CHEESE ROLLS
Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cheese rolls wafting through your kitchen. These warm, golden delights are filled with gooey.
melty cheese and have a soft, fluffy dough that’s perfect for pulling apart. Whether enjoyed as a snack, side dish, or even a light meal, cheese rolls are a crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s simple to make yet incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Dough (or use store-bought pizza dough):
2½ cups all-purpose flour
2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 tsp sugar
¾ tsp salt
1 cup warm milk (not hot)
2 tbsp melted butter
For the Filling:
1½ cups shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend)
Optional: ¼ tsp garlic powder or chopped herbs (parsley, oregano)
For Topping:
2 tbsp melted butter
Extra cheese for sprinkling
- Optional: sesame seeds or parmesan
Instructions
Begin by preparing the dough if making it from scratch. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about five to ten minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, which indicates the yeast is active and ready to use.
Next, add the melted butter, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms, then knead the dough on a floured surface for about eight to ten minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise for about one hour or until doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle, about a quarter inch thick.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly across the surface, adding garlic powder or herbs if using.
Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log, pinching the seam closed. Use a sharp knife or dough cutter to slice the log into twelve even pieces.
Arrange the rolls, cut side up, on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a greased baking dish.
Brush the tops with melted butter, sprinkle with a little extra cheese, and add optional toppings like sesame seeds or parmesan.
Cover loosely and let the rolls rise for another twenty minutes while the oven preheats to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the cheese rolls for twenty to twenty-five minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Let them cool slightly before serving to allow the cheese to set a bit and the rolls to finish cooking internally.
How to Make
Making the dough from scratch adds a homemade touch and allows control over ingredients, texture, and flavor.
Starting with warm milk activates the yeast properly and ensures a soft, tender dough that rises well and bakes to golden perfection.
Once your dough is ready, the fun begins with rolling and filling. Rolling out the dough to a uniform thickness ensures even baking and helps the cheese distribute nicely throughout each roll.
The type of cheese you choose plays a major role in the final flavor. Mozzarella creates a gooey.
stretchy center, while cheddar adds sharpness and bold taste. A blend of cheeses can offer the best of both worlds.
Incorporating herbs or garlic powder into the filling adds aromatic depth and elevates the rolls from basic to bakery-quality. Feel free to mix and match flavor additions depending on your meal or mood.
When slicing the dough log, make sure to use a sharp, non-serrated knife for clean cuts that won’t squish or deform the rolls.
Placing them slightly apart on the tray helps them brown individually, while placing them close together gives you soft pull-apart rolls.
Brushing the tops with butter before baking helps achieve a golden, crisp top layer and enhances the flavor.
Extra toppings like sesame seeds or parmesan not only add a decorative finish but also introduce extra texture and taste.
Once baked, let the rolls cool slightly before serving. This resting time allows the cheese to set and the flavor to deepen. Serve warm with a side of marinara, ranch, or simply enjoy them on their own.
Variations
You can switch up the cheese for different flavor profiles. Try pepper jack for a spicy kick, gouda for a smoky taste, or Swiss for a nutty undertone. Mixing two or more cheeses gives a complex, delicious blend.
Add a layer of thinly sliced deli meats like ham, turkey, or salami for a heartier version. This transforms your cheese rolls into mini sandwich-style snacks or light meals.
For an herby twist, incorporate fresh basil, rosemary, or thyme directly into the dough or sprinkle over the cheese. Dried Italian seasoning also works well and adds a savory punch.
Make them sweet-savory by adding caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives along with the cheese filling. These ingredients introduce depth and gourmet flair to your basic roll.
Use whole wheat flour or a mix of white and wheat for a healthier alternative. While the texture may differ slightly, it adds fiber and a nutty flavor that pairs well with cheese.
Turn them into mini pizza rolls by adding a thin layer of pizza sauce before the cheese. This is perfect for kids or party appetizers and tastes just like your favorite cheesy slice in roll form.
For a breakfast version, incorporate scrambled eggs and cooked bacon or sausage. This makes a great grab-and-go breakfast that’s both tasty and filling.
Tips
If using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature before working with it. Cold dough is harder to roll out and more prone to tearing or shrinking.
Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded varieties often have anti-caking agents that can affect texture and melting quality.
Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place to ensure a good rise. If your kitchen is cold, try placing the dough in the oven (turned off) with just the light on to create a warm environment.
When rolling the dough into a log, do so tightly and evenly. This helps the rolls keep their shape and prevents cheese from spilling out excessively during baking.
Line your baking tray with parchment paper or use a non-stick baking mat. This prevents the rolls from sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
If you’re planning to make these ahead, you can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them overnight. Just bring them to room temperature and allow to rise before baking the next day.
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for longer storage. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to restore their original texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Cheese rolls are a versatile and comforting treat that’s easy to prepare and impossible to resist. Whether you’re making them from scratch or using store-bought dough, they’re sure to impress with their golden crust and gooey center.
Ideal for parties, meals, or just an afternoon snack, these rolls bring warmth and flavor to any table. With endless options for fillings and toppings, you can make them your own every time you bake.