Homemade Cheddar Cheese Rolls are the perfect little pockets of warmth and savory delight, guaranteed to elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, fluffy roll with a golden-brown, bubbly crust of melted, sharp cheddar—it’s truly a bite of pure comfort. Forget the bland dinner rolls; these are rich, cheesy, and surprisingly simple to make, making them a fantastic addition to your baking repertoire. 🧀
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What Makes These Rolls Irresistible?
These delightful rolls strike the perfect balance between a pillowy, slightly sweet yeast dough and the salty tang of cheddar cheese. They aren’t just rolls with cheese baked on top; the cheese is often incorporated into the dough or layered on thick right before the final bake, ensuring a decadent, cheesy explosion in every bite. They are versatile, working equally well as a side for soup, a quick snack, or a base for a mini sandwich. Their universal appeal is why they’ve become a staple in many home kitchens.
The Recipe: Baking Your Perfect Batch
Achieving that bakery-quality softness and melt-in-your-mouth texture is easier than you think. The key is using good quality yeast and giving the dough enough time to proof. This recipe focuses on maximizing the cheesy flavor with a gorgeous, broiled topping.
🍞 Ingredients List
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Warm milk (about 105°F to 115°F or 40°C to 46°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 cup Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large Egg, lightly beaten
- 1 1/2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
🧑🍳 Preparation Steps
1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This confirms your yeast is active!
2. Mix the Dough: Add the softened butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
3. Knead and First Proof: Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Rolls: Gently punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8-10 equal portions. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let them rest for a second proof for about 30 minutes.
5. The Cheesy Topping: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the rolls lightly with milk or melted butter, then generously top each roll with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For extra browning, place them under the broiler for the last minute, watching carefully to prevent burning. 🔥
Tips for That Golden Finish ✨
To get that beautifully charred, golden cheese dome like the ones in the picture, a quick finish under the broiler is essential. Make sure your oven rack is on the top position and watch the rolls continuously. The shift from perfectly golden to burnt can happen in mere seconds! For the best flavor, always grate your own sharp cheddar cheese instead of buying pre-shredded, as the fresh grating melts smoother and tastes richer. Furthermore, remember that the precise temperature for activating yeast is crucial; too hot, and you’ll kill it, too cold, and it won’t activate properly. Maintaining that 105°F to 115°F range is key to a light, airy roll.
Conclusion
These Homemade Cheddar Cheese Rolls are more than just a recipe; they are a delightful weekend project that yields delicious, rewarding results. They disappear quickly, so consider doubling the batch! The scent of them baking alone is worth the effort.
Have you tried making your own cheesy bread before? What’s your favorite type of cheese to bake with? Let me know in the comments! 👇
