Perfect for breakfast, dinner, or tea time
🧀 Introduction
These soft cheese rolls are a comforting homemade bread that combines the fluffiness of a classic dinner roll with the savory richness of melted cheese. The rolls in your photo are golden brown on top, layered, slightly shiny from an egg wash, and perfectly baked in a rectangular glass baking dish. They have a tender pull-apart texture, making them ideal for sharing with family or guests.
This recipe captures that same irresistible appearance: buttery layers, soft dough, and a creamy filling that melts into the bread while baking. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a complete beginner, these rolls will become one of your favorite recipes.
🧂 Ingredients
For the Dough
4 cups (520 g) all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon instant yeast
¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
1 cup (240 ml) warm milk
½ cup (120 ml) warm water
1 egg (for the dough)
For the Filling
200–300 g cheese (choose one or a mix):
Mozzarella
Feta
Cream cheese
Cheddar
Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or oregano
For the Topping
1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon milk or cream
Black pepper or sesame seeds
Melted butter for brushing after baking
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix:
Warm milk
Warm water
Sugar
Instant yeast
Let it rest 5 minutes until slightly bubbly.
- Add the egg and oil, then whisk.
- Slowly add the flour and salt, mixing with your hand or a spoon.
- When the dough begins to form, knead for 6–8 minutes until soft, smooth, and elastic.
- Cover the bowl with a cloth and let the dough rest for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Tip:
The dough should be soft, not dry. If it’s sticky, rub your hands with a tiny bit of oil instead of adding more flour.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling
Shred or crumble your cheese. If using soft cheese like cream cheese, mix it with feta or cheddar to prevent it from melting out.
Optional: Add herbs like parsley or oregano for extra aroma.
Step 3: Shape the Rolls
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently.
- Divide it into two equal parts.
- Roll each part into a large thin rectangle.
- Using a knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into long triangles (similar to croissant dough).
- Place a spoonful of cheese at the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll tightly from the base to the tip to form crescent-shaped rolls.
- Arrange the rolls side by side in a greased or buttered glass baking dish, just like in your image.
Tip:
Placing the rolls close together helps them rise upward and become fluffy, giving that beautiful soft “pull-apart” look.
Step 4: Second Rise
Cover the shaped rolls with a clean towel and let them rise for 20–30 minutes.
This step makes the rolls extra soft and gives them a light texture.
Step 5: Egg Wash & Seasoning
Whisk together:
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon milk
Brush this mixture over the top of the rolls to create a shiny golden surface.
Sprinkle a little black pepper, sesame, or nigella seeds — in your photo, there’s a light sprinkle of pepper.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the rolls turn a beautiful golden brown.
When they come out of the oven, brush the tops with melted butter for extra softness and shine.
🌟 Baking Tips for Perfect Rolls
✔ Use warm—not hot—milk and water
Too hot liquid will kill the yeast. Warm like baby milk is perfect.
✔ Knead well
Well-kneaded dough forms gluten, which makes the rolls soft and stretchy.
✔ Don’t skip the second rise
This is what makes the rolls pillowy and airy.
✔ Choose cheese that melts nicely
Mozzarella gives a stretchy texture, while feta or cream cheese adds flavor.
✔ Bake in a glass dish
Glass helps heat spread evenly, giving the golden edges seen in your image.
🥖 Serving Ideas
These rolls are delicious with:
Tea or coffee
Soup
Breakfast spreads
Honey or jam
Olive oil & herbs
Grilled meats or pasta dishes
They’re warm, soft, and perfect for both sweet and savory meals.
❄️ Storage
Room temperature:
Up to 2 days (covered or in an airtight box)
Refrigerator:
Up to 1 week — reheat for 10 minutes before serving.
Freezer:
Up to 2 months — wrap individually and thaw before reheating.