolls are easy to make and irresistibly tasty!

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Resting Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Servings: 8 rolls

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • ¼ cup (70 ml) warm water
  • ¼ cup (70 ml) warm milk
  • 1 teaspoon dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2½ cups (320 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the Garlic Butter Topping:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • ¼ cup (60 g) butter, melted
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon honey

For the Filling & Topping:

  • 1 cup (100 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough:

  • In a bowl, mix warm water, warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
  • Add egg, melted butter, flour, and salt. Mix until combined, then knead into a smooth dough.
  • Cover and let it rise for 40 minutes in a warm place.

2. Prepare the Garlic Butter:

  • In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and honey. Set aside.

3. Shape the Rolls:

  • Once the dough has risen, divide it into 8 equal pieces.
  • Flatten each piece, place a spoonful of shredded mozzarella in the center, and seal into a round ball.
  • Arrange the rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

4. Second Rise:

  • Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for 30 minutes.

5. Bake the Rolls:

  • Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
  • Brush the rolls with egg yolk and sprinkle with poppy seeds.
  • Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

6. Serve:

  • Brush the hot rolls with garlic butter and serve warm. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
  • Pair with soups or pasta dishes for a hearty meal.
  • Enjoy with a side of herbed olive oil for dipping.

Cooking Tips

  • Use fresh yeast for the best rise and texture.
  • Knead the dough well until smooth for soft, fluffy rolls.
  • Don’t overstuff with cheese, or it may leak while baking.
  • Brush with extra garlic butter after baking for extra flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Good source of protein from eggs and mozzarella.
  • Rich in healthy fats from butter and cheese.
  • Contains calcium from dairy ingredients, promoting bone health.
  • Garlic and parsley provide antioxidants and boost immunity.

Dietary Information

  • Vegetarian-friendly.
  • Contains gluten and dairy – not suitable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets.

Nutritional Facts (Per Roll)

  • Calories: 220
  • Protein: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fat: 9g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Calcium: 90mg

Storage

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months. Reheat at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes.
  • Reheating: Microwave for 20 seconds or warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Soft, fluffy, and cheesy – perfect for any occasion.
  • Easy to make with simple ingredients.
  • Garlic butter glaze adds rich, savory flavor.
  • Versatile – great as a side or snack.

Conclusion
These Garlic Butter Mozzarella Rolls are the perfect combination of soft bread, gooey cheese, and savory garlic butter. They’re incredibly easy to make and pair wonderfully with almost any meal. Whether you’re serving them fresh out of the oven or reheating for later, these rolls are sure to be a crowd favorite. Try them today and enjoy a homemade treat that’s bursting with flavor!

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast?
    Yes! Use ¾ teaspoon instant yeast and skip the activation step.
  2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
    Yes, refrigerate overnight and let it come to room temperature before baking.
  3. What can I use instead of mozzarella?
    Cheddar, gouda, or provolone all work well.
  4. Can I use whole wheat flour?
    Yes, but the texture will be denser. Mix half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for better results.
  5. How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
    Make sure to seal the dough tightly around the cheese before baking.
  6. Can I add herbs to the dough?
    Absolutely! Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano or basil for extra flavor.
  7. Can I bake these in an air fryer?
    Yes! Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 12-15 minutes.
  8. What other fillings can I use?
    Try adding cream cheese, sautéed mushrooms, or cooked bacon.
  9. Can I make these sweet instead of savory?
    Yes! Skip the garlic and replace mozzarella with chocolate or sweetened cream cheese.
  10. What’s the best way to store leftovers