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Soft Cheese Rolls

Featured in Snacks That Bring People Together.

If you're a fan of cheesy bread, these rolls are for you. They're light and fluffy, have sharp cheddar and garlic, and are topped with buttery chives. It takes roughly 2 hours (mostly waiting for the dough to rise), and they're totally worth it!

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Hannah Author
Updated on Sun, 23 Mar 2025 17:13:44 GMT
Golden cheese-stuffed rolls in a white dish, oozing cheddar and sprinkled with parsley. Pin it
Golden cheese-stuffed rolls in a white dish, oozing cheddar and sprinkled with parsley. | recipesbyhannah.com

Gooey Cheese Rolls have a soft, fluffy texture packed with bold cheddar, garlic chunks, and fresh chives. They're topped with melted garlic butter and a sprinkle of salt. These easy rolls work with any dinner. You'll love them so much you might not want to share!

Mouthwatering Comfort In Each Bite

These rolls blend the bold flavor of sharp cheddar with aromatic garlic and fresh chives. You'll find pockets of melted cheese throughout that make each bite special. The garlic butter on top and light salt finish turn these simple rolls into something everyone will ask for again and again.

Key Ingredients Needed

  • All-Purpose Flour: 2½ cups (312g) plain flour at room temp (68-72°F/20-22°C) with 10-12% protein for better dough stretch
  • Active Dry Yeast: 2¼ teaspoons (7g) quick-rise yeast that's still active and kept in an airtight container
  • Sharp Cheddar: 1 cup (113g) aged cheddar (at least 12 months old) coarsely shredded and not cold
  • Fresh Garlic: 2 large cloves (10g) chopped tiny for both the dough and butter topping
  • Fresh Chives: 2 tablespoons (6g) snipped small, bright colored and fresh, measured after cutting
  • Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons (57g) high-fat European butter, warmed but not hot (110°F/43°C)
  • Kosher Salt: 1½ teaspoons (9g) Diamond Crystal salt for the dough plus extra to sprinkle on top

Create Flawless Rolls

Mix The Base Dough
Combine flour and yeast in a big bowl. Warm water to 110°F (43°C). Pour water in slowly while stirring, then add garlic and chives. Knead for 8-10 minutes until dough stretches thin without breaking. Keep dough warm at 75-78°F (24-26°C).
Let Dough Grow
Put dough in a bowl with a bit of oil. Cover with plastic. Let sit for 60 minutes at 75°F (24°C) until it doubles. When you poke it, it should slowly bounce back but leave a tiny dent.
Form Your Rolls
Cut dough into 12 same-size pieces (65g each). Roll into balls using your cupped hand. They should look smooth and tight. If the dough fights back, wait 5 minutes before trying again.
Add The Cheese
Push each ball flat, put 1 tablespoon (9g) cheese in the middle. Pinch edges closed completely, then reshape into a smooth ball. Make sure no cheese shows or it'll leak out.
Second Rise Time
Place rolls in a 9x13-inch pan so they touch each other. Cover them loosely. Let rise for 15 minutes at 75°F (24°C) until they look puffy but haven't doubled.
Bake Them Right
Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes until they reach 190°F (88°C) inside. Brush right away with warm garlic butter (110°F/43°C). Sprinkle salt on top while they're still hot.

Handy Prep-Ahead Tricks

You can freeze the dough balls right after the first rise to save time later. Just place them on a tray, freeze until hard, then put them in a freezer bag. They'll stay good for up to 2 months. When you want fresh rolls, just thaw them out, let them rise, and bake as normal.

Keeping Rolls Fresh

Cool rolls can stay in a sealed container at room temp for about 2 days. If you want them to last longer, put them in the fridge or freezer. For freezing, wrap cooled rolls in foil and stick them in a freezer bag. They'll keep for 2-3 months this way. Warm them up in your oven or microwave before eating.

A bowl of golden-brown, shiny dinner rolls topped with sesame seeds and parsley, some rolls are partly broken open to reveal their fluffy interior. Pin it
A bowl of golden-brown, shiny dinner rolls topped with sesame seeds and parsley, some rolls are partly broken open to reveal their fluffy interior. | recipesbyhannah.com

Fun Pairing Suggestions

These cheese and garlic rolls taste great with just about anything from a simple soup to a fancy dinner. They work for weeknight meals but can also dress up holiday tables. Once you try them, they'll probably become a family favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why should the milk be warm?

The right milk temperature (about 110-115°F) wakes up the yeast to rise properly. Too hot will kill it, and too cold won’t work well.

→ Is it okay to prep these rolls ahead?

You totally can. Make until the second rise, then chill overnight. Bring them back to room temperature, let rise fully, and bake.

→ How can I tell when the dough is fully risen?

It'll double in size, and when poked, the dent made by your finger should stick around instead of bouncing back.

→ Are these rolls freezer-friendly?

Yup! Freeze them once baked. When you’re ready to eat, thaw, reheat, and add your garlic butter on top for freshness.

→ What if my dough feels way too sticky?

Sometimes humidity messes with dough. Slowly add flour until it feels soft and pulls from the bowl but stays a little tacky.

Cheese Garlic Rolls

Soft, fluffy, garlic-infused rolls packed with sharp cheddar and chives, finished with buttery garlic glaze. A side dish everyone loves.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
27 Minutes
Total Time
47 Minutes

Category: Party & Snacks

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 rolls)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour, split into portions.
02 2 packets (4½ teaspoons) fast-acting yeast.
03 ¼ cup (50g) white sugar.
04 1 large egg, at room temp.
05 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
06 1½ cups (366g) whole milk.
07 2 cups (226g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
08 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic.
09 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives.
10 2 tablespoons melted salted butter.
11 1 teaspoon minced garlic.
12 1 teaspoon minced chives.
13 1 teaspoon kosher salt.

Instructions

Step 01

In a stand mixer with a dough hook, combine 3 cups of flour, fast yeast, sugar, egg, and salt.

Step 02

Warm the milk to 110-115°F and pour it into the flour mix. Let the mixer knead on medium for 2 mins.

Step 03

Sprinkle in another ½ cup of flour and knead for 2 additional minutes.

Step 04

Add the last bit of flour, the cheddar cheese, garlic, and chives. Knead the mixture until it's soft and stretchy.

Step 05

Cover the dough and let it rest for 45 minutes, or until it's puffed up twice its size.

Step 06

Push the air out of the dough, then divide it into 12 even pieces.

Step 07

Put the dough balls in a greased 9x13 pan. Cover them up and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 08

Turn the oven on to 375°F so it's ready to bake.

Step 09

Cook the rolls for about 22-27 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.

Step 10

Mix up the melted butter with the garlic and chives, and brush it on the hot rolls.

Step 11

Sprinkle over some salt and serve them warm right away.

Notes

  1. Add more flour slowly if the dough is too sticky.
  2. You can prep these ahead of time by refrigerating after the second rise.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixer with a dough hook attachment.
  • 9x13 baking pan.
  • Brush for spreading butter.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy like milk, cheese, and butter.
  • Eggs are included.
  • Contains wheat from the flour.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 293
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 10 g