Name: Garlic Butter Rolls with Cream Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature); 3 tablespoon sugar; 2 tablespoon cream; ⅛ teaspoon salt; ½ cup milk (room temperature); 3 tablespoon garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 tablespoon salt; 2 eggs (beaten); ¼ cup parmesan (grated); 2 tablespoon parsley (chopped); 8 oz butter (2 sticks, melted and slightly cooled); flaky salt (for sprinkling); 6 large brioche rolls

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 7 reviews

If you love soft, buttery, and flavor-packed breads, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Garlic Butter Rolls with Cream Cheese Recipe. These rolls are a stunning blend of creamy, garlicky filling enveloped in a star-shaped, golden-baked brioche that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside. Every bite bursts with layers of rich cream cheese, aromatic garlic, and a touch of parmesan, making them absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or alongside a meal, these rolls bring warmth and a personal touch that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass measuring cup sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a mix of ingredients layered in the bottom third. The base layer is pale yellow liquid with small bubbles and a slightly creamy texture, topped with a thin layer of shredded white cheese. On top of the cheese, there is a generous pile of finely chopped fresh green herbs, giving a fresh contrast to the pale mixture below. The measuring cup has blue and purple measurement markings on the side, and the background shows a softly blurred white marbled pattern. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind these Garlic Butter Rolls with Cream Cheese Recipe truly lies in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients you choose. Each component contributes to the final texture, taste, or aroma, from the rich cream cheese filling to the fragrant garlic butter glaze. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious masterpiece:

Cream cheese (8 oz, room temperature): This provides the luscious, smooth filling that makes each bite creamy and dreamy.
Sugar (3 tablespoons + 1 tablespoon): A touch of sweetness balances the garlicky notes perfectly without overpowering.
Cream (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and lightness to the cream cheese mixture for a fluffy texture.
Salt (⅛ teaspoon + 1 tablespoon): Enhances the flavors and seasons the dip and filling just right.
Milk (½ cup, room temperature): Used in the butter dip to tenderize and create a smooth coating.
Garlic (3 tablespoons, minced): The star aromatic that infuses the butter mixture with that irresistible savory punch.
Eggs (2, beaten): Help bind and enrich the dip, aiding in a beautiful golden crust.
Parmesan (¼ cup, grated): Adds a salty, nutty flavor complementing the creamy cheese filling and garlic butter.
Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Gives a fresh herbal note and lovely color contrast to the butter mixture.
Butter (8 oz, melted and slightly cooled): The foundation of the buttery, garlicky dip that keeps each roll moist and flavorful.
Flaky salt: For finishing the rolls with a bright, crunchy pop of sea salt.
Large brioche rolls (6): Soft and slightly sweet rolls that hold the filling and dipping sauce like a dream.

How to Make Garlic Butter Rolls with Cream Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your rolls bake evenly without sticking, setting you up for perfect golden bottoms and crispy edges every time.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling

Next, take the softened cream cheese and combine it with 3 tablespoons of sugar, cream, and a pinch of salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat it on medium-high speed until the mixture is wonderfully smooth and fluffy. Transfer this creamy goodness into a piping bag or a Ziplock bag with the tip cut off for easy filling later on.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Dip

In a medium bowl big enough to dip your rolls, whisk together the milk, remaining sugar, salt, eggs, parmesan, and parsley. Slowly drizzle in the slightly cooled melted butter while whisking constantly to blend all the flavors into a rich, uniform dip that will coat the rolls beautifully. Cooling the butter is key here to avoid cooking the eggs.

Step 4: Cut the Rolls into a Star Pattern

Carefully slice each brioche roll into 6 deep cuts, being mindful not to cut all the way through — you want a star shape on top that holds together. These deep slices create little pockets for the creamy filling to nestle into, making each bite a flavorful adventure.

Step 5: Fill and Dip the Rolls

Pipe the fluffy cream cheese mixture generously into each slice of the roll. Then, dip the bottom of each roll into the garlic butter mixture, flipping it upside down to fully coat it. Allow the buttery sauce to seep into the crevices without pushing the cream cheese out. Place them gently on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Sprinkle each roll lightly with flaky salt, then bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the tops are golden and the edges are crispy. You will know they are done when they have that perfect crunch outside with a soft, molten center inviting you in.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Rolls with Cream Cheese Recipe

A shiny steel mixing bowl contains a thick, smooth white cream with a soft, almost fluffy texture. Inside the bowl, a pink silicone spatula with a light wood handle leans against the side, partly covered in the creamy mixture. The background shows a white marbled surface, adding a clean, bright contrast to the silver bowl and the cream inside it. The spatula rests in the middle, mixing the creamy layer evenly along the bowl’s curved surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few curled parmesan shavings right before serving immediately elevates these rolls. It brings a fresh, colorful, and slightly tangy contrast that makes the dish feel special and thoughtfully prepared.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair beautifully with a variety of meals. Try them alongside a creamy tomato soup, a robust beef stew, or even fresh green salads for a satisfying meal. They make an irresistible accompaniment that can brighten up any table setting.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve these rolls on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of marinara or garlic dipping sauces for dipping fun. Alternatively, stack them in a basket lined with a cozy kitchen towel to keep them warm and add a charming, homey vibe to your presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any of these delightful Garlic Butter Rolls with Cream Cheese Recipe leftover, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their soft texture and creamy filling.

Freezing

To keep these treats longer, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will freeze well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the rolls in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes to restore their freshly baked charm. This will help the garlic butter soak back into the rolls, and the warm cream cheese will be just as melty and delicious as when first baked.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of roll instead of brioche?

Absolutely! While brioche offers the perfect fluffy and slightly sweet base, you can experiment with other soft rolls like challah or even dinner rolls. Just ensure they are soft enough to be sliced and filled without cracking.

Is there an alternative to cream cheese for the filling?

You can try mascarpone or ricotta cheese as alternatives, though cream cheese has that ideal tangy richness that balances beautifully with the garlic butter.

How important is it to cool the melted butter before mixing?

Very important! If the butter is too hot, it can cook the eggs in your dip mixture, which may affect the texture and smoothness. Letting it cool slightly ensures a silky, well-combined dip.

Can I prepare the filling and dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese filling and the garlic butter dip a few hours before starting the assembly. Just cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to use. Bring to room temperature before filling and dipping.

What makes this recipe special compared to other garlic rolls?

This Garlic Butter Rolls with Cream Cheese Recipe shines because of its unique star-shaped cuts, the creamy cheese filling, and the rich garlic butter dip that coats each roll thoroughly. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a standout favorite.

Final Thoughts

If you are searching for a show-stopping bread that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for sharing, you simply must try this Garlic Butter Rolls with Cream Cheese Recipe. It’s cozy, comforting, and has that special something that will make your homemade rolls unforgettable. Roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and prepare to wow yourself and your loved ones with every buttery, garlicky, creamy bite!