Cheese stuffed bread rolls are the kind of comfort food that can brighten any day. Imagine warm, golden bread rolls with a soft, pillowy texture hiding a gooey, melty cheese center that stretches with every bite. They’re indulgent yet approachable, a fun snack or side dish that works for family gatherings, casual weeknight dinners, or even a special treat to impress guests. What makes them especially appealing is their versatility—you can stuff them with mozzarella for that classic cheese pull, cheddar for a sharper bite, or even experiment with a mix of cheeses for added depth.
These rolls are simple enough to prepare at home without needing advanced baking skills. Using basic pantry staples like flour, yeast, and oil, you’ll make a dough that’s easy to handle. Once filled with cheese and baked to perfection, you get a bakery-worthy result right from your kitchen. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven with soup, alongside a main dish, or just as a cheesy snack, these bread rolls are bound to become a favorite.
Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp sugar
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1 tsp salt
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1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
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¾ cup warm milk
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2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
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1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
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1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese cubes (or cheese of choice)
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1 tsp dried oregano (optional, for flavor)
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1 tsp garlic powder (optional, for flavor)
Step-by-Step Directions
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Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
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Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil (or butter). Mix until the dough comes together, then knead on a lightly floured surface for about 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
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First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1–1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
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Prepare the filling: Cut mozzarella or your cheese of choice into small cubes, about 1 inch in size, and set aside.
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Shape the rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 10–12 equal portions. Flatten each piece into a small disc, place a cube of cheese in the center, and pinch the dough around the cheese to seal completely. Roll into a smooth ball.
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Second rise: Arrange the stuffed rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them. Cover loosely and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
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Bake the rolls: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Brush the tops of the rolls with beaten egg for shine (optional) and sprinkle with oregano or garlic powder if desired. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Serve: Allow to cool slightly, then serve warm to enjoy the gooey melted cheese inside.
Nutrients (per roll, approx. based on 12 rolls)
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Calories: 170 kcal
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Protein: 7 g
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Fat: 6 g
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Carbohydrates: 22 g
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Fiber: 1 g
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Calcium: 12% DV
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Iron: 8% DV
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love these cheese stuffed bread rolls because they’re the perfect mix of cozy homemade bread and indulgent cheesy filling. They’re versatile enough to serve as snacks, appetizers, or sides. Kids and adults alike enjoy them, and they’re customizable—change the cheese, add herbs, or even tuck in extras like cooked bacon or jalapeños for a twist. The recipe is approachable and foolproof, making it ideal for beginners while still rewarding for seasoned bakers.
The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish
Stuffed bread has roots across many cultures, from Italian calzones and Middle Eastern cheese-stuffed flatbreads to Eastern European piroshki. These bread rolls are a simplified, universal version of that tradition. The idea of hiding cheese inside bread speaks to the universal love of combining carbs with dairy richness. Home bakers have adapted the concept into rolls because they’re easy to portion, fun to eat, and perfect for sharing.
Ingredient Spotlight
Flour is the backbone of the rolls, giving them structure and softness. Yeast is the magic that transforms a few ingredients into fluffy bread. Milk adds tenderness, while olive oil or butter enriches the dough. The star, of course, is the cheese—mozzarella for meltiness, cheddar for sharpness, gouda for creaminess, or even blue cheese for bold flavor. Oregano and garlic powder are optional, but they elevate the rolls with a savory aroma that complements the cheese perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Cheese stuffed bread rolls are best enjoyed warm, but they store well too. Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes, or microwave briefly (though the oven helps maintain the crust’s texture). These rolls also freeze beautifully—just wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, freeze, and reheat directly from frozen in the oven.
Common Variations to Try
There are countless variations of this recipe. Add a spoonful of tomato sauce or pesto inside along with the cheese for a pizza-inspired version. Mix herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley into the dough for added flavor. Experiment with stuffed fillings such as spinach and ricotta, caramelized onions, or even small bits of ham for meat lovers. For spice, add chopped jalapeños or red chili flakes. You can also brush the tops with garlic butter after baking for an extra indulgent finish.
Pairing Recommendations
These rolls pair beautifully with soups like tomato basil, creamy mushroom, or chicken noodle. They’re also a natural side to pasta dishes, lasagna, or roasted meats. Serve them with dips like marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli for a party appetizer. For beverages, pair with iced tea, a crisp white wine, or even beer for a casual gathering.
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Health Benefits
While indulgent, cheese stuffed bread rolls do have nutritional value. Cheese provides calcium, protein, and vitamin B12, supporting bone and muscle health. Homemade bread means you control the ingredients, avoiding preservatives found in store-bought versions. Using olive oil instead of butter adds heart-healthy fats, while adding herbs boosts antioxidants. Moderation is key, but as part of a balanced diet, these rolls can be a fun and satisfying way to enjoy wholesome ingredients.
Conclusion
Cheese stuffed bread rolls are a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to make something extraordinary. They’re comforting, versatile, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re baking them for a family dinner, a party snack, or just to treat yourself, the golden crust and melty cheese center will never disappoint. Once you try these, they’ll likely become a go-to recipe in your kitchen—a little reminder that homemade bread, especially when stuffed with cheese, always brings people together.