Name: Holiday Herb-Cheese Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast; 1 cup warm milk; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 egg; ¼ cup melted butter; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, or thyme); 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 80 reviews

If you’re looking to add a warm, inviting touch to your holiday table, this Holiday Herb-Cheese Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. These soft, fluffy rolls are packed with fragrant fresh herbs and gooey melted cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re serving them alongside a hearty roast or as part of a festive appetizer spread, these rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that bring comforting, homemade charm to any special occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six round, golden-brown bread rolls with a slight speckled texture from herbs and spices baked inside. Each roll is topped with small, scattered pieces of lightly melted cheese. The rolls rest on brown parchment paper that lines a surface, which is changed to a white marbled texture for the description. The bread surface looks soft with a smooth crust, and the herbs add tiny dark green and red flecks within the light golden dough. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Holiday Herb-Cheese Rolls Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Every element plays its part—from the tender flour base to the earthy herbs and creamy cheese—offering layers of flavor and texture that come together effortlessly.

3 cups flour: Provides the structure and soft crumb essential for fluffy rolls.
2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast: Makes the dough rise beautifully and gives the rolls their light texture.
1 cup warm milk: Enhances tenderness and helps activate the yeast for a perfect dough.
2 tablespoons sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory ingredients.
1 egg: Binds the dough while adding richness and color to the rolls.
¼ cup melted butter: Brings moistness and a delicate buttery flavor that makes every bite irresistible.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the roll.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory depth and a hint of warmth.
1 tablespoon chopped herbs (parsley, rosemary, or thyme): Fresh herbs infuse the dough with fragrant, vibrant notes that define these rolls.
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan): Melts into delicious pockets of gooey goodness throughout the rolls.

How to Make Holiday Herb-Cheese Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by combining the warm milk, instant yeast, sugar, egg, melted butter, salt, and garlic powder in a large mixing bowl. Allow the yeast to awaken and begin bubbling — this daytime ritual kickstarts the rise and gives the rolls their irresistible fluffiness.

Step 2: Add the Flour, Herbs, and Cheese

Gently fold in the flour, fresh chopped herbs, and shredded cheese. These herbs and cheese are the stars of the show, adding aromatic complexity and bursts of savory flavor with every bite. Stir until a rough dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it until smooth and elastic. This step takes about 8 to 10 minutes, and it’s worth the effort because kneading develops the gluten network that results in tender yet structured rolls. Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it to rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each into a smooth roll. Lay them neatly in a greased baking pan, leaving some space between each so they can rise up beautifully without sticking to one another.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover the pan loosely with a cloth and let the rolls rise again for 30 minutes. This second rise ensures those rolls will be fluffy with tender crumb and a lovely golden crust after baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 18 to 20 minutes or until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown color. The smell at this point will be utterly mouthwatering, thanks to the herbs and melted cheese working their magic.

How to Serve Holiday Herb-Cheese Rolls Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with nine soft bread rolls arranged in three rows of three. Each roll has a golden-brown top sprinkled with melted light orange cheese, giving a slightly textured look. One roll near the front center has a piece gently pulled away, revealing the fluffy, light interior of the bread. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, and a grey cloth is partially visible on the right edge. The scene is bright and clear, focusing on the warm, fresh bread rolls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Brush the warm rolls with melted garlic butter right after they come out of the oven to add an extra layer of rich flavor and glossy finish. For a festive touch, sprinkle a pinch of freshly chopped herbs or a light dusting of grated Parmesan over the top.

Side Dishes

These herb-cheese rolls are a stellar companion to hearty holiday mains like glazed ham, roasted turkey, or even a creamy stew. Their soft texture and savory flavors complement soups, salads, and roasted vegetables just as beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive presentation, arrange the rolls in a circular wreath on a large plate, garnished with sprigs of rosemary or thyme. You can also serve them with small bowls of flavored butters or herb-infused olive oils for dipping, inviting your guests to savor every bite in joyful variety.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Holiday Herb-Cheese Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to two days, making them great to enjoy beyond your initial feast.

Freezing

If you want to keep these rolls even longer, freeze them after baking by wrapping each roll individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They will maintain their quality for up to three months, ready to be thawed whenever you crave that comforting herb and cheese charm.

Reheating

To bring frozen or leftover rolls back to life, warm them in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. This gentle heat revives their softness and melts the cheese inside, making each bite taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh for this Holiday Herb-Cheese Rolls Recipe?

Absolutely! If fresh herbs are not available, substitute with about one-third of the amount in dried herbs since they have a more concentrated flavor. Just be sure to mix them well into the dough for even distribution.

What is the best type of cheese to use?

Cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan each bring their own unique flavor and texture. Cheddar lends a sharpness, mozzarella offers gooey creaminess, and Parmesan adds a nutty, savory punch. Feel free to mix cheeses for a custom blend that suits your taste.

Can I make these rolls gluten-free?

While this recipe relies on wheat flour for its structure, you can try gluten-free flour blends designed for bread baking. Keep in mind texture and rise might differ slightly, so it may take some experimentation to find the perfect mix.

How long can these rolls stay fresh?

Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, these rolls stay soft and delicious for about two days. Beyond that, freezing is your best option to maintain freshness.

Can I add other flavors to the dough?

Definitely! Feel free to complement the herbs and cheese with extras like finely chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a little heat. This Holiday Herb-Cheese Rolls Recipe is very versatile to your flavor preferences.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Holiday Herb-Cheese Rolls Recipe enough if you want a homemade bread that truly elevates any holiday meal. With its soft texture, herbaceous aroma, and cheesy warmth, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your repertoire all year long. Give it a try, and watch these delightful rolls become your new festive favorite.