These soft and savory cheese bread rolls are fluffy on the inside with a lightly golden crust on the outside. Filled with melted cheese and baked until perfectly tender, they make a wonderful side for soups, salads, or breakfast. Their warm aroma and cheesy flavor make them irresistible right out of the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Soft, fluffy texture with a delicious cheesy center
Simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen
Perfect as a snack, breakfast, or side dish
Easy to customize with different cheeses or herbs
Great for gatherings, lunchboxes, or family meals
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup warm milk (about 40°C / 105°F)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the bowl)
1 tablespoon milk (for brushing the tops)
Directions
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg.
Mix everything together until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Lightly grease a bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
Flatten each piece slightly and place about 1–2 tablespoons of shredded cheese in the center. Fold the dough around the cheese and roll into a ball.
Place the rolls seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave a little space between each roll.
Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 20–25 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Brush the tops of the rolls with milk to help them turn golden during baking.
Bake for 18–22 minutes until the rolls are golden brown.
Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12 rolls
Prep time: 20 minutes
First rise: 1 hour
Second rise: 25 minutes
Bake time: 20 minutes
Total time: about 2 hours 5 minutes
Variations
Garlic cheese rolls
Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder to the dough and brush the baked rolls with melted butter mixed with minced garlic.
Herb cheese rolls
Mix 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or dried Italian herbs into the dough for extra flavor.
Spicy cheese rolls
Add 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or finely chopped mild chili to the cheese filling.
Mixed cheese rolls
Use a combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and gouda for a richer flavor.
Whole wheat rolls
Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a more rustic texture.
Storage/Reheating
Storage
Place the cooled rolls in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing
Wrap the rolls individually and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Warm the rolls in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 8–10 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave for 15–20 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, instant yeast can be used. You can mix it directly with the flour without activating it in warm milk.
What type of cheese works best?
Mozzarella melts beautifully and gives a stretchy texture, but cheddar, gouda, or a blend of cheeses also work well.
Why didn’t my dough rise?
The yeast might be expired, or the milk may have been too hot or too cold. Yeast works best in warm liquid around 40°C.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. After the first rise, refrigerate the dough overnight and shape the rolls the next day.
Can I make these rolls without eggs?
Yes, you can omit the egg and add 2 tablespoons of extra milk or water to maintain the dough consistency.
How do I make the rolls extra soft?
Avoid adding too much flour and make sure the dough remains slightly soft and elastic during kneading.
Can I add herbs to the dough?
Yes, dried herbs such as oregano, thyme, or parsley add great flavor to cheese bread rolls.
Can I bake these in a pan instead of a baking sheet?
Yes, placing them close together in a baking dish will create softer sides and pull-apart rolls.
What can I serve with cheese bread rolls?
They pair well with soups, salads, stews, or can be enjoyed on their own as a snack.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
The tops should be golden brown and the bottom should sound slightly hollow when tapped.
Conclusion
Cheese bread rolls are a comforting homemade treat that combines soft bread with a delicious cheesy filling. They are simple to prepare, versatile, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether served warm alongside a meal or enjoyed as a snack, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Soft, fluffy cheese bread rolls filled with melted mozzarella and cheddar, baked until golden and tender. These savory rolls have a lightly crisp crust and a warm cheesy center, making them perfect as a snack, breakfast bread, or side dish.
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup warm milk (about 40°C / 105°F)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the bowl)
1 tablespoon milk (for brushing the tops)
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg.
Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Lightly grease a bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
Flatten each piece and place 1–2 tablespoons of shredded cheese in the center.
Fold the dough around the cheese and roll into a ball.
Place the rolls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.
Cover and let rise again for 20–25 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Brush the tops of the rolls with milk.
Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown.
Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Mozzarella provides a stretchy texture, while cheddar adds stronger flavor.
Avoid adding too much flour to keep the rolls soft and fluffy.
Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
Brush the warm rolls with melted butter for extra richness.
