Soft and Fluffy Stuffed Bread Rolls

(Tender, Pillowy, and Perfectly Filled)

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a soft, fluffy bread roll with a delicious filling tucked inside. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or a dinner side, stuffed bread rolls are versatile, comforting, and endlessly customizable. These rolls are soft on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with your favorite fillings—perfect for impressing family or guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and pillowy texture: Light and airy bread that melts in your mouth.
Customizable fillings: Sweet or savory options, from cheese to chocolate or vegetables.
Great for meal prep: Make ahead and store for later.
Kid-friendly: Perfect for school lunches or snack time.
Impressive presentation: Beautiful golden rolls perfect for gatherings.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20–25 minutes (plus 1–2 hours rising)
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes – 2 hours 15 minutes
Oven Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
Yield: 12–16 rolls
Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Dough

4 cups all-purpose flour
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
1 large egg

For the Filling (Savory Example)

1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
½ cup cooked diced ham or cooked vegetables
1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning

Optional Sweet Filling: Chocolate chips, Nutella, or sweetened cream cheese.

For Brushing

1 egg, beaten
Optional: sesame seeds or poppy seeds

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Dough

In a small bowl, dissolve sugar in warm milk. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until frothy.
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg.
Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 2: First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare your filling. For savory rolls, combine shredded cheese, cooked ham, and seasonings in a bowl. For sweet rolls, have chocolate or cream cheese ready.

Step 4: Shape and Stuff the Rolls

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12–16 equal pieces.
Flatten each piece into a circle about 3–4 inches in diameter.
Place 1–2 tablespoons of filling in the center.
Carefully fold the edges over the filling and pinch to seal. Shape into a smooth ball.

Step 5: Second Rise

Place the stuffed rolls on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them. Cover loosely and let rise for 20–30 minutes until slightly puffy.

Step 6: Preheat Oven and Brush Rolls

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the rolls with beaten egg. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow rolls to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm.

Tips for Perfect Soft Rolls

Warm milk ensures yeast activates properly.
Don’t overfill the rolls—too much filling can leak during baking.
Knead well for a soft and elastic texture.
Egg wash gives a shiny, golden top.
Experiment with fillings—savory, sweet, or even a combination of both.

Storage

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked rolls up to 1 month. Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes.
Make Ahead: Shape and fill rolls, freeze on a baking sheet, then bake from frozen with a few extra minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with soup or salad for a complete meal.
Great as party appetizers or snack packs.
Sweet rolls can be paired with coffee or tea for breakfast or dessert.

Variations

Cheese & Spinach Rolls: Use sautéed spinach and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
Pizza Rolls: Fill with mozzarella, pepperoni, and marinara sauce.
Cinnamon Sugar Rolls: Fill with cinnamon sugar butter and brush with glaze after baking.
Chocolate Hazelnut Rolls: Sweet rolls with Nutella and crushed hazelnuts.

Final Thoughts

Soft and fluffy stuffed bread rolls are versatile, delicious, and impressive. From savory ham and cheese to sweet chocolate fillings, they can be adapted for any occasion. The secret lies in the soft, well-kneaded dough, careful rising, and flavorful filling.

Once baked, these rolls are perfect warm from the oven, with a soft interior and slightly golden, crisp top. They’re ideal for family meals, picnics, holiday spreads, or even as a special treat for yourself.