Cheese-stuffed bread rolls are the perfect comfort food, combining a soft, pillowy bread exterior with a gooey, melted cheese filling. This recipe elevates the experience with a topping of sesame seeds, adding a nutty flavor and a delightful crunch to each bite. Ideal for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a side dish for soups and salads, these bread rolls are versatile and appealing to all ages. Simple yet delicious, they can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated as a quick snack.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 400 ml warm milk
• 15 grams sugar
• 10 grams dry yeast
• 480 grams wheat flour, sifted
• 8 grams salt
• 20 grams olive oil

For the Filling

• 200 grams mozzarella or cheddar cheese, grated

For the Topping

• 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
• Vegetable oil, for greasing
• Sesame seeds, for topping

Steps

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle the dry yeast on top. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, which indicates that the yeast is active.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the sifted flour with salt. Slowly add the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring to combine.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
4. Grease a bowl with a bit of vegetable oil, place the dough in the bowl, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Shape the Rolls

1. After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air.
2. Divide the dough into 12–16 equal portions, depending on your desired roll size.
3. Flatten each piece slightly and place a generous spoonful of grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese in the center. Fold the edges over the cheese to form a ball, pinching the edges to seal tightly.

3. Prepare for Baking

1. Place each filled dough ball, seam-side down, on a greased baking tray, leaving a small gap between each roll.
2. Cover the rolls with a cloth and let them rise for another 20–30 minutes until puffy.

4. Egg Wash and Topping

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg yolk. Brush the tops of the rolls with the egg yolk for a golden-brown finish.
3. Sprinkle sesame seeds generously over the rolls for added flavor and texture.

5. Bake

1. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and baked through.
2. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per roll, approximately)

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 2g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use other types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Cheddar and mozzarella are excellent choices for their meltability, but you can try gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of cheeses.

Q: How can I make these rolls gluten-free?
A: Substitute the wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Check the flour’s packaging for any additional binding agents needed.

Q: Can I add herbs or spices to the dough?
A: Yes! Adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil to the dough can give it a fragrant twist. Garlic powder or onion powder can also add depth.

Tips for Making Cheese-Stuffed Bread Rolls

1. Ensure Proper Dough Rising: Allow the dough enough time to rise for a soft, airy texture. If your kitchen is cold, place the dough near a slightly warm oven or a sunny window.
2. Seal the Cheese Well: Be sure to pinch the dough closed around the cheese, or it may leak out while baking.
3. Experiment with Fillings: While cheese is classic, you can add herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, or cooked, crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
4. Use Egg Wash for Shine: Brushing the rolls with egg yolk gives them a golden-brown color and helps the sesame seeds stick.
5. Fresh or Toasted Sesame: You can toast sesame seeds lightly before adding them to enhance their nutty flavor.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store the rolls in an airtight container for up to two days. They will retain their softness and can be reheated if desired.
• Refrigeration: If you plan to keep the rolls for longer, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to four days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Freezing: To freeze, place the rolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Thaw and reheat in an oven for the best texture.

Conclusion

These cheese-stuffed bread rolls with sesame seeds are more than just a snack—they’re a delightful treat that captures the heart of home baking. Each bite combines the warmth of fresh, homemade bread with the creamy, stretchy goodness of melted cheese. The rolls have a wonderful balance of flavor, from the nutty sesame seeds on top to the savory cheese in the center, and are further elevated with a soft, pillowy texture.

Ideal for various occasions, these rolls can be enjoyed as an accompaniment to meals, a party snack, or even a savory breakfast option. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility: the filling can be adapted to different tastes, and the recipe can be scaled up or down based on your needs. Plus, the addition of sesame seeds not only enhances the rolls’ visual appeal but also brings out a subtle, nutty flavor that pairs well with the cheese and soft bread.