These soft, fluffy garlic and mozzarella cheese-stuffed bread rolls are an irresistible treat. With their rich garlic-parsley butter brushed on top and the creamy, gooey mozzarella filling, these rolls are perfect for any occasion. The poppy seeds sprinkled on top add a wonderful crunch and a touch of flavor. Whether you serve them as a side dish, snack, or appetizer, these rolls are sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 70 ml of warm water
- 70 ml of warm milk
- 1 teaspoon dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 320 grams of flour
- Half a teaspoon of salt
For the Garlic-Parsley Butter:
- 60 grams of butter
- 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon honey
For the Filling and Topping:
- Mozzarella cheese (about 150 grams, cut into small cubes)
- 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon of milk (for egg wash)
- Poppy seeds (for sprinkling)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, warm milk, sugar, and dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg and add the melted butter. Mix well.
- Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Form the dough: Gradually add the activated yeast mixture to the egg and butter mixture. Slowly incorporate the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, but avoid making it too dry.
- Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic-Parsley Butter
- Melt the butter: In a small saucepan, melt the 60 grams of butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add parsley and honey: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley, salt, and honey. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Shape the Rolls
- Punch down the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into 8-10 equal portions, depending on how large you want your rolls.
- Stuff the rolls: Flatten each portion into a small disc and place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center. Fold the dough over the cheese and pinch the edges to seal, forming a ball. Repeat with the remaining portions.
- Arrange the rolls: Place the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced slightly apart. Cover them with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 4: Bake the Rolls
- Preheat the oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Brush with egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk to create an egg wash. Brush the top of each roll with the egg wash to give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Sprinkle with poppy seeds: After brushing with egg wash, sprinkle each roll with poppy seeds for added texture and flavor.
- Bake the rolls: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
Step 5: Serve
- Brush with garlic butter: As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic-parsley butter.
- Serve warm: Serve the rolls while they’re warm, allowing the mozzarella cheese inside to be perfectly melted and gooey.
Nutritional Facts (Per Roll)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 9 grams
- Carbohydrates: 25 grams
- Fat: 13 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Sugar: 2 grams
Cooking Tips
- To avoid soggy rolls, be sure to fully seal the dough around the mozzarella cubes.
- For extra flavor, try adding a bit of garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the dough or filling.
- If you prefer a richer taste, substitute the egg wash with heavy cream for an even glossier finish.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the dough and garlic butter in advance. Refrigerate the dough overnight and shape the rolls the next day.
Variations
- Cheese filling options: Try using cheddar, gouda, or parmesan for different cheese variations.
- Add herbs: Sprinkle fresh rosemary or thyme on top before baking for an added herbal flavor.
- For a spicy twist: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the garlic butter for a bit of heat.
FAQs
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough after it has risen. Shape it into rolls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the rolls to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before baking as usual.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, you can use store-bought dough if you’re short on time. Roll it out, stuff with cheese, and follow the rest of the instructions for shaping, rising, and baking.
How can I store leftover rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispness.
Conclusion
Garlic and mozzarella cheese-stuffed bread rolls with poppy seeds are the perfect combination of fluffy, cheesy, and savory goodness. The buttery garlic sauce enhances the rolls with rich flavors, while the poppy seeds provide a delightful crunch. These rolls make a great addition to any meal or can be enjoyed as a tasty snack.