Aug 27 2026
RestaurantsHappy Buddha Chinese FoodCheese Rolls Recipe

Cheese Rolls Recipe

Time2h
Serves6

(6)

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Ingredients

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Dough

Method

Dough

  1. 1

    Activate yeast and mix wet ingredients

    Combine warm water and warm milk (each about 95–105°F / 35–40°C) in a small bowl. Sprinkle the instant yeast and sugar over the liquid and let sit 5 minutes until foamy. Whisk in the melted butter and beaten egg until combined.

  2. 2

    Make the dough

    In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. If dough is very sticky, add up to 2 tablespoons more flour; if too dry, wet hands and continue kneading.

  3. 3

    First rise

    Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm draft-free place until doubled in size, about 60–75 minutes.

Filling

  1. 4

    Prepare cheese filling

    While the dough rises, combine shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, chopped chives, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Stir until evenly mixed and smooth. If the cream cheese is too firm, microwave in 5–10 second bursts until easily mixable but not hot.

Assembling & Baking

  1. 5

    Shape rolls

    After the dough has doubled, gently punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 12 x 9 inches (30 x 23 cm). Spread the cheese filling evenly over the rectangle, leaving a 1/2-inch border on one long edge. Starting with the long edge opposite the border, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.

  2. 6

    Cut and place

    Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the log into 6 equal pieces (about 2 inches / 5 cm each). Place the rolls cut-side up in a lightly greased 9-inch round or 9x6-inch baking pan, leaving a little space between them for rising. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a towel and let rise until puffy, about 25–30 minutes.

  3. 7

    Preheat oven and make egg wash

    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl whisk the egg with 1 teaspoon water to make an egg wash.

  4. 8

    Bake

    Brush the tops of the risen rolls with the egg wash, then brush or drizzle with the 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle lightly with coarse sea salt if using. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese inside is bubbly.

  5. 9

    Finish

    Remove from the oven and immediately brush once more with any remaining melted butter for a glossy, soft crust. Let cool in the pan 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack or serve warm directly from the pan.

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