• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Intermediate
• Servings: 12 bread rolls

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Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
• 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the Cheese Filling

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garlic Butter Topping

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• ¼ teaspoon salt

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Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet or 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush
• Kitchen towel
• Wire cooling rack

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Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast.

Let the mixture stand for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.

This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.

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Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Add the melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture.

Gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.

Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer on medium speed for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

If the dough feels sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

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Step 3: First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl.

Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.

Allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

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Step 4: Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, combine:

• Mozzarella cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Oregano
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper

Mix until evenly combined.

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Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Punch down the risen dough to release excess air.

Divide it into 12 equal portions.

Flatten each piece into a small circle about 4 inches wide.

Place approximately 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture in the center.

Pinch the edges together tightly to seal the filling inside.

Roll gently into smooth balls.

Arrange the rolls seam-side down in a parchment-lined baking pan or on a baking sheet.

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Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the shaped rolls loosely with a towel.

Let them rise for 30 minutes, until slightly puffed.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

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Step 7: Bake

Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until:

• The tops are golden brown.
• The rolls sound hollow when lightly tapped.
• The cheese inside is fully melted.

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Step 8: Brush with Garlic Butter

While the rolls are still warm, combine the melted butter, garlic, parsley, and salt.

Brush the mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.

Allow the rolls to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

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Tips for Perfect Cheesy Bread Rolls

• Use warm—not hot—milk to activate the yeast properly.
• Knead the dough until smooth and elastic for soft rolls.
• Seal the dough tightly around the cheese to prevent leaks.
• Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area.
• Brush with garlic butter immediately after baking for maximum flavor.
• Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.

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Recipe Variations

Herb Cheese Rolls

Mix chopped rosemary, thyme, basil, or chives into the cheese filling.

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Jalapeño Cheddar Rolls

Add finely diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

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Pizza Cheese Rolls

Include diced pepperoni, Italian seasoning, and mozzarella for pizza-inspired flavors.

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Spinach and Feta Rolls

Replace part of the mozzarella with crumbled feta and add sautéed spinach.

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Four Cheese Rolls

Use mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda for a rich, cheesy filling.

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Storage

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

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Freezing Instructions

Freeze baked rolls in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

You can also freeze the shaped, unbaked rolls after the second rise and bake them when needed.

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Reheating

Oven

Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 8–10 minutes until warmed through.

Microwave

Heat individual rolls for 20–30 seconds.

Air Fryer

Reheat at 320°F (160°C) for 3–5 minutes.

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Serving Suggestions

Cheesy Bread Rolls pair wonderfully with:

• Marinara sauce
• Garlic butter
• Tomato soup
• Creamy broccoli soup
• Chicken noodle soup
• Caesar salad
• Pasta Alfredo
• Spaghetti Bolognese
• Chili
• Roasted vegetables
• Grilled chicken

For beverages, enjoy with:

• Sparkling water
• Lemon iced tea
• Fresh lemonade
• Coffee
• Hot chocolate

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and fluffy homemade bread
• Gooey melted cheese in every bite
• Easy-to-follow instructions
• Great for parties and family dinners
• Freezer-friendly
• Perfect alongside soups and pasta
• Customizable cheese combinations
• Delicious garlic butter topping
• Beginner-friendly yeast recipe
• Bakery-style quality at home

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Nutritional Information (Per Roll)

Approximate values:

• Calories: 290 kcal
• Protein: 11 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg
• Sodium: 390 mg
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Calcium: 220 mg
• Iron: 2 mg
• Potassium: 110 mg