How to Make Perfect Cheddar Cheese Rolls Every Time
Step 1: Prepare your ingredients
Take the butter and eggs out of the fridge about an hour before starting so they come to room temperature. This helps everything mix together smoothly.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
Step 3: Warm the wet ingredients
In a small saucepan, melt the butter and add the milk. Heat until it feels warm on your wrist — not hot!
Step 4: Make the dough
Pour the warm milk mixture into the flour mixture and stir for about 5 minutes. Add the eggs and beat until smooth. Gradually add more flour until the dough stops sticking to the bowl but remains slightly tacky.
Step 5: First rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and set it in a warm spot (top of the fridge works great). Let it rise for about an hour until doubled in size.
Step 6: Shape the rolls
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and divide it into 32 equal pieces. Flatten each piece, place a cube of cheese in the center, and pinch the edges tightly closed to seal. This step is crucial — you don’t want cheese leaking out during baking!
Step 7: Final rise and bake
Arrange the rolls on parchment-lined baking sheets, cover them, and let rise for 30 minutes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
Step 8: Garlic butter topping
While the rolls bake, melt butter and mix in minced garlic. Brush the warm rolls with garlic butter as soon as they come out of the oven. Sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh parsley, then serve hot.
Tips for Success
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Don’t rush the rising — good bread needs time! Use the wait to prep dinner or help the kids with homework.
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Seal cheese pockets tightly — pinch and twist the dough well to keep the cheese inside.
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Check your milk temperature carefully — too hot kills the yeast, too cold won’t activate it.
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Make extra! These rolls freeze beautifully. Just bake them straight from frozen for fresh bread anytime.
Fun Variations to Try
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Cheese swaps: Pepper jack adds a spicy kick, or mix cheddar and mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
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Herb butter: Add dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to your garlic butter for a gourmet touch.
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Mini party rolls: Make smaller rolls perfect for appetizers or holiday gatherings.
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Sweet breakfast rolls: Skip the cheese and fill with cinnamon sugar, then brush with honey butter.
Storage & Serving Ideas
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Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freeze baked rolls for up to 3 months.
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Serve alongside chicken soup, roast dinners, simple salads, chili, or holiday meals.
Time-Saving Tip for Busy Families
Make the rolls fully, then freeze them before baking. When you want fresh bread, just thaw, let rise about 3 hours, and bake. Perfect for holidays or when your oven is busy — fresh homemade bread without the stress!