Homemade Sesame Cheese Rolls

There’s something irresistible about freshly baked cheese rolls straight from the oven. These golden, sesame-topped spiral buns combine the perfect balance of soft, pillowy dough with a savory cheese filling that melts in your mouth. Whether served as a side to your favorite soup, as an appetizer for gatherings, or enjoyed as a hearty snack, these homemade cheese rolls will become a staple in your baking repertoire. The beautiful spiral pattern and golden crust not only make them visually appealing but also lock in the delicious cheese flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup (240 ml) warm water
• 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk
• ½ cup (120 ml) olive oil
• 2 egg whites
• 10 grams instant yeast (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 cups (approximately 750 grams) all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• 150 grams mozzarella cheese, grated
• 100 grams feta cheese, crumbled
• 50 grams butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

For Topping:

• 2 egg yolks (for brushing)
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, warm milk, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add the egg whites, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
3. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue adding flour until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for 45-60 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Making the Filling

6. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by combining the grated mozzarella, crumbled feta, melted butter, and dried oregano in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.

Shaping the Rolls

7. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release air bubbles.
8. Divide the dough into 15 equal portions (about 80-85 grams each).
9. Take one portion and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a thin circle, approximately 15 cm (6 inches) in diameter.
10. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the cheese filling evenly over the dough circle.
11. Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
12. Coil the log into a spiral shape, tucking the end underneath.
13. Place the shaped roll onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
14. Repeat with the remaining dough portions, spacing the rolls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.

Baking

15. Cover the shaped rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rest for 15-20 minutes.
16. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
17. Whisk the egg yolks in a small bowl and brush the tops of the rolls generously.
18. Sprinkle sesame seeds (and black sesame seeds if using) over the rolls.
19. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
20. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Nutritional Information and Timing

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Rising Time: 1 hour
• Baking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 15 cheese rolls

Nutritional Information (per roll):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 1.5g
• Sodium: 350mg

Cooking Tips and Tricks

1. Temperature matters: Make sure your water and milk are warm (around 110°F/43°C) but not hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast.
2. Flour consistency: The exact amount of flour needed may vary depending on humidity and flour type. Add flour gradually until you achieve a soft, slightly tacky dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
3. Proper kneading: Knead the dough until it passes the “windowpane test” – when a small piece can be stretched thin enough to see light through without tearing.
4. Even sizing: Use a kitchen scale to divide the dough into equal portions for uniform baking and presentation.
5. Cheese options: For the best melting texture, make sure your mozzarella is freshly grated rather than pre-shredded (which contains anti-caking agents).
6. Golden finish: For an extra golden crust, you can brush the rolls with a mixture of egg yolk and a tablespoon of milk or cream.

Variations and Substitutions

1. Mediterranean Style: Add 2 tablespoons of sun-dried tomatoes and 1 tablespoon of chopped olives to the filling.
2. Herb Lovers: Incorporate 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped herbs like dill, parsley, or chives into the cheese mixture.
3. Whole Wheat Option: Replace up to 2 cups of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
4. Dairy-Free Alternative: Use plant-based cheese alternatives and vegan butter to make these dairy-free.
5. Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy variation.
6. Cheese Substitutions: Replace the feta with goat cheese or the mozzarella with cheddar or gruyere for different flavor profiles.

Common FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping the rolls.

Why didn’t my dough rise properly?

This could be due to expired yeast, liquid that was too hot (killing the yeast), or a kitchen that’s too cold. Always check your yeast’s expiration date and ensure your rising environment is warm (around 75-85°F/24-29°C).

Can I freeze these cheese rolls?

Absolutely! You can freeze them either before or after baking. For pre-baked freezing, shape the rolls, place on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and allow to rise for 1-2 hours before baking.

My rolls seem dense. What went wrong?

Dense rolls often result from under-rising or over-flouring the dough. Make sure you give the dough enough time to rise until doubled, and add flour gradually until just the right consistency is achieved.

Can I add other ingredients to the filling?

Yes! Consider adding cooked spinach (well-drained), caramelized onions, or cooked bacon bits for different flavor combinations.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

1. Room Temperature: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
2. Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore freshness.
3. Freezing: Baked rolls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag.
4. Make-Ahead Options: Prepare the dough up to the first rise, then refrigerate overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature, shape, and proceed with the second rise and baking.
5. Reheating: To refresh day-old rolls, sprinkle with a few drops of water and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes.

These golden, cheesy spiral rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, dinner parties, or anytime you want to elevate a simple meal. Their impressive appearance belies how simple they are to make, and their versatility means they pair well with soups, salads, or can stand alone as a satisfying snack.