Cheesy Garlic Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine 230 g (1 cup) lukewarm milk, 50 g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar, and 7 g (2 1/4 tsp / 1 packet) fast action yeast. Crack in 2 eggs. Add 540 g (4 1/4 cups) bread flour, 10 g (1 3/4 tsp) salt, and 75 g (1/3 cup) soft unsalted butter. Knead the mixture for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 2: First Rise

Place the kneaded dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Lightly oil your work surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 53 cm (20.9 inches) by 40 cm (15.7 inches).

Step 4: Prepare and Spread Garlic Butter

In a separate bowl, mix together 140 g (10 tbsp) very soft unsalted butter, 30 g (6 cloves / 2 tbsp) finely grated garlic, 5 g (1 tsp) salt, 8 g (2 tbsp) chopped parsley, and 8 g (2 tbsp) chopped chives. Spread this garlic butter mixture evenly across the rolled-out dough, leaving a tiny border on one side to help with rolling.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Sprinkle 250 g (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the garlic butter. Follow with 120 g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese. Optionally, sprinkle 35-50 g (1/3 cup - 1/2 cup) grated parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Roll and Cut the Dough

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the long side. Roll slowly and tightly, keeping it even to avoid gaps. Trim off any uneven ends. Using a thread or unflavored dental floss, slide it under the log, cross it over the top, and pull to cut the log into 8-12 individual rolls (the video shows 8 rolls).

Step 7: Second Rise

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. Arrange the cut rolls in the prepared pan. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they are visibly puffy.

Step 8: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 190°C (≈375°F) (approximately 375°F) (375°F (≈190°C) (approximately 190°C)). Before baking, lightly brush the tops of the rolls with an egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 tbsp milk or water). Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Step 9: Prepare and Brush Herb Butter

While the rolls are baking, prepare the finishing herb butter. In a small bowl, combine 45 g (3 tbsp) melted salted butter (add a pinch of salt if using unsalted butter), 4 g (1 tbsp) chopped parsley, and 4 g (1 tbsp) chopped chives. Mix well. Immediately after taking the hot rolls out of the oven, brush them generously with this herb butter mixture.

Step 10: Serve

Serve the cheesy garlic rolls warm and enjoy their soft texture and cheesy, garlicky flavor.

• Ensure milk is lukewarm (not hot) to activate the yeast properly.

• Knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic for the best texture.

• Spread the garlic butter evenly, leaving a small border to help seal the roll.

• Roll the dough into a log slowly and tightly to avoid gaps in the filling.

• Use unflavored dental floss or a thread for clean cuts without squishing the rolls.

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.

• Experiment with different cheese combinations like provolone or Gruyère.

• For a sweeter version, omit the garlic and cheese, and fill with cinnamon sugar and butter.