Herb-Infused Garlic Rolls

These delicious herb-infused garlic rolls combine a fluffy dough with a rich, flavorful herb and cheese topping. Perfect as a savory snack or an accompaniment to your favorite meal, these rolls are sure to impress with their delightful taste and inviting aroma. Follow this detailed recipe to create a batch of irresistible garlic rolls that will have everyone coming back for more.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

Dough:

  • 280 ml (9.46 fl oz) warm water
  • 10 g (0.35 oz) sugar
  • 5 g (0.18 oz) yeast
  • 370 g (13 oz) flour
  • 10 g (0.35 oz) salt
  • 40 ml (1.35 fl oz) oil

Herb Mixture:

  • 15 g (½ oz) parsley, finely chopped
  • 15 g (½ oz) dill, finely chopped
  • 60 g (2 oz) garlic, minced
  • 50 ml (⅕ cup) oil
  • 40 g (1.4 oz) Parmesan, grated
  • 75 g (2.65 oz) melted butter

Toppings:

  • 30 g (1 oz) Parmesan, grated
  • 2 whole garlic bulbs, sliced
  • 1 red onion, sliced
  • 20 ml (0.7 fl oz) oil
  • 8 g (0.29 oz) salt
  • 5 g (0.18 oz) black pepper
  • 150 g (5.3 oz) cheese cream
  • 10 g (0.35 oz) green onion, chopped
  • 10 g (0.35 oz) parsley, chopped
  • 30 g (1 oz) Parmesan, grated
  • 40 g (1.4 oz) mozzarella, grated
  • 10 g salt
  • 10 g black pepper

Directions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

  • In a small bowl, mix 280 ml of warm water, 10 g of sugar, and 5 g of yeast. Stir well and let it hydrate for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine 370 g of flour and 10 g of salt.
  • Add the hydrated yeast mixture and 40 ml of oil to the flour mixture. Stir to combine until a shaggy dough forms.
  • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Herb Mixture:

  • Finely chop 15 g of parsley and 15 g of dill.
  • Mince 60 g of garlic.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the chopped herbs, minced garlic, 40 g of grated Parmesan, 50 ml of oil, and 75 g of melted butter. Mix well to create a flavorful herb mixture.

3. Shape the Dough:

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
  • Roll out the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 1 cm (½ inch) thick.
  • Spread the herb mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, ensuring the entire surface is covered.
  • Carefully fold the dough over itself to encase the herb mixture, then roll it up tightly into a log shape.
  • Cut the log into evenly sized rolls and place them on a baking tray (26 cm diameter), leaving some space between each roll for them to expand.
  • Cover the rolls with a clean cloth and let them rise for an additional 35-40 minutes.

4. Bake the Rolls:

  • Prepare an egg wash by mixing 1 egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of milk. Brush this mixture over the tops of the rolls.
  • Sprinkle 30 g of grated Parmesan on top of the rolls for an extra cheesy finish.
  • Bake the rolls in the preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for 24-25 minutes. If the rolls begin to brown too quickly, cover them with foil or parchment paper for the last 7 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.

5. Prepare the Toppings:

  • While the rolls are baking, slice 2 whole garlic bulbs and 1 red onion.
  • Toss the garlic and onion slices with 20 ml of oil, 8 g of salt, and 5 g of black pepper.
  • Spread the seasoned garlic and onion slices on a baking tray and roast them in the oven at 180°C (356°F) for about 15 minutes until they are soft and slightly caramelized.
  • In a bowl, combine 150 g of cheese cream, 10 g of chopped green onion, 10 g of chopped parsley, 30 g of grated Parmesan, 40 g of grated mozzarella, 10 g of salt, and 10 g of black pepper. Mix well to create a creamy cheese topping.

6. Assemble and Serve:

  • Once the rolls are baked and have cooled slightly, top them with the roasted garlic and onion mixture.
  • Spread the creamy cheese mixture over the top of the rolls for a rich, flavorful finish.
  • Serve the herb-infused garlic rolls warm and enjoy the delicious, soft, and flavorful bread!

Tips for Perfect Herb-Infused Garlic Rolls:

  • Properly Activate Yeast: Ensure the water is warm (not hot) to properly activate the yeast. Hot water can kill the yeast, while cold water may not activate it.
  • Knead Thoroughly: Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic for the best texture. Proper kneading develops the gluten, which gives the rolls their structure and chewiness.
  • Herb Mix: Adjust the herb mix to your taste, adding more or less garlic, parsley, or dill depending on your preference.
  • Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses for varied flavors. Cheddar, Asiago, or Gruyère can all make delicious alternatives to Parmesan and mozzarella.

Storage Instructions:

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
  • Freezing: Freeze the baked rolls for up to 1 month. To freeze, let the rolls cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven before serving.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Potassium: 120mg
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 2g

Possible Questions:

  1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes, you can use instant yeast. If you do, you can skip the step of hydrating the yeast and add it directly to the flour mixture.
  2. What can I serve with these garlic rolls? These rolls pair well with soups, salads, pasta dishes, or as a standalone snack. They are also great for soaking up sauces from hearty stews or roasts.
  3. Can I add other herbs to the mixture? Absolutely! Feel free to add other herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives to the herb mixture for added flavor.
  4. What if I don’t have Panko breadcrumbs? You can use regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers as a substitute for Panko breadcrumbs.
  5. How do I ensure the rolls are evenly baked? Make sure the rolls are evenly spaced on the baking tray and bake them in the center of the oven for even heat distribution.

Extra Tips:

  • Herb Substitutions: If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs instead. Just remember to use a smaller amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
  • Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Sharp cheddar, Asiago, or even a blend of multiple cheeses can add unique flavors to your rolls.
  • Garlic: For a milder garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the herb mixture. Roasting garlic brings out a sweeter, more subtle flavor.
  • Serving: Serve the rolls warm, straight from the oven, for the best texture and flavor. If serving later, you can reheat them briefly in the oven to restore their warmth and crispiness.

Conclusion:

These Herb-Infused Garlic Rolls are a delightful addition to any meal, combining the flavors of fresh herbs, garlic, and cheese with a fluffy, homemade dough. Perfect for a savory snack, a side dish, or a special treat for gatherings, these rolls are sure to become a favorite. Follow the tips for the best results, and enjoy the comforting taste of these rolls fresh from your oven. Happy baking!