Why You’ll Love These Rolls
These buns are:
- Ultra soft and fluffy
- Cheesy and savory
- Buttery and golden
- Beginner friendly
- Perfect for sharing
- Freezer friendly
- Smell amazing while baking
Plus they taste like something from a bakery.
Warm bread + melted cheese = happiness.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 tbsp butter or oil
- 1 egg
Filling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley or cilantro
- 2 tbsp softened butter
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Pinch salt
Topping
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (egg wash)
- Extra herbs or cheese
Optional add-ins:
- chili flakes
- cream cheese
- olives
- spinach
- feta
Simple ingredients, amazing results.
Activate the Yeast
In a bowl, mix:
- warm milk
- sugar
- yeast
Let sit for 5–10 minutes.
It should foam.
Foamy = yeast active
Flat = yeast dead (restart)
Warm milk should feel like warm bath water.
Too hot kills yeast.
This step ensures fluffy bread.
Make the Dough
Add:
- flour
- salt
- egg
- butter
Mix until dough forms.
Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Proper kneading develops gluten and creates soft texture.
Dough should feel:
- soft
- stretchy
- slightly tacky
Not sticky.
Add flour slowly if needed.
First Rise
Place dough in greased bowl.
Cover and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
This step creates air pockets and makes bread fluffy.
Warm place helps faster rise.
Don’t rush.
Good rise = soft buns.
Prepare the Cheese Herb Filling
Mix together:
- shredded cheese
- chopped herbs
- softened butter
- garlic powder
- salt
This mixture melts inside and flavors every bite.
Smells incredible already.
Fresh herbs add brightness and color.
Shape the Rolls
Punch down dough gently.
Divide into equal pieces (about golf-ball size).
Flatten each piece slightly.
Add spoonful of cheese filling in center.
Seal edges and roll into ball.
Make sure seams are closed well.
Cheese leaks if not sealed.
Place rolls seam-side down on baking tray.
Space slightly apart.
Second Rise
Cover and let rest 20–30 minutes.
This second rise makes buns extra fluffy.
Skipping this makes them dense.
Quick rest = lighter texture.
Worth the wait.
Brush with Egg Wash
Mix egg yolk and milk.
Brush tops lightly.
This gives:
- shiny golden color
- bakery look
- beautiful crust
Sprinkle extra herbs or cheese on top.
Makes them look fancy.
Bake Until Golden and Puffy
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake 18–22 minutes until:
- golden brown
- puffy
- cheese melted inside
Kitchen will smell unreal at this stage.
Hard not to grab one immediately 😄
Brush with Butter After Baking
While hot, brush melted butter on top.
Adds:
- shine
- softness
- flavor
- irresistible finish
This step gives that restaurant-style look.
Don’t skip it.
Texture Tips for Super Soft Rolls
Use milk instead of water
Softer crumb
Don’t overbake
Dries out bread
Let rise fully
Creates fluffiness
Knead properly
Develops structure
Brush butter after baking
Keeps soft longer
Small details matter.
Flavor Variations
Once you master the base, try fun versions.
Garlic Cheese
Extra garlic + parmesan
Spinach Cheese
Add sautéed spinach
Spicy
Add chili flakes or jalapeños
Feta Herb
Use feta + parsley
Sweet Version
Skip cheese, add cinnamon sugar
Same dough. Endless options.
Serving Ideas
These buns go with everything.
Serve with:
- soups
- pasta
- salads
- grilled meats
- breakfast eggs
- butter or dips
Or eat warm straight from tray.
No shame 😄
They’re addictive.
Storage Tips
Room temp: 2 days
Fridge: 5 days
Freezer: 2 months
Reheat in oven or microwave 10 seconds.
Still soft and fluffy.
Perfect for meal prep.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Too much flour
Dry buns
Not sealing dough
Cheese leaks
Skipping second rise
Dense texture
High heat
Burnt outside, raw inside
Overstuffing
Breaks dough
Follow steps and they turn out perfect every time.
Final Thoughts
These soft cheesy herb dinner rolls are pure homemade comfort. Buttery, fluffy, melty, and packed with savory herbs, they’re the kind of bread everyone reaches for first.