Name: Cheesy Garlic Butter Pull Apart Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup milk whole or 2%; 1 tablespoon instant dry yeast; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 3 tablespoons salted butter softened; 1 large egg; 3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup salted butter melted; 4 teaspoons minced garlic (about 4 cloves); 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 19 reviews

There’s something undeniably magical about fresh, warm bread spills right from the oven—but add a cheesy, garlicky twist, and you’ve got a game-changer. This Cheesy Garlic Butter Pull Apart Rolls Recipe is exactly that—a soft, buttery, cheesy delight that’s perfect for family dinners, game days, or just cozying up on the couch. I promise you, once you try this recipe, you’ll find excuses to make it again and again. Let me walk you through why these rolls are my go-to comfort food and how you can nail them every single time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Soft, Tender Dough: The combination of milk and butter in the dough keeps it delightfully soft and tender, making each bite melt in your mouth.
Perfect Garlic Butter Blend: Using fresh minced garlic mixed into melted butter and parmesan adds rich, savory flavor without overpowering the cheese.
Cheesy Pull-Apart Magic: Stuffing mozzarella inside each roll and tucking it between them creates gooey, irresistibly cheesy layers you won’t want to share.
Easy Homemade Approach: No fancy techniques here—just simple, approachable steps that even novice bakers can confidently follow and succeed with.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Pull Apart Rolls, cheesy garlic bread ideas, soft bread rolls with cheese and garlic, homemade pull apart bread recipes, easy cheesy bread rolls - In a black skillet, there are twelve golden-brown bread rolls arranged closely in a circle, each roll topped with melted and browned cheese, showing some uneven crispy textures. The dough looks soft with a light crust, and the cheese adds a slightly rough texture on top of each roll. Around the skillet, there is a wooden board with grated cheese and a green leafy herb in the upper right corner. On the white marbled surface, near the skillet handle, there is a bulb of garlic with some cloves separated. A blue and white striped cloth is placed near the bottom edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Cheesy Garlic Butter Pull Apart Rolls Recipe is in how each ingredient plays its part to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the yeast that gives the dough its airy rise, to the cheeses that provide melty goodness, picking the right ingredients and prepping them correctly can make all the difference.

Milk (whole or 2%): Adds moisture and fattiness, resulting in softer rolls with a richer flavor than water-based doughs.
Instant dry yeast: Provides a reliable, quick rise—just sprinkle it right into the warm milk and watch the magic happen.
Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness to contrast the savory elements.
Salt: Enhances flavor and helps balance the richness of butter and cheese.
Salted butter (softened and melted): Butter is essential here for richness, both inside the dough and in the garlic butter coating.
Large egg: Helps bind the dough and contributes to a tender crumb.
All-purpose flour: The base for the dough, it gives structure while remaining soft enough for pull-apart rolls.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty star of the show inside each roll, creating gooey pockets that are pure comfort food.
Minced garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the butter with flavor—don’t skimp here for that signature taste.
Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish to the garlic butter coating, complementing the mozzarella inside.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how versatile this Cheesy Garlic Butter Pull Apart Rolls Recipe is—whether you like your garlic extra punchy, want to swap up your cheese, or add some herbs, it’s easy to customize. That’s part of the fun; you really can make it your own.

Variation: I sometimes sprinkle chopped fresh rosemary or Italian herbs into the garlic butter for a fragrant, herby twist that pairs beautifully with the cheese.
Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan butter and a dairy-free mozzarella alternative to make it work for lactose intolerance or plant-based diets.
Add Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the garlic butter adds a lovely mild heat that wakes up your taste buds.
Cheese Swap: Try shredded cheddar or pepper jack inside the rolls for a different but still delicious flavor profile.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Pull Apart Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Warm the Milk and Activate the Yeast

I always start by warming the milk gently—either in 30-second bursts in the microwave or on the stove until it’s about 100-110°F. You want it warm but not hot—that’s key because too much heat will kill the yeast. Then, mix in your instant dry yeast and sugar and let it sit for a few minutes to get all foamy and bubbly. This little step means your dough will rise beautifully later on.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

Next, I combine the warm milk mixture with salt, softened butter, egg, and some of the flour, either in my stand mixer or a big bowl if I’m going old school. I start mixing on low and increase speed as the flour incorporates. Add the flour gradually until the dough pulls clean from the bowl but still feels tacky—not sticky! If you don’t have a mixer, no worries: kneading by hand works just as well (I demonstrate my favorite technique in the note below).

