Parmesan & Garlic Pull-Apart Wheat Rolls

I love fresh baked rolls with dinner.  I am huge fan of the smell that fills the house too.  But really who can resist the smell of fresh baked bread?  Now by now you all may know I am not a very good baker.  Anything with kneading and rising just does not work out well for me.

Even though my history with baking has not been the greatest I decided to give it a go anyway.  I decided to put my worries and past failures behind me.  I am determined to be a better baker for many reasons including health, knowing what goes into my products, etc.  But the reality is I hate failing so that is probably the main contributing factor as to why I keep trying ;)

After tons of research and reading countless recipes I decided to adapt my recipe from Easy Cooking. The Whole Wheat Garlic Pull-Apart Rolls just looked too amazing to pass by.  That and she has great step by step pictures and tutorials in the recipe.  That always seems to ease my anxiety.  So if you are like me and baking is not your friend make sure you read her entire recipe.

Cheesy Garlic Wheat Rolls
2 Cups Whole Wheat Pastry Flour (sifted)
1 Cup Lukewarm Water (warm cold tap water for 30 seconds in the microwave)
1 tsp Active Dry Yeast
2 tsp Sugar
1/2 tsp Sea Salt
2 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• Mix together warm water, yeast, and sugar then set aside for 5-10 minutes until mixture is foamy
• In a large mixing bowl add flour
• Then pour in yeast mixture, olive oil, and salt
• Mix until a soft dough forms (I used a large paddle spatula to gently mix everything) and then begin kneading the dough
• Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic (it says you can add more flour if you feel it is too sticky, but this was the perfect amount for me)
• Coat the mixing bowl with olive oil and gently oil the dough
• Cover the bowl with a damp towel, set in a warm place (I preheat my oven to warm then turn it off and open the oven for about 3 minutes), and then let rise for until double in size (about 45-60 minutes) 

While the dough is rising prepare the cheesy garlic mixture.

1/2 Cup Butter, softened

1 TBS Minced Garlic

1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (plus an additional 1/4 cup to sprinkle on top after spreading the mixture)

1 tsp Garlic Salt

1 tsp Dried Parsley

1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper

• Beat the butter until creamy
• Add the remaining ingredients and beat until fully combined
• Set aside to let flavors blend

At this time I grease a loaf pan as well and set that aside until the dough has doubled.  Once the dough is ready you can proceed with the following steps.

• Punch down the dough and knead for about 2-3 minutes to get all the air out
• Divide the dough into 2 equal portions
• Put some flour on your workstation and roll the dough into a rough rectangle about 1/2 inch thick
• Spread half of the butter mixture over the dough and sprinkle with about 2-4 TBS of grated parmesan cheese
• Roll the rectangle (like a cinnamon roll) and then cut in half, then proceed to cut each half in half as well yielding 4 pieces
• Place the rolls in the prepared baking pan and then prepare the remaining rolls by repeating the previous 3 steps 
• If you have any remaining garlic spread apply it to the tops of the rolls
• Allow the rolls to proof for 30-45 minutes
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the rolls are golden and sound hollow when tapped.  If not bake for an additional 10 minutes
• Immediately after pulling out from the oven brush the tops of the rolls with softened butter
• Run a knife around the edge of the pan and remove rolls to a cooling rack

The nutritional value is per roll.  I know this isn't the healthiest, but sometimes we have to enjoy a good home made roll ;)

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 85 g

Amount Per Serving

Calories 257 Calories from Fat 135

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 15.0g 23%

Saturated Fat 8.5g 43%

Cholesterol 36mg 12%

Sodium 296mg 12%

Total Carbohydrates 24.2g 8%

Dietary Fiber 3.2g 13%

Sugars 1.2g

Protein 5.8g

Vitamin A 8% • Vitamin C 1% Calcium 8% • Iron 5%

Nutrition Grade D+

* Based on a 2000 calorie diet

Nutritional Analysis

Good points

• Low in sugar

Bad points

• High in saturated fat