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Garlic Butter Mozzarella Dinner Rolls

Garlic Butter Mozzarella Dinner Rolls

These Garlic Butter Mozzarella Dinner Rolls are irresistibly soft, fluffy, and stuffed with gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Brushed with a rich garlic butter glaze and topped with fresh parsley and Parmesan, they're the perfect side dish for pasta, soups, holiday dinners, or any comforting meal. Easy to make and packed with flavor, these homemade rolls are guaranteed to become a family favorite.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Chill/Rise Time (includes first & second rise) 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 16 Rolls
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 235
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 4 cups bread flour
  • 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast 1 packet
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm whole milk
  • ¼ cup warm water
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 large egg
For the Filling
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese cut into 16 cubes
For the Garlic Butter Topping
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 4 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Pinch of salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
  • Extra chopped parsley
  • Additional grated Parmesan cheese
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
  • Fresh basil leaves

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and measuring spoons
  • Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Rolling pin (optional)
  • Kitchen scale (optional)
  • Sharp knife
  • White ceramic baking dish or 9×13-inch baking pan
  • Pastry brush
  • Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
  2. Add the warm milk, warm water, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 60–90 minutes or until doubled in size.
  5. While the dough rises, prepare the garlic butter by mixing the melted butter, garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  6. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 16 equal portions.
  7. Flatten each portion, place a cube of mozzarella in the center, then pinch the dough closed and roll into a smooth ball.
  8. Arrange the stuffed dough balls in a greased baking dish, leaving a small gap between each roll.
  9. Cover and allow the rolls to rise for another 30–45 minutes.
  10. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  11. Brush the tops lightly with some of the prepared garlic butter.
  12. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
  13. Immediately brush the hot rolls with the remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
  14. Serve warm while the mozzarella is perfectly melted and stretchy.

Notes

Bread flour produces the softest and fluffiest dinner rolls, but all-purpose flour can also be used.
Fresh mozzarella creates the best cheese pull, while low-moisture mozzarella is a great alternative.
Ensure all dairy ingredients are warm—not hot—to activate the yeast without killing it.
Seal the dough completely around the cheese to minimize cheese leakage during baking.
For even baking, divide the dough into equal-sized portions.
Brush the rolls with garlic butter immediately after baking for maximum flavor and a glossy finish.
These rolls can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking.
Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the oven for the best texture and brush with additional melted garlic butter before serving.