Easy Cheddar Cheese Rolls – Soft, Cheesy & Totally Irresistible 🧀🥖✨
There’s something deeply comforting about warm, homemade bread — especially when it hides a pocket of melted cheddar inside!
These Cheddar Cheese Rolls are the kind of baked goodness that makes your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery and fills your home with warmth and joy. They’re soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and packed with gooey cheese that stretches with every bite.
Perfect for weeknights, holidays, or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen — these rolls are made with love and built to feed a crowd.
Let’s dive into how to make this beloved family favorite!
🧁 Why You’ll Love These Cheese Rolls
- Cheesy center surprise : Every pull-apart roll hides a gooey cheddar filling.
- Super soft texture : Thanks to milk, butter, and quick-rise yeast magic.
- Great for sharing : A hit at dinner tables, potlucks, and holiday meals.
- Make-ahead friendly : Make them the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
- Freezer-friendly : Bake half now, freeze the rest for future dinners.
🧾 Ingredients (Makes 32 Rolls)
For the dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour , plus extra as needed
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) quick-rise yeast
- ⅓ cup sugar (for slight sweetness and browning)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1½ cups warm milk (110–115°F / 45–48°C)
- ½ cup unsalted butter , melted (plus more for brushing)
- 2 large eggs , room temperature
For the filling:
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (cut into small cubes or slices)
- Optional: a few drops of hot sauce or garlic powder for extra flavor kick
For the topping:
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter , melted
- 1 clove garlic , minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
- 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional for garnish)
🔪 Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl or stand mixer
- Measuring tools
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Rolling pin or pasta roller
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
- Oven mitts
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Warm Milk & Activate Yeast
In a small saucepan or microwave:
- Heat milk until just warm — around 110–115°F (45°C) .
- Stir in yeast and sugar ; let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
This is your signal that the yeast is active and ready to rise.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl or stand mixer:
- Add flour , salt , and activated yeast mixture .
- Beat in eggs and melted butter .
- Mix well, adding more flour if needed, until the dough comes together and is soft but not sticky.
Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 5–7 minutes , until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour , or until doubled in size.
Tip: The top of the fridge or oven with only the light on works great for rising.
Step 4: Divide the Dough
Once risen, punch down the dough and divide into 32 equal pieces — about 1 oz each .
Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly with your palm.
Step 5: Stuff with Cheddar Cheese
Place a cube or slice of cheddar cheese in the center of each flattened dough round.
Pinch the edges closed tightly to form a ball, sealing well to prevent cheese leakage.
Step 6: Final Rise Before Baking
Arrange the stuffed rolls seam-side up on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving space between each one for puffing.
Cover with a clean towel and let rise again for 30 minutes — they’ll double in size once more.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden Perfection
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) .
Bake the rolls for 18–20 minutes , or until golden brown and fragrant.
They should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 8: Brush with Garlic Butter & Serve Hot
While still warm:
- In a small bowl, melt butter and stir in minced garlic .
- Brush generously over the warm rolls.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for a gourmet finish.
Serve immediately — and prepare for your family to fight over the last one!
🍞 Serving Suggestions
- With a side of homemade tomato soup or chili .
- Try them split open and filled with grilled chicken or ham .
- Stack in a basket with jam, honey butter, or olive tapenade for variety.
- Pair with steak, roasted vegetables, or creamy potato salad .
- Wrap extras for school lunches or freezer snacks .
🥡 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days .
- Freezer: Freeze baked rolls in ziplock bags for up to 3 months . Thaw and reheat when ready.
- Make Ahead: Prepare unbaked rolls and refrigerate overnight — bake fresh in the morning.
- Reheating: Warm in oven at 300°F (150°C) wrapped in foil for best results.
✅ Expert Tips for Success
- Use room temperature eggs and milk for smoother mixing and better rise.
- Don’t skip sealing the rolls — tight folds keep the cheese inside.
- Want extra stretch? Add mozzarella along with cheddar for melty magic.
- Swap cheddar with pepper jack, Gouda, or goat cheese for bold flavors.
- Make mini versions for appetizer bites or tea-time nibbles .
🧠 Nutritional Highlights
While indulgent, these rolls offer some satisfying nutrition:
- Milk and eggs deliver calcium and protein.
- Butter gives richness and energy-boosting fats .
- Cheddar cheese adds flavor and essential nutrients .
- Enjoy in moderation — especially with hearty soups or lean proteins.
📝 Final Thoughts
These Cheddar Cheese Rolls prove that sometimes the simplest recipes become the most loved. With their soft crumb, stretchy cheese center, and golden garlic-butter crust, they bring restaurant-quality comfort straight to your table — minus the complicated steps.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, preparing for guests, or simply craving something warm and cheesy after a long day, this recipe brings bold flavor and pure joy to your kitchen.
So grab your rolling pin, stuff those pockets, and get ready to fall in love with every warm, ooey-gooey bite!
