These rolls are the ultimate comfort food—pillowy soft, slightly buttery, and packed with sharp cheddar cheese. They work perfectly as a side for dinner, a base for sliders, or just a standalone snack when you want something warm and savory.
The beauty of this recipe lies in the contrast: the exterior gets a light, golden crust, while the inside remains airy with melted pockets of cheese throughout.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup Warm milk (around 110°F)
- 2 ¼ tsp Active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
- 2 tbsp Sugar
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter, melted
- 3 to 3 ½ cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 large Egg, room temperature
For the Filling & Topping
- 2 cups Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp Melted butter (for brushing)
- ½ tsp Garlic powder (optional)
How To Make Cheddar cheese rolls
Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Mix the Dough: Add the melted butter, egg, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until combined. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Knead: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour (or until doubled in size).
Shape and Fill: Punch the dough down and roll it out into a large rectangle. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the surface. Roll the dough up tightly into a log and slice into 12 even rolls.
Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Finish: Brush the tops with melted butter and a pinch of garlic powder immediately after taking them out of the oven.