Dating back to ancient Scottish culinary traditions, oatmeal has been a staple in bread-making for centuries. This modern interpretation combines the wholesome goodness of oats with the rich, creamy texture of cheese, creating a unique fusion that’s both nutritious and indulgent. These rolls are perfect for breakfast, as a side dish, or even as a standalone snack.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 250g oatmeal (2½ cups)
- 125ml water (½ cup), room temperature
- 250g cottage cheese (1 cup)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon mixed dried herbs
Optional Cheese Filling
- 100g Suluguni or any hard cheese (1 cup, grated)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Oats
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oatmeal with room temperature water
- Let it stand for 10-15 minutes to allow the oats to absorb the water
- Mix the Base
- Add cottage cheese to the soaked oats
- Incorporate baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and dried herbs
- Mix thoroughly until a cohesive dough forms
- Form the Rolls
- Divide the dough into 10 equal portions
- For cheese-filled versions, flatten each portion
- Add grated cheese in the center and seal carefully
- Final Preparation
- Place rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet
- Brush with water
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds or additional herbs if desired
- Baking
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving
Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Resting Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
Nutritional Information (per roll)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Fat: 7g
- Calcium: 120mg
- Iron: 1.2mg
Pro Tips and Tricks
- Allow oats to fully absorb water before mixing other ingredients
- Don’t overmix the dough to maintain lightness
- Use room temperature ingredients for better incorporation
- Score the tops of rolls before baking for attractive presentation
- Check doneness by tapping bottom – should sound hollow
Variations and Substitutions
- Replace cottage cheese with Greek yogurt
- Experiment with different cheese varieties (cheddar, mozzarella, gouda)
- Add fresh herbs (rosemary, basil, chives)
- Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- Try whole grain oats for extra texture
Common FAQs
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes, ensure you use certified gluten-free oats and check all other ingredients for gluten-free certification.
Q: Why are my rolls dense?
A: This could be due to overmixing or not allowing proper absorption of liquid by the oats.
Q: Can I freeze these rolls?
A: Yes, they freeze well for up to 3 months when properly wrapped.
Q: How can I make them more cheesy?
A: Add an extra 50g of grated cheese to the base mixture or increase the filling amount.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days
- Freeze baked rolls for up to 3 months
- Reheat in microwave for 20-30 seconds or in oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5-7 minutes
- Prepare dough up to 24 hours ahead and store in refrigerator
- Shape rolls and freeze unbaked for up to 1 month
These versatile oatmeal cheese rolls offer a perfect blend of nutrition and indulgence, making them an excellent addition to your baking repertoire. Whether served warm from the oven or reheated later, they maintain their delightful texture and flavor, proving that healthy alternatives can be just as satisfying as traditional bread rolls.
