Garlic Butter Rolls With Cream Cheese

Salty, sweet, and inspired by Korean garlic buns, these garlic rolls are sweet, savory, and buttery thanks to a salty garlic herb butter, a hint of sugar, and melty cream cheese. Since you’re using premade rolls and a simple sauce and filling, these rolls take less than 30 minutes to turn into a show stopping appetizer or side. 

 

Unique Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Okay, so this might not be a truly Southern recipe, but they are such a favorite in my house that I had to include them. They are different than any garlic bread you’ve had because of the addition of a cheesecake like filling that has just a hint of sweetness. Salty, garlicky and sweet – who knew this combination would be so amazing.

It’s based on a recipe my husband found in Garden & Gun, and they remind me of these delicious rolls we had at an Asian bakery in Chicago at our last visit, just not as sweet.

The cream cheese filling is creamy like a great piece of cheesecake, but without being too sweet. The just sweet enough filling and the sprinkling of salt balance out the savory, salty garlic butter and lead to an irresistible taste that’s almost impossible to describe! You’ve just got to try them.

After cutting the tops of the rolls in a criss-cross pattern, you’ll stuff them with the filling, then dip them in a salty garlic butter that infiltrates and actually sticks to the rolls thanks to the eggs mixed into it. It’s like the most flavorful egg wash in the world!

Then top them with flaky sea salt as the finishing touch and bake until they are gooey.

These are a fantastic appetizer for game days or any time you want to spice up your average fluffy dinner rolls. They would pair beautifully with lasagna, Steak au Poivre, or a delicious Sunday dinner pot roast.

They would also be gorgeous as part of your holiday meal tablescape! If you’re looking for other upgraded dinner rolls, you’ll love these yeast rolls with dill or sour cream yeast rolls. 

What Are The Best Rolls To Use For This Recipe? 

What I love about these rolls is that you can use store-bought dinner rolls to save yourself a ton of time! When choosing your rolls, you’ll want to go for something with more substance to it so it can hold the filling in. I used brioche rolls, but they also work great with pretzel rolls.

If you want to make your own homemade dinner rolls, these leftover mashed potato rolls would be amazing or you can use a challah roll, both of which are a little more substantial.

Why You Just Have to Try Cheesy Garlic Bread Rolls

• Buttery Dinner Rolls – There’s just something magical about fresh hot rolls and delicious garlic butter! They’re a perfect way to upgrade a classic appetizer. 
• Golden Brown – The combination of egg wash and garlic butter sauce turns the top of the rolls into a golden, just-toasted masterpiece. 
• Incredible Texture – Between the fluffy texture of the roll, the creamy filling, and the sticky butter sauce, each bite is a textural experience! 

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dinner Rolls – Brioche or Pretzel rolls are my favorite for this recipe thanks to their natural buttery flavor and sturdiness. 
Dairy – Heavy cream, cream cheese, butter, milk and parmesan cheese.
Pantry Staples – eggs, sugar, garlic, parsley and flaky salt.

Can I Use Low Fat Cream Cheese? 

Full fat cream cheese will give you the best results, but low fat cream cheese is a great option if you’re looking for something lighter.

How To Make Stuffed Garlic Dinner Rolls

Step One: Make Filling

Combine cream cheese, sugar, cream, and salt and beat on medium-high until it’s smooth and fluffy. Then place in a piping bag or a Ziplock bag with the tip cut off.

Step Two: Make Garlic Dip

In a large bowl, whisk milk, sugar, salt, eggs, parmesan, and parsley together. Let the melted butter cool slightly then add it in and whisk constantly until combined.

Step Three: Cut Rolls

Make six slices in a star shape on top of each roll. Cut almost all the way through, just deep enough to add the filling.

Step Four: Assemble Rolls

Pipe the filling into each slice of the roll then dip the bottom, then the top of the roll in the butter mixture until fully coated. Be sure it gets into the crevices, but the filling doesn’t fall out. You won’t use all the butter mixture, so you can use a pastry brush to add more if you like. 

Step Five: Bake

Sprinkle with flaky salt and bake until the rolls are warm and crispy. 

Tips For Delicious Garlic Bread Rolls With Cream Cheese

• Make sure the melted butter has cooled before adding it to the rest of the garlic dip! Otherwise, the hot temperature will cook the eggs and ruin the sauce. 
• Use fresh herbs when possible! The color and the flavor will be so much more vibrant. 
• Avoid freezing leftovers as it can alter the texture of the cream cheese filling once thawed.

What to Serve with Cheesy Garlic Bread

If you loved this recipe, give it a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating! Also, snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #butterandbaggage and tagging me @butterandbaggage.