Imagine sinking your teeth into a dinner roll that’s not just a roll, but a warm, cheesy hug for your taste buds—like a soft pillow stuffed with golden gooeyness. I remember the first time I made these, it was a chilly autumn evening, and the scent of baking bread wrapped around me like an old, comforting sweater. These rolls, with their irresistible buttery crust and melty cheese surprise, have turned even the most casual family dinner into a cozy gathering.
Steps
- Combine flour and salt in a stand mixer bowl, then add dry yeast and sugar. Mix in melted butter and warm milk, and knead at medium speed until the dough forms and pulls away from the bowl.
- Cover the dough and let it rise for about 60 minutes, or up to 3 hours if needed. Once risen, transfer the dough to a work surface and divide it into two halves, then quarters, and finally into 8 equal balls per quarter.
- Flatten each ball, place a generous amount of cream cheese and a piece of string cheese in the center, then wrap the dough around the cheese to form a ball. Pinch tightly to seal the edges to prevent cheese leakage during baking.
- Arrange the rolls on a parchment-lined or non-stick baking pan, spaced about 1/2 inch apart. Cover and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Brush the rolls with melted garlic and herb butter, or make your own by mixing garlic powder and dried parsley with melted unsalted butter.
- Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Brush them again with garlic and herb butter immediately after they come out of the oven.
- If serving later, reheat the rolls for 30 seconds before serving. Enjoy warm with your choice of dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 5 cups all-purpose flour (keep some extra for dusting)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1 package mozzarella string cheese, sliced into 2-inch pieces
- 1/2 package cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup garlic and herb butter for brushing
- Alternatively, use unsalted butter with 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 tablespoon dried parsley
FAQ
- Can I use different types of cheese for the filling?
- Absolutely! While mozzarella string cheese is recommended, you can experiment with other cheeses like Mild Cheddar, Swiss, Provolone, or Cheese Cubes. Feel free to customize according to your taste preferences.
- Is it necessary to include cream cheese in the recipe?
- Cream cheese is not mandatory, but it adds a lovely creaminess that many enjoy. If your family loves it, you might want to include it, but the rolls will still be delicious without it.
- How can I store and reheat these rolls if I make them in advance?
- If you plan to serve them later, just store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat the rolls in the microwave for about 30 seconds to regain their warmth and softness.
- Can I add any other ingredients to the rolls, like pepperoni?
- Certainly! Feel free to add ingredients like pepperoni to turn them into pizza rolls. This can be a fun variation that adds extra flavor and makes the rolls more filling.
- What can be used as a substitute for garlic and herb butter?
- If you don’t have garlic and herb butter, you can easily make your own by mixing melted unsalted butter with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of dried parsley. This will give your rolls a similar flavorful finish.
Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before using it to make it easier to spread and incorporate into the dough.
- Seal the Dough Properly: When forming the rolls, make sure to pinch the dough tightly around the cheese to prevent it from leaking out during baking.
- Experiment with Cheese Varieties: Feel free to try different types of cheese like cheddar, Swiss, or provolone to suit your taste preferences.
- Enhance with Homemade Herb Butter: For a personal touch, create your own garlic and herb butter by combining unsalted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley, then brush it onto the rolls for extra flavor.
Equipment
- Stand Mixer – Useful for kneading the dough.
- Parchment Paper – For lining the baking pan.
- Baking Pan (Non-Stick or Regular) – For baking the rolls.
