Fluffy Cheddar Cheese Stuffed Parker House Rolls: Your Ultimate Guide to Buttery Perfection
These Cheddar Cheese Stuffed Parker House Rolls are a true revelation: wonderfully fluffy, generously stuffed with gooey cheddar cheese, and absolutely drenched in buttery goodness! While their elegant appearance might suggest a complex baking project, you’ll be delighted to discover how incredibly simple they are to create. This single recipe yields four generous loaves, making it ideal for upcoming holiday feasts and large gatherings. But even if you’re planning a quiet meal, the dough can be easily frozen for up to three weeks, offering unparalleled convenience for fresh, homemade rolls anytime you desire.
The Therapeutic Joy of Baking Homemade Bread
There’s a unique magic that comes with baking bread, a kind of primal satisfaction that few other culinary endeavors can match. For me, regardless of the day’s challenges – be it a nagging cold, overwhelming stress, or simply a plain old terrible day – the act of making bread is a powerful antidote. The moment my hands dive into the soft, yielding dough, beginning the rhythmic process of kneading, every muscle in my body seems to unclench. My mind, usually cluttered with thoughts, clears completely, replaced by a singular focus on the task at hand. It’s a meditative experience, a quiet communion between baker and ingredients, culminating in something truly beautiful and delicious.
Indeed, there’s nothing quite like the process of crafting homemade bread. But let’s be honest, there’s also nothing quite like the experience of eating it. Imagine pulling a freshly baked roll straight from the oven, still piping hot, its crust lightly crisp and its interior soft as a cloud. Now, picture slathering that warm roll with a generous dollop of melted butter, letting it seep into every nook and cranny. And to elevate that experience to pure addiction? A whisper of sharp cheddar cheese tucked inside, transforming a simple roll into an irresistible treat. These Cheddar Cheese Stuffed Parker House Rolls promise exactly that level of sublime enjoyment.
Effortless Elegance: Simplicity and Generosity in One Recipe
Despite their sophisticated appearance, these Parker House Rolls are surprisingly straightforward to prepare. Don’t let their beautiful, folded form intimidate you; the process is quite simple, making them accessible even for novice bakers. What’s truly remarkable is that this single recipe yields an impressive four loaves, perfect for feeding a crowd or ensuring you have plenty of leftovers. This generous yield is especially beneficial when planning for the busy holiday season, whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner, a festive Christmas gathering, or any special occasion that calls for a truly outstanding bread offering.
Make-Ahead Magic: Freeze for Freshness Later
One of the best features of this recipe is its incredible make-ahead potential. If you’re not hosting a large gathering immediately, or simply want to spread out your baking efforts, you can easily freeze the dough for up to three weeks before baking. This flexibility is a game-changer for meal prep and holiday planning. Imagine having freshly baked, warm, cheesy rolls with minimal effort on a busy weeknight or a festive holiday morning! I’ve personally committed to making this recipe at least once a month, ensuring a steady supply of these delectable homemade rolls. My only secret? Just don’t tell my diet about my daily roll indulgence…
**Pro Tip for Freezing:** If you choose to freeze your formed rolls, there’s no need to thaw them before baking. Simply transfer them directly from the freezer to the preheated oven and bake according to the instructions provided in the recipe below. You might need to add a few minutes to the baking time to ensure they are fully cooked through and beautifully golden brown. This convenient method ensures you can enjoy a warm, cheesy roll whenever the craving strikes.
Why These Cheddar Cheese Stuffed Parker House Rolls Will Be Your New Favorite
What makes these Parker House Rolls truly stand out? It’s the harmonious blend of classic technique with an irresistible cheesy twist. Parker House Rolls are renowned for their incredibly soft, tender crumb and distinct folded shape, which creates delightful layers perfect for tearing apart. Introducing a slice of sharp cheddar cheese into the center elevates them to a new level of comfort food. As they bake, the cheese melts into a warm, gooey center, creating pockets of savory delight that perfectly complement the sweet, buttery dough. They are the ideal accompaniment to any meal, from a simple weeknight dinner to an elaborate holiday spread. The combination of fluffy bread, rich butter, and sharp cheddar is simply unmatched.
Tips for Perfect Parker House Rolls Every Time
- Activate Your Yeast Correctly: Ensure your warm water is between 105-115°F (40-46°C). Water that’s too hot will kill the yeast, and water that’s too cold won’t activate it. The foamy appearance after 10 minutes confirms your yeast is alive and ready to work!
- Don’t Rush the Rise: A warm, draft-free environment is crucial for the dough to double in size. If your kitchen is cool, try placing the bowl in a slightly warm (but not hot) oven that has been turned off, or near a sunny window. Patience during the rising process yields incredibly light and airy rolls.
- Measure Flour Accurately: Too much flour can result in dry, dense rolls. It’s best to measure flour by weight using a kitchen scale for precision, or by spooning flour into a measuring cup and leveling it off. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky, not overly sticky or stiff.
- Proper Kneading: Kneading develops the gluten, which gives the rolls their structure and chewiness. Whether by hand or stand mixer, knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should spring back slowly when poked.
- The Cheddar Choice: Use a good quality, sharp cheddar cheese. Sharp cheddar provides a great contrast to the subtle sweetness of the roll. Cutting it into 1/4-inch slices ensures an even melt without overwhelming the roll.
- Achieving the Classic Fold: The Parker House roll’s signature fold isn’t just for looks; it creates layers of buttery goodness. When folding, ensure one side slightly overlaps the other to create that classic seam.
