Introduction
Homemade Cheddar Cheese Rolls are soft, buttery, savory rolls filled with sharp cheddar inside and out. They make an excellent side for soups, pasta, or holiday dinners, and they’re also perfect as a snack on their own. This recipe uses a simple yeast dough enriched with butter and milk to create tender, bakery-style rolls loaded with rich cheese flavor.
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Ingredients
For the Dough
3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling and Topping
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
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Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
1. In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add softened butter, salt, and 2½ cups flour. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Add additional flour as needed and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2. First Rise
4. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled.
3. Fill and Shape
5. Punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle, about 12 x 15 inches.
6. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar evenly over the dough.
7. Roll up tightly from the long edge to form a log.
8. Slice into 12 equal rolls and place on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet or in a baking dish.
4. Second Rise
9. Cover the rolls and let rise for 25–35 minutes until puffy.
5. Bake
10. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
11. Brush rolls with melted butter and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar on top.
12. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
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Description
These rolls are fluffy on the inside with pockets of melted cheddar throughout and a crisp, cheesy top. Each bite delivers buttery richness and savory depth from the sharp cheddar. They’re great served warm and reheat beautifully.
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Tips
Use freshly shredded cheddar for better melting and stronger flavor.
Do not over-flour the dough; slightly sticky dough leads to softer rolls.
For even baking, place rolls snugly in a baking dish instead of spaced on a tray.
Let the rolls cool for at least 5 minutes before eating to allow the cheese to set.
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Variations
Garlic Cheddar Rolls: Add 2 teaspoons garlic powder to the dough or brush rolls with garlic butter.
Jalapeño Cheddar Rolls: Add 1 diced jalapeño to the filling.
Herb Cheddar Rolls: Mix in 1 tablespoon dried herbs such as parsley, Italian seasoning, or chives.
Extra Cheesy Version: Add an additional half cup of cheese inside the roll.
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Correction (Troubleshooting)
Rolls too dense: Dough may not have risen fully; ensure yeast is active and milk is warm, not hot.
Dough too sticky: Add flour 1 tablespoon at a time during kneading until manageable.
Cheese leaking out: Roll the dough tightly and place the seam side down.
Rolls too brown on top: Cover loosely with foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
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Enjoy
Serve your Homemade Cheddar Cheese Rolls warm with butter, soup, chili, or on their own. They store well and can be reheated for a fresh-from-the-oven taste anytime.