Sweet Corn & Parmesan Rolls Recipe – Garlic Herb Delight

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Sweet Corn & Parmesan Rolls Recipe – Garlic Herb Delight

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – these Sweet Corn & Parmesan Rolls are seriously addictive. I first made these for a family get-together, and they disappeared so quickly! They’re fluffy, savory, and have this amazing garlic-herb topping that just takes them over the top. Trust me, you’ll want to make these again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average dinner rolls. The sweet corn adds a lovely subtle sweetness and a beautiful texture, while the parmesan gives it a delightful salty kick. Plus, that garlic-herb butter? Oh. My. Goodness. They’re perfect for a weekend brunch, a side with your favorite Indian curry, or just a cozy night in. They’re a little bit of effort, but totally worth it!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these golden beauties:

• ¾ cup sweet corn (about 150g)
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese (about 25g)
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (about 280g)
• ¾ teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 tablespoon granulated white sugar
• ½ cup milk (120ml)
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup warm water (60ml)
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (45g)
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 3-4 basil leaves, chopped

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Using good quality sweet corn really makes a difference – fresh is best, but frozen works in a pinch (more on that in the FAQs!). Parmesan cheese adds such a lovely umami flavor, so don’t skimp!

Rosemary is a key player here, giving a beautiful aromatic note. And of course, we’re using active dry yeast. Make sure yours is fresh – it’s what gives these rolls their lovely rise.

Now, about bread making in India… while these rolls are definitely inspired by Western baking, we have a rich tradition of breads! From fluffy pav to layered paratha and crispy puri, Indian breads are incredibly diverse. This recipe is a fun fusion, bringing together the best of both worlds.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. Wake up the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and ½ teaspoon of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 10 minutes, until it gets nice and frothy. This means your yeast is alive and kicking!
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixer bowl, combine the oil, sugar, milk, and egg. Give it a good whisk.
3. Bring it all together: Add the yeast mixture to the milk-egg mixture. Then, gradually add the flour, garlic salt, and rosemary. Mix until a dough starts to form.
4. Knead, knead, knead: Knead the dough for about 5 minutes with a stand mixer (using the dough hook) or 10 minutes by hand. It should be smooth and elastic.
5. First rise: Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough inside, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size. Patience is key here!
6. Prepare the stuffing: While the dough is rising, make the corn mixture. In a bowl, combine the sweet corn, ½ teaspoon garlic salt, minced garlic, parsley, and parmesan cheese.
7. Shape the rolls: Gently punch down the risen dough. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Flatten each piece and spoon some of the corn mixture into the center. Pinch the dough closed to form a smooth roll.
8. Second rise: Place the rolls in a greased baking pan. Sprinkle with a little extra parmesan cheese. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
9. Bake to golden perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
10. Garlic-herb magic: While the rolls are baking, make the garlic-herb topping. Melt the butter in a small pan. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant. Stir in the chopped basil.
11. Brush and enjoy: As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic-herb butter. Serve warm and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip the second rise! It’s what makes the rolls extra fluffy.
• If your kitchen is cold, place the dough in a slightly warmed oven (turned off!) to help it rise.
• For a richer flavor, use melted butter in the dough instead of oil.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: My friend loves adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the corn mixture for a little heat.
• Cheesy Goodness: Feel free to add a different cheese to the stuffing – mozzarella or cheddar would be delicious!
• Herb Swap: Don’t have basil? Use oregano or thyme in the garlic-herb topping.

Vegan Adaptation

To make these rolls vegan, simply substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use vegan butter for the topping. You can also find vegan parmesan alternatives these days!

Gluten-Free Adaptation

For a gluten-free version, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I recommend one that contains xanthan gum for better texture. Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Baking Flour works well. You might need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly, as gluten-free flours can absorb more moisture.

Spice Level Adjustment

If you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to increase the amount of garlic salt in the dough and the garlic in the topping! Just be careful not to overdo it.

Festival Adaptations

These rolls would be a lovely addition to a festive spread during Diwali or Christmas! They’re a nice change from traditional sweets and pair well with savory dishes.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are amazing with:

• A hearty bowl of dal (lentils)
• Your favorite Indian curry
• A simple salad
• Just on their own with a smear of butter!

Storage Instructions

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

FAQs

What is the best way to ensure the rolls are soft?

Don’t overbake them! Keep a close eye on them and take them out as soon as they’re golden brown. Brushing with the garlic-herb butter also helps keep them soft.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough up to a day in advance. After the first rise, punch it down, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping the rolls.

Can I use frozen corn in this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before adding it to the stuffing.

What can I substitute for parmesan cheese?

If you don’t have parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese. Nutritional yeast can also be used for a vegan, cheesy flavor.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the rolls?

You can reduce the amount of sugar in the dough if you prefer a less sweet roll. Or, add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.