Savory Dinner Rolls With Garlic Butter
Savory dinner rolls with garlic butter filling
These indulgent dinner rolls feature a dough that is lightly enriched with salted butter and cold-fermented for an extended period. Each roll is filled with savory garlic butter enhanced by a blend of finely grated Parmesan and cheddar cheese powders. The recipe calls for salted butter in both the dough and the filling, which elevates the overall flavor and contributes to the rolls' savory profile.
This recipe is designed to be prepared in several steps over multiple days, allowing the rich flavors to develop fully. These rolls make an excellent side dish for dinner parties or bed-and-breakfast meals, especially when paired with a green salad. Each roll has a slightly savory, salty, and buttery flavor, making one roll more than sufficient for each guest.
The Folded and Filled Dough To Create The Rolls
To create the rolls, start by rolling the dough into an elongated shape. Before folding, generously spread a layer of garlic butter on the dough. Next, fold the rolled dough in half lengthwise, like how you would with a Parker House roll. Cut the folded dough into sections that are about 2 inches wide.
Spreading the garlic butter filling on the dough
The dough consists of 2-1/8 cups (300 grams) of all-purpose flour with a hydration level of 65%, which gives the rolls a slightly crispy exterior. It is lightly enriched with salted butter and a small amount of sugar.
Dough Preparation
Ingredients:
- 2 1/8 cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon dry yeast - 3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon (195 grams) water
- 1/2 teaspoon (4.5 grams) salt
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) salted butter
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (9 grams) granulated sugar
Instructions:
1. Activate Yeast: Warm the water to approximately 110°F. Add 1/4 teaspoon of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of dry yeast to the water. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Prepare Ingredients: Soften the salted butter by cutting it into small chunks.
3. Mix Ingredients: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and softened butter. Once mixed, add the frothy water and yeast mixture.
4. Knead Dough: Run the mixer at a medium speed for 5 to 6 minutes until the dough is well combined and elastic.
5. Shape Dough: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a clear plastic storage container. You may lightly grease the container with vegetable shortening to help remove the dough later.
6. Refrigerate: Cover the container and refrigerate the dough overnight.
Cold fermented dough for dinner rolls, after overnight refrigeration.
Garlic Butter Preparation
Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons (85 grams) salted butter
- 1 teaspoon (2.7 grams) cheese powder
- 4 tablespoons (heaping) (30 grams) Parmesan cheese powder
- 1 clove of fresh garlic or frozen cube
- 1/2 teaspoon (1.75 grams) garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (0.3 grams) parsley flakes
Instructions:
1. Begin by melting the butter along with the clove of garlic in a saucepan set over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the butter and garlic begin to lightly foam, then remove from heat.
Butter along with the clove of garlic in a saucepan
2. While the mixture is still hot, add in the garlic powder and parsley flakes, stirring well to combine.
3. Allow the butter mixture to cool at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes, until it partially solidifies.
Melted butter, garlic, and parsley flakes cooling.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, cheese powder, and cream using the back of a spoon or a small rubber spatula, mixing until smooth and consistent.
The garlic butter mixture.
Bringing The Dough And Filling Together
Now that the dough has been cold fermented overnight and the garlic butter filling is prepared, it’s time to combine the two. This part of the recipe is followed by another overnight stay in the refrigerator to enhance the flavor and make the final baking easier on the day of serving.
Shaping The Dough For The Rolls
As mentioned earlier in the recipe, start by rolling the dough into an elongated shape. Before folding, generously spread a layer of garlic butter over the dough.
Using a well-floured work surface, fold the rolled dough in half lengthwise, then cut it into six sections, each about 2 to 2.5 inches wide.
Using a 9 x 13 x 2-inch rectangular cake pan, cut a sheet of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the pan.
Place the shaped dough on the parchment-lined pan in two rows of three. Be sure to leave space between each piece of dough.
Cover the pan with cling wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Shaped and filled dinner roll dough.
Baking The Dinner Rolls
Dinner rolls ready for the oven to bake.
Remove a 9 x 13-inch pan a few hours before baking.
Use a dough lamé to make a shallow slit in each roll, then brush with melted butter.
Cover the pan with cling wrap and let it rise at room temperature.
Bake the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25 minutes.
Cut each roll on the diagonal to serve. Enjoy your delicious savory dinner rolls!
Why This Technique Works for the Garlic Butter
The combination of ingredients enhances the savory flavors in several ways:
- Salted butter: elevates the overall taste.
-Two types of garlic: are used, fresh garlic for a robust flavor and granulated garlic for a hint of toasted notes, adding depth to the overall profile.
- Parmesan cheese powder: not only provides richness but also enhances the umami flavor, thanks to the naturally occurring glutamate in aged cheese.
- Cheddar cheese powder: serves as a unique and concentrated ingredient that contributes simplicity and savory notes.
This blend of ingredients creates a well-rounded and flavorful garlic butter.
Cheddar Cheese Powder: Ingredient Highlight
The genius of concentrated cheddar cheese powder (dehydrated) dates to 1916, as noted in patent 1,186,524, available on Google Patents. It was one of the great landmarks of food science. Many prepared foods and snack products feature this light, powdery cheese coating, which enhances their savory quality. For home cooks, cheese powder is an incredibly effective ingredient for creating savory flavors in various recipes. You can easily obtain it by buying a box of mac and cheese and using the cheese powder pouch inside. You can also purchase commercially made cheese powder in a jar.
Cheddar Cheese Power
Ten Highlights from My Culinary Experience with Cheddar Cheese Powder
Shelf-stable
Convenient form
Low cost
Readily available
Savory flavor
Pairs well with many complementary ingredients
Concentrated
Emulsifies well with both fats (oils) and water
Can be dusted onto various foods
Handles high heat
Suggested Pairing for Savory Dinner Rolls with Garlic Butter
Starter: Green Salad with the Savory Dinner Rolls and Garlic Butter
Main Dish: Sirloin Steak Tips in Madeira Sauce
Side Dish: Savory Roasted Asparagus
Dessert: Walnut Dessert Cake
