Cheesy Stuffed Dinner Rolls

Soft, golden dinner rolls filled with gooey pockets of melted cheese have become my go-to comfort bake, especially when gathering with family or hosting friends. These pillowy rolls are irresistible straight from the oven, making them perfect for a cozy dinner, a festive appetizer, or even an after-school snack that disappears in minutes.

My kids beg me to make these rolls whenever we have soup night or holiday meals. The moment you tear one open and watch that cheese stretch, it feels like magic at the table.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: provides the soft texture and structure for the rolls. Choose a quality, unbleached flour for the fluffiest results
• Active dry yeast: is key for a light and airy crumb. Always check the expiration date for best proofing
• Granulated sugar: helps feed the yeast and adds just a touch of sweetness to balance the savory filling
• Salt: brings out the flavor in both the dough and cheese
• Warm milk and water: create the ideal environment for yeast activation and make the dough tender. Use whole milk for richer results if possible
• Unsalted butter: delivers richness and helps brown the rolls. Melted butter also makes the topping extra flavorful
• Large egg: adds structure and richness. Look for fresh eggs with vibrant yolks
• Mozzarella cheese: makes the classic gooey, stretchy filling. Use low-moisture mozzarella for less soggy centers
• Cheddar cheese: contributes sharpness and color. A mild or aged cheddar both work well
• Cream cheese: creates an ultra-creamy filling and helps the cheese stay melty longer inside the rolls
• Dried Italian herbs: add aromatic flavor to the filling layer
• Fresh parsley: gives a fresh burst and a pop of color to the tops. Flat-leaf parsley has the best flavor
• Parmesan cheese: delivers a salty finish and beautiful golden crust when sprinkled on top

Instructions

Prepare the Yeast Mixture:

Combine warm milk, warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let this rest for five to ten minutes until the top is foamy and smells nutty. This step proves the yeast is active and will create that lofty rise

Mix and Knead the Dough:

Add melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in the flour a little at a time with a wooden spoon or by hand. Once a dough forms, knead on a floured surface for six to eight minutes until stretchy and smooth. Forming a soft but not sticky dough here is key to light rolls

Let the Dough Rise:

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm area for about an hour or until doubled in bulk. The dough is ready when a gentle poke springs back slowly

Shape and Fill the Rolls:

Punch down the dough to remove air. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and divide into twelve equal pieces. Flatten each into a small round. Add a heaping tablespoon of the cheese filling in the center and gather the edges to seal the cheese inside. Pinch well and roll into a ball

Second Rise:

Arrange the stuffed balls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and let rise again for twenty minutes. This short rise makes the rolls puff beautifully in the oven

Brush and Top:

Melt the remaining butter and brush it generously over each roll. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a spoonful of Parmesan for extra color and flavor

Bake to Perfection:

Bake in a preheated oven at three seventy five degrees Fahrenheit for twenty to twenty five minutes. The tops should be golden and the cheese bubbling inside. If unsure, lift one to check the bottom for a little color too

Cool and Serve:

Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. This makes them easier to handle and lets the cheese set just enough so it stays oozy inside

Save

Mozzarella is always my favorite part in these rolls. Watching the cheese melt and stretch with every pull reminds me of helping my kids make them in the kitchen. The way everyone lights up on the first bite turns a regular day into a celebration.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to twenty four hours. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to three days and reheat briefly before serving so the cheese melts again. You can also freeze baked rolls in a freezer bag for up to two months. Reheat from frozen at three hundred fifty degrees until heated through and gooey in the center.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap in any cheese you love or need to use up from the fridge. Gruyere, provolone, or a spicy pepper jack each add their own character. Plant-based butter and vegan cheese shreds also work for dairy-free needs, though the texture of the filling may be less stretchy. For a gluten-free version, use a reliable cup-for-cup flour blend and add one half teaspoon of xanthan gum for structure.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the rolls warm as a starter with marinara or tomato soup for dipping. On a buffet table, they are perfect finger food for parties or game day. Try pairing them with a salad and roasted vegetables for a quick meal. For breakfast or brunch, add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and serve alongside scrambled eggs.

Cultural and Historical Context

Stuffed bread traditions can be found worldwide, from Latin American cheese-filled pan de queso to the stuffed buns of Eastern Europe. These fluffy rolls celebrate the universal comfort of milky, aromatic bread and molten cheese at the table. Perfecting the technique at home brings a bit of old-world bakery warmth to any meal.

Seasonal Adaptations

Add sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed spinach to the cheese filling for a springtime twist Top with fresh basil or chives in summer for herbal brightness In autumn or winter, mix in a spoonful of caramelized onions or roasted garlic for extra depth

Save

Every family gathering or potluck where I bring these, the rolls are the first to vanish. We love making a double batch and keeping some in the freezer for a fast snack. Even picky eaters are usually hooked after one warm bite.

Recipe FAQ

→ What type of cheese works best inside the rolls?

Mozzarella and cheddar give a gooey, flavorful filling. You can substitute Gruyère, provolone, or pepper jack if you prefer different tastes or textures.

→ How do I ensure the rolls stay soft?

Allow the dough to rise fully and avoid overbaking. Brushing with butter after baking helps keep the crust soft and adds flavor.

→ Can I prepare the rolls ahead of time?

Shape the rolls and refrigerate before the final rise. Bake just before serving so the cheese melts and the rolls remain fluffy and warm.

→ Are there ways to make the rolls more flavorful?

Add Italian herbs, garlic, or a touch of jalapeño to the filling for a spicy kick and extra depth.

→ What can I serve alongside these stuffed rolls?

Pair with tomato soup, crisp salads, or serve on their own as a savory snack or appetizer to please any crowd.