There’s something deeply comforting about the smell of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen, and when that bread happens to be packed with rich, melty cheddar cheese, it becomes irresistible. Homemade Cheddar Cheese Rolls are the perfect balance of soft, pillowy dough and bold, savory flavor. Whether served warm at the dinner table, enjoyed as a snack, or used as a base for mini sandwiches, these rolls are guaranteed to disappear fast.
This recipe is designed to be approachable, even if you’re new to baking with yeast. With simple ingredients and clear steps, you’ll be rewarded with bakery-style cheese rolls that taste far better than anything store-bought.
Why You’ll Love These Cheddar Cheese Rolls
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Soft and fluffy texture thanks to enriched dough
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Real cheddar cheese in every bite
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Versatile: perfect for breakfast, dinner, or snacks
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Freezer-friendly and great for make-ahead baking
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Customizable with herbs, spices, or different cheeses
These rolls pair beautifully with soups, stews, salads, or even a simple pat of butter while still warm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
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3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
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1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
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2 tablespoons sugar
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1 teaspoon salt
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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1 large egg
For the Cheese Filling:
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1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
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½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
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½ teaspoon paprika or black pepper (optional)
For Topping (Optional):
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1 tablespoon melted butter
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1–2 tablespoons grated cheddar
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Pinch of dried parsley or chives
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work.
2. Make the Dough
Add melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
If the dough feels sticky, add a little flour; if it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of milk at a time.
3. First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shaping the Cheddar Cheese Rolls
Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release excess air. Divide it into 12–15 equal pieces, depending on your preferred roll size.
Flatten each piece slightly and place about 1–2 tablespoons of grated cheddar cheese in the center. Pinch the edges together to seal, then roll gently into a smooth ball.
Arrange the rolls seam-side down in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each for expansion.
Second Rise and Baking
Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with a little extra cheddar if desired. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling slightly.
Remove from the oven and brush with more melted butter for extra softness and shine.
Serving Suggestions
Homemade Cheddar Cheese Rolls are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. Serve them with:
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Creamy tomato soup
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Hearty beef or chicken stew
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Fresh green salads
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Scrambled eggs for breakfast
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As sliders with ham or roast beef
They’re also fantastic sliced open and toasted the next day.
Tips for Perfect Cheese Rolls
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Use sharp cheddar for maximum flavor
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Grate your own cheese—pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well
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Don’t overfill the rolls, or the cheese may leak out
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For extra flavor, add chopped jalapeños, caramelized onions, or fresh herbs
Storage and Freezing
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Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days
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Refrigerator: Up to 5 days (reheat before serving)
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Freezer: Freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months
To reheat, warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Cheddar Cheese Rolls are the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a household favorite. They’re comforting, satisfying, and versatile enough for everyday meals or special occasions. Once you’ve tasted the soft crumb and gooey cheddar center, you’ll find yourself making them again and again.
