Homemade Cheddar Cheese Rolls

Soft, fluffy yeast rolls stuffed with gooey cubes of sharp cheddar and finished with a golden garlic-Parmesan butter glaze—these irresistible homemade rolls are like little pockets of cheesy comfort. Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or anytime you want to fill your kitchen with the warm, savory aroma of fresh-baked bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another dinner roll—it’s melty, cheesy magic in every bite. With a tender, slightly sweet dough made from scratch and a surprise center of molten cheddar, these rolls bake up golden on the outside and pull-apart soft inside. The final brush of garlicky butter and herbed Parmesan topping elevates them from simple side to showstopper.

Perfect for:

• Holiday meals (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter)
• Sunday suppers and family dinners
• Brunch buffets
• Gifting in a basket lined with cloth

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 7 cups (840g) all-purpose flour, divided (plus extra for dusting)
• 2 tbsp (1 packet / 14g) rapid-rise yeast (or instant yeast)
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• 2½ cups (600ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (1 stick / 115g) unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 lb (450g) sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small ½-inch cubes (not shredded)

For the Garlic Butter Topping

• ¼ cup (½ stick / 56g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl or bowl of a stand mixer:

• Whisk together 4 cups flour, yeast, sugar, and salt until well blended.

2. Warm Milk & Melt Butter

In a small saucepan:

• Add butter and milk. Heat over medium heat until butter melts and mixture reaches 110–115°F—warm to the touch but not hot (like a baby bottle).

3. Make the Dough

• Pour warm milk mixture into the dry ingredients.
• Using a dough hook or hand mixer, mix on medium speed for 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
• Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

4. Add Remaining Flour

• Gradually add the remaining 3 cups flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low.
• Stop when the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl but is still slightly sticky.

5. First Rise (Let It Double)

• Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat.
• Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
• Let rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

6. Shape the Rolls

• Punch down risen dough. Turn out onto a floured surface.
• Divide into 32 equal pieces (~2 oz each). Roll each into a ball.
• Flatten each ball into a disc (~3 inches wide).
• Place 1 cube of cheddar in the center. Pinch edges together to seal completely—roll gently in palms to close.

7. Second Rise

• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Arrange rolls close together (about ½ inch apart)—this helps them rise up and stay soft.
• Cover lightly and let rise 30 minutes, until puffy.

8. Bake to Golden Perfection

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake rolls 18–20 minutes, until tops are golden brown and internal temp reaches 190°F.

9. Finish with Flavor

While rolls bake:

• Mix melted butter and minced garlic.
• In a small bowl, combine Parmesan and parsley.

As soon as rolls come out of the oven:

• Brush generously with garlic butter.
• Sprinkle evenly with Parmesan-parsley mixture.

10. Serve Warm & Delicious

• Serve immediately while warm and melty.
• Best enjoyed fresh—but great reheated too!

You Must Know

• Use cubed cheese, not shredded —shredded has anti-caking agents that don’t melt as smoothly.
• Don’t skip sealing the rolls —loose seams mean cheese explosions (messy, but delicious).
• Rapid-rise yeast doesn’t need proofing —it activates directly in the mix.
• Brush while hot —ensures maximum butter absorption and flavor.
• Tastes better the next day? Reheat in oven or air fryer to restore softness.

Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Reheat in oven at 325°F for 8–10 minutes (best texture). Microwave works but may toughen crust.
• Freeze baked rolls up to 3 months —thaw and reheat before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in a basket with a pat of compound butter.
• Great alongside roast beef, grilled chicken, or holiday ham.
• Double the batch and freeze half for future comfort.
• Pack in lunchboxes (reheat safely).

Cultural Context

Inspired by Southern cheese straws and Amish dinner rolls, this recipe blends old-world yeast bread traditions with bold American flavors. Found at church potlucks, holiday tables, and family kitchens alike, it honors simplicity while delivering indulgence—one warm, cheesy bite at a time.

Pro Tips

• Double the recipe? Yes—perfect for feeding a crowd. Use two pans.
• Want more garlic? Add ¼ tsp garlic powder to the dough.
• Make ahead: Assemble rolls, refrigerate overnight, then let rise 30 mins before baking.
• Label your dish: People will ask for the recipe.
• Say “ready?” before serving —it’s part of the ritual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use shredded cheese instead of cubes?
A: Yes—but cubes melt better and create a juicier center. Shredded may leak more.

Q: Why did my rolls turn out dry?
A: Likely too much flour or overbaking. Measure flour correctly (spoon & level), and check early.

Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Only if using GF flour blend and verifying all ingredients.

Q: Can I make mini versions?
A: Absolutely! Make smaller balls and reduce baking time to 15–17 mins.

Q: Can I freeze them unbaked?
A: Yes! Freeze shaped rolls on tray, then bag. Bake from frozen (+3–5 mins).

Allergy Information

Contains: dairy (milk, butter, cheese), eggs, wheat.
Gluten-free option: Use certified GF flour blend.
Nut-free: This recipe is naturally nut-free.
Always check labels—especially on yeast, cheese, and pre-shredded ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Roll – Approximate)

Based on 32 servings

• Calories: 180
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Sodium: 180mg

These rolls don’t whisper. They emerge golden from the oven, soft and fragrant, saying everything a great side should: “Pull me apart. Share me… maybe.” That’s how the best ones begin—not with silence, but with cheese, courage, and someone who says, “Let’s make it together.”