Name: Soft & Fluffy Cottage Cheese Garlic Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast; 1 cup warm milk or water; 3/4 cup cottage cheese (blended or mashed); 1 large egg; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp salt; 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (plus more for brushing); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh parsley or 1 tsp dried parsley; Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella for topping

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Soft & fluffy cottage cheese garlic rolls are pillowy, savory buns with a rich, cheesy twist. The cottage cheese adds extra moisture and a tender crumb, while garlic and herbs give every bite a burst of flavor. Whether I’m serving them with soup, pasta, or enjoying one warm from the oven with a swipe of butter, these rolls always hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how cottage cheese makes these rolls extra soft and fluffy without making them heavy. The dough is easy to work with, and the garlic-butter topping gives them a bakery-quality taste and aroma. They’re great as a side dish, but I’ve also used them to make mini sandwiches or served them as a savory snack. Plus, they stay soft for days. Soft & Fluffy Cottage Cheese Garlic Rolls

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Active dry yeast
Warm milk or water
Cottage cheese (blended or mashed for a smooth texture)
Egg
Sugar
Salt
Olive oil or melted butter
Garlic (minced)
Fresh or dried parsley
Optional: grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella for topping

Directions

I start by blooming the yeast in warm milk or water with a bit of sugar. After about 5–10 minutes, it should be frothy.
In a large bowl, I combine the flour, salt, and blended cottage cheese. I add the egg, oil, and the activated yeast mixture, then stir to form a dough.
I knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
I place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
I punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. I shape them into balls and place them in a greased baking dish or on a lined tray.
I cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes, until puffy.
I mix melted butter or olive oil with minced garlic and parsley, then brush it generously over the rolls.
I bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown. I brush them with more garlic butter right out of the oven for extra flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 soft, fluffy rolls.
Total time is about 2 hours:

20 minutes for preparation
1 hour 30 minutes for rising
20 minutes for baking

Variations

Sometimes I sprinkle the tops with Parmesan or mozzarella for a cheesy crust. I’ve also added Italian seasoning or chopped chives into the dough for more herby flavor. For a tangier version, I replace part of the liquid with plain Greek yogurt. If I want to make them pull-apart style, I nestle the rolls close together in a round pan.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5. To reheat, I wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at 325°F for 8–10 minutes. They also freeze well—just thaw and reheat before serving. Soft & Fluffy Cottage Cheese Garlic Rolls

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, I’ve used up to half whole wheat flour in this recipe. I sometimes add an extra tablespoon of liquid to keep the dough soft.

Do I need to blend the cottage cheese?

Blending it gives a smoother texture in the dough, but if I don’t mind a little curd texture, I leave it as-is.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I refrigerate the dough after the first rise and shape it the next day. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.

How do I keep the rolls soft?

I brush them with butter after baking and store them in a covered container while they’re still slightly warm.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, I’ve used garlic powder in the butter mix—about ½ teaspoon per tablespoon of butter for a milder, even flavor.

Conclusion

Soft & fluffy cottage cheese garlic rolls are the kind of homemade bread that makes any meal feel special. With their airy texture, cheesy flavor, and buttery garlic topping, they’re easy to make and even easier to love. Whether I’m serving them with dinner or snacking on one warm from the oven, these rolls always disappear fast.

Soft & Fluffy Cottage Cheese Garlic Rolls

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Soft & fluffy cottage cheese garlic rolls are tender, savory buns with a cheesy twist. Cottage cheese adds moisture and a soft crumb, while a garlic butter topping brings rich, bakery-style flavor. Perfect as a side dish or snack.

Author: Lizaa
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 12 rolls
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk or water
3/4 cup cottage cheese (blended or mashed)
1 large egg
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (plus more for brushing)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley or 1 tsp dried parsley
Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella for topping

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Instructions

In a small bowl, bloom the yeast in warm milk or water with the sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and blended cottage cheese. Add the egg, oil, and activated yeast mixture.
Stir to form a dough, then knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough, divide into 12 equal pieces, and shape into balls. Place in a greased baking dish or on a lined tray.
Cover and let the rolls rise again for 30–40 minutes, until puffy.
Mix melted butter or oil with minced garlic and parsley. Brush over the rolls.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown.
Brush with more garlic butter immediately after baking for extra flavor.