- Baking to Perfection: Keep an eye on the rolls towards the end of baking. They should be golden brown on top. Rotate your baking sheets halfway through to ensure even browning.
- The Final Brush: Don’t skip brushing with melted butter and a sprinkle of salt immediately after baking. This adds a beautiful sheen, enhances the flavor, and creates an even more irresistible crust.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These cheesy Parker House Rolls are incredibly versatile. They make an exquisite side dish for nearly any meal. Imagine them alongside a hearty beef stew, a comforting chicken noodle soup, or a perfectly roasted chicken or turkey. They’re also fantastic for soaking up gravies and sauces, making them a holiday table essential. Beyond the main course, consider them for:
- Breakfast Sandwiches: Slice them in half and fill with eggs, bacon, or sausage for a delicious morning treat.
- Mini Sliders: Perfect for game day or parties, stuff them with pulled pork, shredded beef, or even vegetarian fillings.
- Soup Dippers: Their fluffy texture and cheesy interior make them ideal for dipping into creamy tomato soup or a robust French onion.
For variations, experiment with different cheeses! A smoky gouda, spicy jalapeño jack, or even a blend of mozzarella and parmesan could offer exciting new flavors. You could also mix in some fresh chives or garlic powder into the dough for an herbaceous touch.
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This Recipe’s Must Haves
- KitchenAid Artisan Tilt-Head Stand Mixer is EVERYTHING you need for all your holiday baking! Its powerful motor and various attachments make bread making effortless.
- Shun Classic 8-Inch Chef’s Knife = my #1 knife in my knife block. It makes precise cuts for dough and cheese a breeze.
- The Sur La Table Marble Pastry Board and the Marble Rolling Pin are the two tools in my kitchen that I most highly recommend when it comes to making bread! Their cool surfaces prevent dough from sticking, making rolling and shaping much easier.
Don’t forget to Pin this Cheddar Cheese Stuffed Parker House Rolls recipe for later! It’s a lifesaver for holiday meal planning and everyday indulgence.
Cheddar Cheese Stuffed Parker House Rolls
ingredients
- 1 1/4 oz package dry active yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/2 cup warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled, divided
- 2 cups whole milk (at room temperature)
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt plus more for topping
- 7 1/2 to 8 cups all-purpose flour plus more for work surface
- 1 10oz block sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 1/4 inch thick slices
instructions
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fit with the dough hook, stir together yeast, water and 1 tsp of sugar. Let stand for 10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active. Add the remaining sugar, 3/4 cup melted butter, milk, eggs, and 1 Tbsp salt. Beat until thoroughly combined. Keeping the mixer on low speed, gradually stir in 7 1/2 cups flour until the dough comes together into a shaggy mass. If your dough still seems too sticky to handle, add up to an additional 1/2 cup flour, incorporating one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency.
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Dump the dough out onto a clean, lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 3-4 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can continue to use your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook on medium speed, kneading until the dough forms a cohesive ball around the hook and pulls cleanly away from the sides of the bowl.
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Lightly coat a large, clean bowl with some of the remaining melted butter. Transfer the ball of kneaded dough to this bowl, turning it once to ensure it’s lightly buttered all over. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for approximately 1 1/2 hours, or until it has visibly doubled in size. This crucial step develops the rolls’ fluffy texture.
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While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C). Prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
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Once the dough has risen, gently turn it out onto a clean, lightly floured work surface. Using your hands or a rolling pin, shape the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 9×16 inches. Take a floured knife or a bench scraper and carefully cut the dough lengthwise into 3 even strips. Then, cut these long strips crosswise into 12 smaller, individual strips, each approximately 1.3 inches wide. You will have 36 dough pieces in total.
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Take one of the cut dough pieces and place a single slice of your 1/4-inch thick cheddar cheese in the center. Carefully fold one side of the dough over the cheese. Then, fold the other side so it just slightly overlaps the first folded side, creating the signature Parker House roll look. The fold should appear somewhat uneven, creating a pocket for the cheese. Place the roll seam-side down onto one of your prepared baking sheets. Continue this process with all the remaining dough and cheese slices. Arrange the rolls snugly together on the baking sheets to form 4 rows of 9 rolls each. Distribute these evenly, with 2 rows per baking pan, ensuring the individual rolls touch within each row, but leaving a few inches between rows to allow for expansion.
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Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-23 minutes. For even browning, remember to rotate your baking sheets from front to back halfway through the baking time. Once cooked, the rolls should be beautifully golden brown on top and cooked through. Immediately upon removing them from the oven, generously brush the tops with the remaining melted butter and sprinkle a little extra kosher salt for flavor and a slight textural crunch. Allow the rolls to cool for approximately 5 minutes on the baking sheet before serving. This brief cooling period helps the cheese set slightly and makes them easier to handle. Serve warm and enjoy!
Conclusion: The Ultimate Comfort Food
These Cheddar Cheese Stuffed Parker House Rolls are more than just a side dish; they are an experience. From the comforting aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake to the sheer delight of biting into a warm, fluffy roll with melted cheddar, every step is a pleasure. They embody the essence of homemade comfort, combining the classic buttery goodness of Parker House Rolls with the irresistible savory punch of sharp cheddar. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your bread-making journey, this recipe offers a rewarding and delicious outcome. Their ease of preparation, generous yield, and make-ahead capabilities make them an invaluable addition to your culinary repertoire. Don’t hesitate to make these cheesy wonders a staple in your home – your taste buds, family, and guests will thank you!