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Cheesy Garlic Herb Focaccia Rolls

cheesy garlic herb focaccia rolls - featured image

These pull-apart focaccia rolls are loaded with gooey cheese, roasted garlic, and fresh herbs, making them the perfect comfort bread for sharing at gatherings or cozy family meals. Quick to prepare and irresistibly soft, they’re a crowd-pleaser for brunch, dinner, or snacking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (plus more for greasing)
  • 2 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 45 cloves garlic, minced or roasted
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 2 tsp dried parsley)
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried rosemary)
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt (for sprinkling on top)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Grated parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Stir to blend.
  2. Add warm water and olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. If using a stand mixer, mix on low for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place dough back in the bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes, until doubled in size.
  5. While dough rises, combine mozzarella, cheddar, garlic, parsley, rosemary, thyme, and black pepper in a small bowl for the filling.
  6. Once dough is risen, punch it down gently. Divide into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a small circle.
  7. Spoon about 2 tbsp of cheese-herb filling into the center of each circle. Gather edges and pinch tightly to seal, then roll gently into a ball. Place seam side down in a greased 9×13-inch pan.
  8. Cover rolls and let rise again for 20-30 minutes, until puffy. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  9. Brush rolls with olive oil. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and extra herbs if desired.
  10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling.
  11. Let rolls cool for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm for maximum cheese stretch.

Notes

For best results, use fresh herbs and good-quality olive oil. Seal rolls tightly to prevent cheese from leaking. Dough can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with appropriate substitutions. Rolls freeze well and can be reheated for fresh-baked texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: focaccia rolls, cheesy bread, garlic herb bread, pull-apart bread, Italian bread, vegetarian bread, party bread, brunch bread