When you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and ridiculously satisfying, these stuffed bread rolls are where it's at. Think of them as the best parts of cheese bread and comfort food rolled into one pillowy bite. They’re soft and golden on the outside, oozing with gooey fillings on the inside, and perfect for everything from game night snacks to cozy family dinners. And the best part? This recipe is beginner-friendly and doesn’t take all day — you’ll be devouring these in under an hour.
Gooey Stuffed Bread Rolls
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 18 minutes mins
Total Time 38 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American, Italian
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or dough whisk
Rolling Pin (or use a drinking glass as a substitute)
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Pastry Brush (or the back of a spoon)
For the Dough (makes about 10 rolls)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons 1 packet instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¾ cup warm milk about 110°F
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour plus a little extra for dusting
For the Filling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella use homemade cheese if you have it for extra flavor!
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled sausage or chopped pepperoni optional
- ¼ cup sautéed onions or bell peppers
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For Topping
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley optional
- Extra grated parmesan or cheddar optional
Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, mix warm milk with sugar and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it looks foamy — that’s your sign it’s ready.
Make the Dough
Stir in olive oil, salt, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. This is a quick rise bread, so no need for a long proofing time.
Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and any optional add-ins like cooked sausage, pepperoni, or sautéed veggies. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed. If you're using homemade cheese, crumble or shred it before mixing for easier filling.
Roll and Fill
Divide the dough into 10 pieces. Flatten each piece into a small circle (about the size of your palm). Add a spoonful of your cheesy filling in the center, then pinch the dough closed and roll gently into a ball.
Final Rise
Place the stuffed rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, seam side down. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rest for 10 minutes — just enough time for the dough to puff slightly.
Bake
Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder. Bake at 375°F for 18 minutes, or until golden and puffy.
Finish & Serve
Right after baking, brush with more butter and sprinkle on parsley or extra cheese if you like. Serve warm — they’re best when the filling is still gooey.
Perfect Pairings
These stuffed bread rolls go great with:
- Marinara sauce for dipping
- A bowl of creamy tomato soup
- A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
- A cozy plate of spaghetti or baked ziti — they work beautifully as a cheesy sidekick
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-made dough?
Absolutely. If you’re in a pinch, refrigerated pizza dough or frozen dinner roll dough works fine. But honestly, this easy bread recipe for beginners quick enough to make from scratch.
2. What kind of cheese works best?
Mozzarella is classic, but feel free to mix in cheddar, gouda, or even a soft homemade cheese blend. Just avoid anything too watery.
3. Can I skip the meat?
Totally. These rolls are fantastic as cheesy vegetarian snacks. You can bulk them up with sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a meatless twist.
4. Do I need to let the dough rise?
Only a quick rise is needed. The dough is designed for those looking for quick and easy bread recipes for beginners — it’s forgiving and fast.
5. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yep! You can shape and stuff the rolls, then refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Or bake them fully and reheat in the oven for 5-7 minutes before serving.
