Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (360–380g)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (or oil)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (optional, for extra softness)
For the Cheesy Potato Filling
- 2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 1½ cups shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or mix)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or herbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
Optional add-ins:
- Green onions
- Cooked bacon bits
- Chili flakes
- Parmesan
- Caramelized onions
For Topping
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon milk (egg wash)
- Extra shredded cheese
- Dried herbs or sesame seeds
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Dough
Start by warming your milk. It should feel warm but not hot (like bath water). Too hot can kill the yeast.
In a bowl:
- Add warm milk
- Sugar
- Yeast
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This means the yeast is alive and ready.
In a large mixing bowl:
- Flour
- Salt
Mix.
Now add:
- Yeast mixture
- Egg
- Melted butter
- Yogurt (if using)
Mix everything until it forms a soft dough.
Knead for 8–10 minutes by hand (or 5 minutes with a mixer). The dough should be:
✔ soft
✔ smooth
✔ slightly elastic
✔ not sticky
If sticky → add a little flour
If dry → add 1 tablespoon milk
Form into a ball.
Step 2 – First Rise
Place dough in an oiled bowl and cover.
Let rise 60–90 minutes until doubled.
Warm places work best:
- Near oven
- Inside microwave (off)
- Covered with towel
This step gives your rolls their light, fluffy texture.
Step 3 – Make the Filling
While dough rises, prepare the cheesy potato filling.
Boil potatoes until fork-tender. Mash while warm.
Add:
- Butter
- Cheese
- Herbs
- Garlic
- Pepper
- Salt
- Spices
Mix until creamy and thick.
You want a filling that is:
✔ smooth
✔ cheesy
✔ easy to scoop
✔ not watery
If too wet → add more cheese
If too thick → add a little milk
Let cool completely before stuffing.
Step 4 – Shape the Rolls
Once dough doubles, punch it down gently.
Divide into 10–12 equal balls.
For each piece:
- Flatten into a circle
- Add 1–2 tablespoons filling
- Fold edges inward
- Pinch tightly to seal
- Roll gently into smooth ball
Make sure filling doesn’t leak or it may burst while baking.
Place seam-side down in:
- Muffin tin (for tall rolls)
OR - Baking tray (for round buns)
Leave space between them.
Step 5 – Second Rise
Cover and let rest 20–30 minutes.
They will puff slightly.
This step gives ultra soft texture.
Don’t skip it!
Step 6 – Topping
Brush tops with egg wash.
Sprinkle:
- Cheese
- Herbs
- Sesame
- Parmesan
This gives beautiful golden crust and extra flavor.
Step 7 – Bake
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
Bake for 18–22 minutes
Look for:
✔ golden brown top
✔ melted cheese
✔ slightly crisp edges
Kitchen will smell AMAZING at this point.
Step 8 – Finish
Brush hot rolls lightly with butter for shine and softness.
Let cool 5 minutes.
Serve warm for maximum cheesiness.
🧠 Pro Tips (Very Important)
🔥 For extra softness
Add 1 tablespoon mashed potato directly into dough.
🧀 For super cheesy center
Use mozzarella cubes instead of shredded cheese.
🧈 For crispy bottom
Bake in cast iron or metal tray.
🌿 For bakery flavor
Add garlic butter glaze after baking.
❄️ Freezer friendly
Freeze baked rolls → reheat 5 minutes oven → like fresh.
🥘 Flavor Variations
You can easily customize these rolls.
Chicken Version
Add shredded chicken + cheese
Spicy Version
Add jalapeños + chili flakes
Italian Style
Mozzarella + basil + sun-dried tomato
Breakfast Style
Egg + sausage + cheese
Vegetarian Deluxe
Spinach + mushrooms + feta
🍽️ Serving Ideas
These are super versatile:
✔ With soup
✔ With salad
✔ Lunchbox snack
✔ Breakfast
✔ Party appetizer
✔ Side for BBQ
✔ Tea time
Honestly… they disappear FAST. Make double batch 😄
🧀 Texture & Taste Experience
When you bite into one:
First → soft fluffy bread
Then → warm buttery aroma
Then → creamy potato
Then → melty cheese stretch
It’s savory, comforting, and addictive.
Outside slightly crisp. Inside soft cloud.
Like bakery-level goodness at home.
⏲ Storage
Room temp: 2 days (airtight)
Fridge: 4 days
Freezer: 2 months
Reheat:
- Oven 5–7 min
- Air fryer 3–4 min
- Microwave 20 sec
❤️ Final Thoughts
These cheesy stuffed rolls are one of those recipes that feel fancy but are actually simple. Once you make them once, you’ll memorize the steps.
They’re cozy, homemade, and super satisfying — perfect for family gatherings or just treating yourself.