Introduction

These Cheesy Garlic Butter Parmesan Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with rich flavors. Perfect for any meal, they combine the irresistible aroma of garlic butter with the savory touch of Parmesan cheese.

A close-up view of a black round pan holding nine golden brown bread rolls, each topped with finely chopped green herbs and a sprinkle of white grated cheese. The rolls are touching each other, showing soft and fluffy round shapes with slightly shiny and crusty tops. The pan rests on a dark grey cloth over a white marbled surface. 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 (e.g., SAF-Instant yeast)
2 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature, about 70°F)
4 cups all-purpose flour
6 tbsp unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly)
3 garlic cloves (freshly grated)
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Additional kosher salt for sprinkling

Instructions

Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine warm water, instant yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir and let sit for about 5 minutes until creamy to activate the yeast.
Step 2: Add room temperature unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, and kosher salt to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed until ingredients come together, then knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Remove the bowl, cover with a dish towel, and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 20 to 30 minutes.
Step 4: While the dough rises, melt the unsalted butter over low-medium heat. Add grated garlic and cook until fragrant, without browning. Brush half of the garlic butter onto two cake pans or a 9×13-inch baking dish. Reserve remaining butter.
Step 5: After the first rise, turn dough onto a floured surface and shape into a smooth ball. Divide into 16 equal pieces and roll each into a ball. Place evenly in prepared pans.
Step 6: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Let arranged dough balls rise near the warm oven for 15 minutes. Bake for 15 minutes until tops begin to brown. Remove from oven, brush with reserved garlic butter, sprinkle Parmesan cheese and additional kosher salt, then bake 3–5 minutes more until golden brown and cooked through.

Tips & Variations

Use room temperature butter and water at 110°F for best yeast activation and dough texture.
Freshly grated garlic delivers the best flavor—avoid pre-minced garlic to prevent bitterness.
For a fresh herbal note, sprinkle chopped parsley over the rolls just before serving.
King Arthur all-purpose flour works well, but any good quality all-purpose flour is fine.
For extra cheesy rolls, add shredded mozzarella or cheddar on top along with the Parmesan.

Storage

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature then warm in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes until soft and heated through.

How to Serve

The image shows a round black pan filled with nine golden brown dinner rolls arranged closely in a flower-like pattern. Each roll has a shiny, slightly crispy top sprinkled with grated cheese and small green herb pieces, likely parsley. The rolls have a soft, fluffy texture with a light yellow color on the sides, and the tops are browned unevenly, giving a delicious toasted appearance. The pan is placed on a dark fabric, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough by hand without a mixer?

Yes, you can mix and knead the dough by hand. Combine ingredients and knead on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

What if I don’t have instant yeast?

You can substitute active dry yeast but activate it first by dissolving in warm water with the sugar and waiting until foamy before mixing with other ingredients.