Introduction
Welcome to the delightful world of homemade Garlic Swirl Rolls! There’s something incredibly comforting about fresh, warm rolls filled with aromatic garlic and gooey cheese. These rolls not only make your kitchen smell heavenly, but each bite offers a burst of flavor that is simply irresistible. Perfect for family gatherings, cozy dinners, or simply as a treat to yourself, these garlic-infused treats are bound to become a staple in your home.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F to 115°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls
Directions and Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm milk. Allow it to stand for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and alive.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Pour in the melted butter, the egg, and the frothy yeast mixture.
- Mix the ingredients together until a dough starts to form. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the garlic cheese mixture by combing the minced garlic, chopped parsley, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle that’s about 1/2 inch thick.
- Spread the garlic cheese mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, ensuring every inch is covered with that luscious goodness.
- Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly to form a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
- Arrange the rolls in a greased baking pan, cover them gently, and let them rise again for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are completing their rise.
- Bake the garlic swirl rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they are beautifully golden brown and your kitchen smells like heaven.
- Once baked, remove them from the oven and brush with melted butter, if desired, for an extra touch of richness.
Notes or Tips
For the best results, make sure your milk is the right temperature—too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold will not activate it. If you want an extra burst of flavor, consider adding some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture. These rolls are best enjoyed the same day they are made, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container for up to two days.
Cooking Techniques
Kneading is an essential technique in bread-making. It develops gluten in the dough, giving your rolls that nice chewy texture. Don’t skip the rising times, as they allow the flavors to deepen and the rolls to become light and fluffy. If it’s chilly in your kitchen, you can create a warm environment by placing the dough in an oven (turned off) with a light on to encourage it to rise.
FAQ
Can I make these rolls ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic? You can use garlic powder as a substitute, but the flavor won’t be as robust. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to replace the fresh garlic.
Conclusion
With their light, airy texture and the rich, savory flavor of garlic and cheese, these Garlic Swirl Rolls are sure to be a hit at your next gathering—or any day of the week! They bring a warm, comforting touch that’s perfect for any meal. Enjoy the deliciousness fresh from the oven, and watch them disappear in no time!