These savory rolls, filled with cheese and your favorite pizza toppings, are a delightful treat for any occasion. They’re perfect as a snack, appetizer, side dish, or even a fun and easy meal. This recipe combines the comfort of warm, soft bread with the irresistible flavors of pizza, all conveniently packaged in a handheld roll.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour for dough rising) Cook Time: 20–25 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Ingredients (Makes 8–10 Rolls):
- For the Dough:
- 200 ml (¾ cup) warm milk (105-115°F/40-46°C)
- 10 g (2 tsp) active dry yeast (or 1 ½ tsp instant yeast)
- 1 tablespoon (12 g) sugar
- 60 ml (¼ cup) vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- 4 g (¾ tsp) salt
- 420 g (3 ½ cups) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- For the Filling:
- 120 g (1 cup) cheddar or mozzarella cheese, grated
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- Sausages, sliced (pepperoni, Italian sausage, or your favorite)
- Sliced olives (black or green)
- For Basting:
- 1 egg, beaten
Directions:
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Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. This indicates the yeast is active.
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Mix the Dough: Add the oil, salt, and half of the flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
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Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
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First Rise: Lightly oil a bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
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Prepare the Filling Ingredients: While the dough is rising, prepare your filling ingredients. Grate the cheese, dice the peppers, slice the sausages, and slice the olives.
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Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Tray: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
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Shape the Rolls: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide the dough into 8–10 equal portions.
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Fill and Seal: Roll each portion into a ball. Flatten each ball slightly. Place a portion of the grated cheese, diced peppers, sliced sausage, and sliced olives in the center of each flattened dough circle. Gently pull the edges of the dough towards the center, pinching them together to seal the filling completely.
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Shape into Rolls: Gently roll each filled dough portion into a smooth, round roll. Place the rolls on the prepared baking tray, leaving some space between them for expansion.
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Baste and Bake: Brush the tops of the rolls with the beaten egg. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Cool and Serve: Let the rolls cool slightly on the baking tray before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor and texture.
Nutritional Facts (Approximate, per serving – based on 10 rolls):
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Saturated Fat: 6-8g
- Cholesterol: 40-50mg
- Sodium: 400-500mg (depending on fillings)
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fiber: 1-2g
- Protein: 10-12g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and specific fillings used.
The Origins and Popularity of Savory Rolls:
Savory rolls, filled with cheese and other delectable ingredients, represent a delightful fusion of bread-making traditions and culinary creativity. While the precise origin of these specific rolls is difficult to pinpoint, they likely evolved from a combination of influences, including the popularity of filled breads and the widespread appeal of pizza flavors. Bread, in its various forms, has been a staple food for centuries, and the concept of incorporating fillings to enhance flavor and nutritional value is a common practice across cultures. The addition of cheese, a beloved ingredient in many cuisines, further elevates these rolls, creating a satisfying and flavorful treat. The incorporation of pizza-inspired toppings, such as pepperoni, peppers, and olives, adds a familiar and appealing twist, making these rolls a hit with both children and adults. Their popularity stems from their versatility, convenience, and delicious taste. They are perfect for snacking, parties, picnics, or as a complement to other dishes. The ability to customize the fillings to individual preferences further contributes to their widespread appeal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
These savory rolls are incredibly satisfying. They offer the comforting warmth of freshly baked bread combined with the irresistible flavors of melted cheese and your favorite pizza toppings. They are easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and the recipe provides clear and concise instructions. Plus, they are a fun and interactive food that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Health Benefits of Savory Rolls:
While these rolls are a treat, they do offer some nutritional benefits. The cheese provides calcium and protein, essential for bone health. The vegetables contribute vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, it’s important to consume them in moderation due to the refined flour in the dough and the potential sodium content of the fillings.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with marinara or garlic dipping sauce for a classic pizza experience.
- Pair them with a fresh salad for a light and balanced meal.
- Enjoy them as a side dish to soups or pasta.
- Serve them at parties or picnics for a fun, handheld snack.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley, chili flakes, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Tips:
- Use warm (not hot) milk to activate the yeast properly. Hot milk can kill the yeast.
- Knead the dough thoroughly for a soft and fluffy texture.
- Don’t overfill the rolls, as this can make them difficult to seal and may cause the filling to leak out during baking.
- Let the rolls rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to melt and the filling to set.
Variations to Try:
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, provolone, or pepper jack.
- Vegetarian Options: Omit the sausage and use more vegetables, such as mushrooms, onions, or spinach.
- Spicy Rolls: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Sweet Rolls: For a sweet variation, use a sweet dough recipe and fill the rolls with fruit, nuts, and a cream cheese glaze.
Conclusion:
These savory cheese and topping rolls are a delightful twist on classic pizza flavors. They are easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve them as a snack, appetizer, side dish, or meal, they are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough up to the first rise, then punch it down, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
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Can I freeze the rolls? Yes, you can freeze baked rolls. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
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How do I know if the yeast is active? The yeast mixture should become foamy after 5 minutes. If it doesn’t, your yeast might be old or the liquid might not be warm enough.
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Why are my rolls not browning? Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. You can also brush the rolls with a little more egg wash for a richer color.
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How do I store leftover rolls? Wrap leftover rolls tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate them. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
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Can I use different toppings? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorite pizza ingredients.
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Why is my filling leaking out? Make sure you seal the edges of the dough well after placing the filling.