These Easy Cheddar Cheese Rolls Are a Family Favorite—You’ll Want to Make Them Every Week!
Looking for the perfect homemade bread recipe that’s simple, comforting, and packed with cheesy goodness? These easy cheddar cheese rolls are the answer! Soft, golden, and loaded with melty cheddar in every bite, they’ve been a favorite in my family for over a decade—and once you try them, you’ll understand why.
Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner, a holiday meal, or just want to fill your kitchen with the smell of freshly baked bread, this recipe is a winner. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, even for busy families.
Why You’ll Love This Cheddar Cheese Roll Recipe
- No fancy equipment needed – Just basic ingredients and a bowl.
- Budget-friendly – Cheaper than store-bought bread or bakery rolls.
- Freezer-friendly – Make a big batch and freeze extras for busy days.
- Kid-approved – The gooey cheese center is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Great for meal prep – Bake on Sunday, enjoy all week!
What You’ll Need
For the dough:
- 7 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons rapid-rise yeast
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 lb sharp cheddar cheese (cut into 32 cubes)
For the topping:
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 garlic clove, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
How to Make Cheddar Cheese Rolls
Step 1 – Prep your ingredients
Let your eggs and butter sit at room temperature for 1 hour. This helps everything mix smoothly.
Step 2 – Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups of flour, the yeast, sugar, and salt.
Step 3 – Warm the milk and butter
In a saucepan, melt the butter and add milk. Heat until just warm (about 110°F)—it should feel like a warm bath.
Step 4 – Make the dough
Pour the warm milk into your flour mixture. Mix until combined, then add the eggs and beat until smooth. Slowly add more flour (up to 3 cups) until the dough is soft and slightly sticky but pulls away from the bowl.
Step 5 – First rise
Transfer dough to an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 6 – Shape the rolls
Divide the dough into 32 pieces. Flatten each one slightly, place a cube of cheddar in the center, and pinch the edges tightly to seal.
Step 7 – Second rise
Place rolls on parchment-lined baking sheets. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes while the oven preheats to 350°F.
Step 8 – Bake
Bake rolls for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 9 – Garlic butter topping
While the rolls bake, melt butter and stir in the garlic. Once the rolls are out of the oven, brush them with garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley.
Tips for Perfect Rolls
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best dough texture.
- Don’t over-flour the dough—slightly sticky is ideal.
- Seal cheese cubes tightly to prevent leaking during baking.
- Let them cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth!
Easy Variations
- Spicy version: Use pepper jack cheese for a kick.
- Breakfast twist: Fill with cinnamon sugar instead of cheese and brush with honey butter.
- Party style: Make mini versions for appetizers or holiday buffets.
- Herb butter topping: Add dried rosemary or thyme to the garlic butter.
How to Store & Reheat
- At room temperature: Store in a container for up to 3 days.
- To freeze: Cool rolls completely, then freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
- To reheat: Wrap in foil and bake at 300°F for 10 minutes, or microwave one roll for 15 seconds.
Serving Ideas
These cheddar rolls are a perfect side dish for:
- Creamy soups and stews
- Roast chicken or turkey
- Holiday meals like Thanksgiving or Easter
- Simple salads for a cozy lunch
- Chili or casseroles
Have You Tried This Recipe?
Let me know how it turned out in the comments! I’d love to hear if your family enjoyed them as much as mine does.