I love preparing these stuffed spinach cheddar holiday rolls when I want something warm, soft, and packed with cheesy flavor. They feel festive yet simple, and I enjoy how easily they come together using basic ingredients. Every bite is buttery, savory, and perfect for sharing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it transforms plain dinner rolls into a delicious side dish with minimal effort. I enjoy the balance between the garlicky butter, tender spinach, and melted cheddar cheese. I also appreciate how versatile these rolls are, whether I serve them for holidays, family dinners, or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
12 dinner rolls or soft yeast rolls, thawed if frozen
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
I begin by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a baking dish. I carefully cut a small slit or pocket into each roll, making sure not to cut all the way through.
I melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then add the minced garlic and cook it for about 30 seconds until fragrant. I remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped spinach, salt, and black pepper.
I spoon a small amount of the spinach mixture into each roll, then add cheddar cheese until the roll is nicely filled. I place all the stuffed rolls into the prepared baking dish and brush the tops generously with the remaining garlic butter.
I bake the rolls for 15 to 20 minutes, until they are heated through and the cheese is fully melted. I like serving them warm while they are soft and gooey.
Servings And Timing
I usually make this recipe to serve 6 people, with 2 rolls per serving.
Preparation time takes about 10 minutes, baking time is 20 minutes, and the total time comes to around 30 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes switch the cheddar cheese for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor. When I want a creamier filling, I mix in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese with the spinach. I also enjoy adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place them in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through. I avoid reheating them too long to keep the rolls soft.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
I can use frozen spinach, but I make sure it is fully thawed and squeezed dry before mixing it with the garlic butter.
Can I assemble these rolls ahead of time?
I like assembling the rolls up to 4 hours ahead and storing them covered in the refrigerator until I am ready to bake.
What cheese works best in this recipe?
I prefer cheddar cheese for its strong flavor, but I also enjoy using milder or creamier cheeses depending on the occasion.
How do I keep the rolls from drying out?
I make sure to brush the rolls generously with butter and cover them loosely with foil if they start browning too quickly.
Can these rolls be served as a main dish?
I usually serve them as a side or appetizer, but I sometimes pair them with soup or salad for a light meal.
Conclusion
I enjoy making stuffed spinach cheddar holiday rolls because they are easy, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. They bring warmth and flavor to the table and are a recipe I love serving for both special occasions and everyday meals.
Stuffed Spinach Cheddar Holiday Rolls are buttery, savory dinner rolls filled with garlicky spinach and melted cheddar cheese. They make a festive and easy side dish for holiday meals, family dinners, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
12 dinner rolls or soft yeast rolls, thawed if frozen
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Cut a small slit or pocket into each roll without cutting all the way through.
In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat.
Stir in chopped spinach, salt, and pepper into the garlic butter.
Spoon the spinach mixture into each roll, then stuff with shredded cheddar cheese.
Place stuffed rolls in the prepared baking dish and brush tops with remaining garlic butter.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until rolls are heated through and cheese is melted.
Serve warm.
Notes
Use frozen spinach if fully thawed and drained well.
Substitute cheddar with other cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
Mix in cream cheese for a creamier filling.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Brush with extra butter and cover with foil if browning too quickly.
