There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen — especially when that bread hides a gooey pocket of melted cheddar cheese inside. These Homemade Cheddar Cheese Rolls are soft, buttery, and absolutely irresistible. Each roll is golden on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and bursting with sharp, melty cheddar in every bite.
Perfect as a side for soups, pasta, or barbecue, or simply enjoyed warm with a pat of butter, these rolls are a comfort food classic. They’re surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not an experienced baker — and the results are bakery-worthy.
Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide to baking the best cheddar cheese rolls you’ll ever taste.
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Cheddar Cheese Rolls
- Cheesy goodness: Every roll hides a cube of sharp cheddar that melts into creamy perfection.
- Soft and fluffy: The dough rises beautifully for a light, airy texture.
- Golden garlic topping: Brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with Parmesan, these rolls are next-level.
- Perfect for any meal: Serve them alongside dinner, or make them the star of your brunch table.
- Freezer-friendly: Bake ahead and warm them up whenever the craving strikes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bread:
- 7 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons rapid-rise yeast
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 pound sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
For the Topping:
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
Pro tip: Mixing only part of the flour at first helps create a smoother, softer dough later.
Step 2: Warm the Milk and Butter
In a small saucepan, melt ½ cup of butter over low heat. Add milk and warm until it reaches about 110–115°F (warm to the touch, not hot).
This temperature helps activate the yeast without killing it.
Step 3: Make the Dough
Pour the warm milk mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Beat with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook (or by hand) for 5–7 minutes until smooth and well combined.
Add the eggs and mix again until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Add Remaining Flour
Gradually add the remaining 3 cups of flour, one cup at a time, until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. It should be slightly sticky but easy to handle.
If it feels too wet, sprinkle in a little more flour — a tablespoon at a time.
Step 5: Let the Dough Rise
Transfer the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat all sides. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Tip: A slightly warm oven (turned off) makes a great place for dough to rise.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Once the dough has doubled, punch it down to release excess air. Turn it onto a floured surface and divide it into 32 equal pieces.
Flatten each piece slightly, place a cube of cheddar cheese in the center, then pinch the edges together to seal tightly. Shape into a ball.
Place the filled rolls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
Step 7: Let the Rolls Rise Again
Cover the baking sheet loosely with a towel and let the rolls rise for 30 minutes. This second rise ensures a soft, fluffy interior.
Step 8: Prepare the Garlic Butter Topping
While the rolls are rising, melt ¼ cup butter in a small bowl. Stir in the minced garlic for a fragrant, buttery finish.
In a separate small bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Set aside for topping.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the rolls for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. The cheese may ooze slightly from the seams — that’s how you know they’re perfect.
Step 10: Add the Finishing Touch
Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush them with garlic butter while they’re still hot.
Sprinkle the Parmesan and parsley mixture over the top for a savory, aromatic finish.
Serve warm and watch them disappear fast!
Tips for the Best Cheddar Cheese Rolls
- Use fresh yeast: Active, fresh yeast ensures a good rise and soft texture.
- Cheese matters: Sharp cheddar gives the boldest flavor, but you can mix in mozzarella or pepper jack for variety.
- Seal tightly: Make sure to pinch the dough well to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
- For extra flavor: Add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the dough.
- Make ahead: Prepare the dough and refrigerate overnight; shape and bake the next day.
Variations to Try
- Jalapeño Cheddar Rolls: Add diced jalapeños inside with the cheese for a spicy kick.
- Bacon Cheddar Rolls: Add bits of cooked bacon to the filling before sealing.
- Herb Butter Rolls: Replace parsley with rosemary or thyme for a fragrant twist.
- Mini Cheese Bombs: Divide dough into smaller portions for bite-sized appetizers.
Serving Ideas
These rolls pair beautifully with:
- Soups like tomato, broccoli cheddar, or chicken noodle
- Grilled meats and BBQ dishes
- Holiday spreads or potluck tables
- A simple butter spread for breakfast or brunch
They also make the ultimate base for mini sandwiches — just slice, stuff, and enjoy!
Storage and Reheating
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of cubes?
You can, but cubes melt more evenly inside and give that gooey cheese pull effect.
2. Can I knead the dough by hand?
Yes! It takes about 10 minutes of kneading until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Why didn’t my rolls rise properly?
Make sure your milk mixture wasn’t too hot — it can kill the yeast. Also, check that your yeast is still active and not expired.
4. Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose?
Definitely. Bread flour gives slightly chewier rolls, while all-purpose results in a softer texture.
5. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Shape the rolls and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let them come to room temperature, rise, and bake as directed.
Conclusion
These Homemade Cheddar Cheese Rolls are everything you could want in a savory bread — soft, buttery, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. With their golden garlic topping and molten cheddar center, they’re the perfect side for any meal or a treat all on their own.
They’re warm, comforting, and utterly addictive — the kind of homemade bread that makes everyone gather around the kitchen for “just one more.”
Make them once, and you’ll never look at store-bought rolls the same way again.