Cheesy Garlic Dinner Rolls are pillowy-soft rolls infused with sharp cheddar cheese, garlic, and chives, topped with a flavorful garlic butter and a sprinkle of kosher salt. These rolls are so delicious that they’re guaranteed to be the star of any meal. The best part? You can whip them up in under two hours! Are you craving more delicious homemade rolls? Check out these Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls!
The Secret to Perfect Cheesy Garlic Dinner Rolls
The combination of sharp cheddar, minced garlic, and chives elevates these dinner rolls to the next level. Each bite delivers bursts of cheesy goodness and savory garlic flavor. The final touch of melted garlic butter and a sprinkle of kosher salt creates a perfect balance that’s hard to resist.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Flour: Use all-purpose flour for structure and texture. While other flours haven’t been tested, experimenting with bread flour may yield chewier rolls.
- Yeast: Rapid-rise yeast (instant yeast) cuts down the rising time to just over an hour, making these rolls quick and convenient.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar offers bold flavor, but milder cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby work too. Opt for thick-cut shredded cheese for noticeable, gooey pockets of melted cheese.
- Garlic and Chives: Minced garlic and fresh chives provide rich, aromatic notes. These flavors are carried through the dough and the finishing garlic butter.
- Kosher Salt: A final sprinkle of salt enhances the flavors and adds a slight crunch, though this can be omitted if you are watching your sodium levels.
Tips for Perfectly Shaped Dinner Rolls
For perfectly round and even rolls, sprinkle your work surface with a little flour. Gently roll each portion of dough into a ball using the cupped palm of your hand. This simple technique ensures uniform rolls that bake evenly and are perfect every time.
Make-Ahead Dinner Rolls: Freezing Dough For Easy Prep
Want to prepare these ahead of time? Freezing the dough is a game-changer! Here’s how:
- Let the dough rise and shape it into rolls.
- Flash-freeze the dough balls on a lined baking sheet.
- Once frozen solid, transfer the rolls to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 1-2 months.
When you’re ready to bake:
- Place frozen rolls on a lined baking sheet.
- Allow them to thaw and rise at room temperature for a few hours.
- Bake as directed, then brush with garlic butter and sprinkle with salt.
Storing and Reheating Cheesy Garlic Dinner Rolls
- Short-Term Storage: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to 4 days, though they may dry out slightly.
- Freezing Baked Rolls: Cool completely, then wrap rolls tightly in aluminum foil and place them in a freezer bag or container. Store for 2-3 months.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen rolls in the refrigerator overnight. Warm in a low oven or microwave before serving to restore their soft texture.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Dinner Rolls for the Perfect Meal
Cheesy Garlic Dinner Rolls are an ideal addition to any meal, whether it’s a holiday spread, a casual weeknight dinner, or a potluck. Their soft texture, cheesy flavor, and savory garlic butter topping make them unforgettable. Plus, the ability to prepare them ahead of time means you can enjoy fresh, homemade rolls without the hassle. Try these pairings that are sure to impress!
- Oven-Roasted Chicken Breasts
- Beef & Barley Soup
- Caprese Chicken Salad
- Brown Butter French Onion Pasta
Cheesy Garlic Dinner Rolls
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, divided, plus extra if needed
- 2 envelopes (4 ½ teaspoons) rapid-rise yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (thick cut)
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, minced
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh chives, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine 3 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, egg, and kosher salt.
- Warm the milk to 110°F–115°F and add it to the flour mixture. Knead on medium speed for 2 minutes, stopping to scrape the bowl as needed.
- Add ½ cup of flour and knead for another 2 minutes on medium speed.
- Add the remaining ½ cup of flour along with the cheddar cheese, garlic, and chives. Knead until the dough is soft and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If the dough is too sticky, add extra flour ¼ cup at a time, kneading after each addition until the dough pulls cleanly away from the sides.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape them into balls. Arrange the balls in the prepared baking dish, leaving space between them. Cover with plastic wrap and let them rise for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Bake the rolls for 22–27 minutes, or until golden brown.
- In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, garlic, and chives. Brush the warm rolls with the garlic butter.
- Sprinkle the tops of the rolls with kosher salt and serve warm.
This recipe is adapted from Iamhomesteader’s Cheesy Garlic Dinner Rolls.
More Homemade Bread Recipes
Sun Dried Tomato Bread
Sun-Dried Tomato Bread – a crusty, hearty delight crafted with sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, asiago cheese, and a hint of garlic, all baked to a perfect golden brown
Simple Rustic Bread
This rustic bread recipe is simply the best. With only 4 ingredients and very little effort, you will be enjoying a warm slice of bread that is crusty on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls
If you’re craving Texas Roadhouse Rolls this homemade recipe is a game-changer. No need to wait for your next restaurant visit—bring the warm, buttery goodness to your home kitchen