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer your dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and tuck it in a warm spot. I usually leave mine to rise for about 90 minutes, or until it’s doubled in size. This is when that yeast magic really happens, giving you soft, airy rolls.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls and Add Cheese

Once your dough has risen, melt that butter for the garlic coating and let it cool a bit so it’s warm but not hot. Then grease a 9×13 pan or cast-iron skillet. Divide the dough into 12 pieces, roll each into a smooth ball, then gently press your thumb into the center, drop in a little shredded mozzarella, and pinch the dough closed to seal in the cheesy surprise.

Step 5: Coat with Garlic Butter and Second Rise

Stir minced garlic and parmesan into the melted butter, then dip each roll into this heavenly mixture before arranging them snugly in your pan. Don’t forget to tuck extra mozzarella between the rolls for that cheesy pull-apart effect! Cover and let them rise again until doubled, usually about an hour.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in your preheated 375°F oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until the tops are just golden brown. When they come out, you’ll have this gorgeous, fragrant tray of rolls that are crisp on top but soft and gooey inside. Resist the urge to wait too long before diving in!

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Garlic Butter Pull Apart Rolls Recipe

Perfect Dough Texture: Aim for dough that’s tacky but not sticky; add flour gradually to avoid a heavy, dense final roll.
Use Fresh Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives a brighter, more vibrant flavor than pre-minced garlic in a jar.
Don’t Rush Rising: Let the dough rise until it’s truly doubled in size; cutting this step short results in tougher rolls.
Seal Cheese Inside Well: Pinch the dough tight around the cheese to avoid leaks and keep your rolls neat.

How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Butter Pull Apart Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little fresh parsley or chopped chives on top after baking—it adds a pop of color and a fresh herb note that balances the rich cheese and garlic beautifully. If I’m feeling fancy, a light drizzle of balsamic glaze can be surprisingly good here too!

Side Dishes

These rolls pair wonderfully with almost anything, but some of my favorite combos include creamy tomato soup, a vibrant green salad with vinaigrette, or a big bowl of pasta. They also stand up well to heartier mains like roasted chicken or meatballs, soaking up all those wonderful sauces.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to bake these rolls right in a cast iron skillet, then serve them with ramekins of marinara or ranch for dipping. Another fun idea is layering different types of cheese between the rolls or adding bits of cooked bacon or herbs inside for a crowd-pleasing twist that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover rolls in a sealed plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. I find they stay soft and flavorful if you gently rewarm them before serving.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully! I usually freeze them before the second rise—shaped and dipped in the garlic butter, then wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When I want to bake them, I thaw overnight in the fridge and allow the second rise on the counter before popping them in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, I like to pop them in a warm oven (around 300°F) for 10-12 minutes. This helps refresh the crust without drying out the insides, bringing back that fresh-baked feeling.

FAQs

Can I make this Cheesy Garlic Butter Pull Apart Rolls Recipe without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix the ingredients in a large bowl with a sturdy spoon until it’s harder to stir, then turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead by hand until it becomes smooth, elastic, and tacky but not sticky. It’s a bit of a workout, but totally doable and very rewarding.
How can I tell when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size, which usually takes around 90 minutes for the first rise and about an hour for the second. If you poke it gently and the indentation remains, it’s ready. If it springs back right away, it needs more time.
Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and shape your rolls, then refrigerate them overnight before the second rise and baking. Just allow them to come to room temperature and finish that second rise before baking for best results.
What’s the best cheese to use in this recipe?

Mozzarella is ideal for meltiness and stretch, but feel free to experiment with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack depending on your flavor preference. Just keep shredded cheeses that melt well.
Can I make these rolls gluten-free?

Making them gluten-free is possible with a good all-purpose gluten-free flour blend, but the texture might differ. You’ll likely need to add xanthan gum or other binders to achieve similar elasticity in the dough.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cheesy Garlic Butter Pull Apart Rolls Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen repertoire because it combines comfort, flavor, and a touch of indulgence that’s easy to make. Whether you’re serving them up at a family meal or bringing a batch to a potluck, these rolls have never failed to impress. So do yourself a favor, roll up your sleeves, and get baking—I have a feeling this will become one of your favorite recipes too!