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Fluffy Holiday Herb-Cheese Rolls

Fluffy Holiday Herb-Cheese Rolls - featured image
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These pillowy, buttery dinner rolls are packed with fresh herbs and melty cheese, making them the perfect festive centerpiece for any holiday table. Easy to make and endlessly adaptable, they bring cozy comfort and crowd-pleasing flavor to gatherings or weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F; whole milk preferred)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, or a blend)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 small clove, finely minced)
  • Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing before & after baking)
  • Pinch of flaky salt (for finishing)

Instructions

  1. If using active dry yeast, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes. If using instant yeast, skip this step.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add yeast mixture (or sprinkle instant yeast on flour), melted butter, and egg.
  3. Mix with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a shaggy dough forms. If sticky, add more flour a tablespoon at a time.
  4. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5-6 minutes by mixer.
  5. Place dough in a clean, lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 hour.
  6. In a small bowl, combine shredded cheese, chopped herbs, garlic powder, and optional Parmesan.
  7. Punch down dough. Sprinkle half the herb-cheese mixture onto dough and knead gently until just incorporated.
  8. Divide dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each into a ball by tucking edges underneath and pinching to seal.
  9. Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan or two 8-inch round pans with space between each.
  10. Cover pan loosely and let rolls rise in a warm spot until puffed and almost doubled, about 30-45 minutes.
  11. Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush rolls with half the melted butter, sprinkle with remaining herb-cheese blend and flaky salt.
  12. Bake 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and cheese is bubbling. Rotate pan halfway for even color.
  13. Remove from oven and brush with remaining melted butter. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then serve warm.

Notes

For best results, use bread flour for a chewier crumb. You can substitute dried herbs (use half the amount). For dairy-free or vegan rolls, use plant-based butter and cheese, and a flax egg. Rolls freeze well after shaping; thaw and rise before baking. Brush with butter immediately after baking for extra softness.

Nutrition

Keywords: herb cheese rolls, holiday bread, dinner rolls, festive rolls, easy bread recipe, fluffy rolls, homemade rolls, party bread, comfort food

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