Cheese-Filled Garlic Rolls — Warmth for an Advent Week

December. Tree up Saturday with Josie and Justin helping.

Drove Monday-Tuesday.

Gayle had a stable week.

Advent candle Sunday. Josie prayer.

Between the tree going up with the kids and keeping a quiet eye on Gayle’s week, I found myself wanting something warm and uncomplicated to pull from the oven—something that filled the house with a smell that said we’re home, it’s December, everything is okay for right now. These Cheese-Filled Garlic Rolls were exactly that. They come together without much fuss, and there’s something about bread and melted cheese that feels right for advent evenings when you just need to settle.

Cheese-Filled Garlic Rolls

Prep Time: 20 min | Cook Time: 18 min | Total Time: 38 min | Servings: 12 rolls

Ingredients

• 1 package (1/4 oz) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (110°F), divided
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast. Combine yeast, sugar, and 1/4 cup of the warm water in a small bowl. Let stand 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, remaining 3/4 cup warm water, and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Let it rise. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
4. Fill the rolls. Punch dough down and divide into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a small round, place about 2 tablespoons of mozzarella in the center, and pinch the edges tightly to seal. Place rolls seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
5. Second rise. Cover and let rolls rest 20 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F.
6. Make the garlic butter. Stir together melted butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, and parsley in a small bowl. Brush generously over the tops of the rolls.
7. Bake. Bake 16–18 minutes until rolls are golden brown on top and cooked through. Remove from oven, brush with any remaining garlic butter, and sprinkle with Parmesan. Serve warm.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 195 | Protein: 8g | Fat: 9g | Carbs: 22g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 280mg