What if your favorite cinnamon rolls weren’t sweet but instead oozing with melty cheese and the rich, aromatic taste of roasted garlic? These Cheesy Roasted Garlic “Cinnamon” Rolls are the perfect balance of fluffy, buttery dough, bold garlic flavor, and a blend of gooey cheeses. Inspired by classic comfort foods, this recipe transforms the traditional cinnamon roll into a savory delight, making it ideal for brunch, game days, or anytime you crave a cheesy, pull-apart treat.
This viral recipe has taken food lovers by storm, and for good reason—it’s indulgent, comforting, and packed with flavor. With a roasted garlic butter filling and a cheesy topping, these rolls will become a favorite in your kitchen. Let’s get into the magic!
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Filling
- 1 cup slightly melted butter
- 1 head roasted garlic (about 10-12 cloves)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon minced onion
- 1 teaspoon complete seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend
- 1 teaspoon pink Himalayan sea salt
For the Cheese Blend
- ½ cup mild cheddar, shredded
- ½ cup mozzarella, shredded
- ½ cup Colby & Monterey Jack, shredded
- ½ cup gouda, shredded
For the Topping
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon minced onion
- 1 teaspoon complete seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend
- 1 teaspoon pink Himalayan sea salt
For the Dough
(Use the same dough recipe as traditional cinnamon rolls, omitting vanilla)
See the recipe here!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Slice the top off a head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil.
- Roast for about 30 minutes until soft and golden.
- Let it cool, then squeeze the cloves out into a bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine the roasted garlic with softened butter.
- Add onion powder, garlic powder, minced onion, complete seasoning, Italian herbs, and pink Himalayan sea salt.
- Mash everything together until it forms a smooth, spreadable mixture.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Blend
- In a separate bowl, mix the cheddar, mozzarella, Colby & Monterey Jack, and gouda.
- Set aside for later use.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
- Prepare your cinnamon roll dough (use the same dough as a classic recipe but omit vanilla).
- Punch out the air, then roll it into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the garlic butter filling evenly across the dough.
- Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the filling.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
- Roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Cut it into 8-12 even pieces, depending on how thick you want the rolls.
- Arrange them in a greased baking dish.
Step 6: Proof the Rolls
- Cover the rolls with a towel and let them proof until they double in size.
- (For details on proofing, follow the same method used in classic cinnamon rolls.)
Step 7: Make the Topping
- Mix minced garlic with melted butter.
- Stir in onion powder, garlic powder, minced onion, complete seasoning, Italian herbs, and pink Himalayan sea salt.
Step 8: Bake and Serve
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Brush the rolls generously with the garlic butter topping.
- Bake for about 40-45 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Brush with extra garlic butter as soon as they come out of the oven.
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the garlic butter filling.
- Want a crispier crust? Bake the rolls uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
- Pair with marinara sauce or a creamy dip for the ultimate indulgent experience.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the rolls the night before, store them in the fridge, and bake fresh the next morning.
- Experiment with cheeses: Try parmesan, asiago, or fontina for different flavor profiles.
These Cheesy Roasted Garlic “Cinnamon” Rolls redefine comfort food. If you’ve never had a savory cinnamon roll before, now’s the time to give it a try!
About the Creator
This viral recipe is brought to you by Ebony Influences. Her creative takes on comfort food have captured the hearts (and stomachs) of food lovers everywhere. Check out her delicious food content and get more inspiration by following her on Instagram: @ebony.influences.