Name: Cheesy Garlic Butter Parmesan Dinner Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 23 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F is ideal for activating yeast); 1 tsp kosher salt; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 1 tbsp instant yeast (SAF-Instant yeast recommended); 2 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature, about 70°F); 4 cups all-purpose flour (lightly spooned and leveled); 6 tbsp unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly); 3 garlic cloves (freshly grated); 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated); More kosher salt (for sprinkling before baking); 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for color and freshness)

Introduction

Cheesy Garlic Butter Parmesan Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with rich garlic and Parmesan flavor. These homemade rolls are perfect for complementing any meal or serving as a savory snack. With a buttery garlic topping and a golden crust, they’re sure to impress your family and guests.

The image shows a close-up of nine golden brown bread rolls baked closely together in a black cast iron skillet. Each roll has a round shape with a slightly glossy, crispy top that is sprinkled with small bits of green herbs and finely grated cheese, giving a textured look. The rolls are touching each other, forming a flower-like pattern centered in the skillet. The skillet is placed on a white marbled surface, with a gray cloth partially visible underneath it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)

1 tsp kosher salt

2 tbsp granulated sugar

1 tbsp instant yeast

2 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated)

3 garlic cloves (freshly grated)

More kosher salt (for sprinkling)

6 tbsp unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly)

Instructions

Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine 1 1/2 cups warm water, 1 tbsp instant yeast, and 2 tbsp granulated sugar. Stir and let stand for about 5 minutes until creamy to activate the yeast.

Step 2: Add 2 tbsp room temperature unsalted butter, 4 cups flour, and 1 tsp kosher salt to the yeast mixture. Mix on low until just combined, then knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Remove the dough bowl from the mixer and cover with a dish towel. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

Step 4: While the dough rises, melt 6 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low-medium heat. Add the grated garlic and cook until the butter is melted and fragrant, avoiding browning. Brush half of this garlic butter on the bottom and sides of two cake pans or a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 5: Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface and form into a smooth ball. Cut into 16 equal pieces and roll each into a small ball. Arrange the dough balls in the prepared pans.

Step 6: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Let the dough balls rise again for 15 minutes near the warm oven. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven, brush with remaining garlic butter, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and a light sprinkle of kosher salt. Return to the oven and bake 3 to 5 more minutes until deep golden and cooked through.

Step 7: Remove from the oven and, if desired, sprinkle with chopped parsley. Let the rolls cool for 10 minutes in the pan before serving. Best enjoyed fresh on the day they are baked.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of Italian seasoning to the dough before kneading.

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor on top.

If you prefer, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with bread flour to create chewier rolls.

Brush the rolls with extra garlic butter after baking for an even richer taste.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. It will take a bit more effort but works just as well.

Why is the water temperature important?

Water around 110°F activates the yeast effectively without killing it. Too hot water can kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising properly, while too cold water slows down the yeast’s activity.