Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Bread Rolls Recipe

Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Bread Rolls are the ultimate comfort food you never knew you needed—pillowy-soft, golden bread wraps themselves around a creamy, oozy spinach and cheese filling for the perfect snack, breakfast, or showstopping brunch side. Imagine pulling apart a warm, aromatic roll and being greeted by that mouthwatering, savory aroma—pure heaven!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Whipping up these Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Bread Rolls is easier than you think, and each ingredient plays an important part—whether it’s the softness of the dough, the savory-salty balance of the filling, or that bright pop of color from fresh spinach.

• Bread Flour: The high protein content creates structure, yielding an extra fluffy and chewy crumb.
• Active Dry Yeast: Brings the magic rise—you can use instant yeast if you’re after convenience.
• Milk: Adds richness for a tender, soft bread; warms up to help activate the yeast.
• Sugar: Just a touch to feed the yeast and encourage browning in the oven.
• Egg: Makes the dough extra supple, adds shine and color.
• Butter: Melted into the dough for flavor and brushed on top for an unbeatable, golden-brown crust.
• Salt: Balances out all the flavors—never skip it!
• Spinach (fresh or frozen): Finely chopped, it gives the filling an earthy boost and vibrant color.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for that classic gooey, stretchy bite.
• Dried Herbs: Oregano or Italian seasoning elevate the flavor of the filling.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a mellow, savory aroma without overpowering the filling.
• White Pepper: Gently seasons the mix without adding visible flecks.
• Cream Cheese (optional): Takes the filling to velvety new heights and holds everything together.

Variations

Half the fun of making Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Bread Rolls is how easily you can mix and match ingredients to suit your mood or the odds and ends in your fridge—don’t be shy to experiment and make this delicious bake your very own!

• Meaty Delight: Scatter in cooked bacon, diced ham, or rotisserie chicken for a protein-packed, savory twist.
• Veggie-Forward: Swap spinach for kale or swiss chard, or toss in sautéed peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or sweet corn for bursts of color.
• Cheese Swap: Try feta or sharp cheddar instead of (or in addition to) mozzarella for a totally different flavor profile.
• Herbaceous Touch: Fresh basil, chives, or parsley tossed into the filling makes for a garden-fresh upgrade.
• Whole Wheat Boost: Use half whole wheat or spelt flour for a rustic, nutty vibe—they’ll still turn out soft!

How to Make Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Bread Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by warming your milk until it’s just over room temperature—think cozy bath, not hot tub! Sprinkle in the sugar and yeast, stir, and let this mixture sit for about 8 or 9 minutes, until it’s foamy on top. Watching the yeast bloom is so satisfying, and it ensures your rolls are super fluffy!

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

Add your flour to a large mixing bowl, pour in the activated yeast mixture, crack in the egg, sprinkle over the salt, and pour in the melted butter. Mix until everything comes together, then knead on a floured countertop until the dough feels smooth and just a little tacky. It’s a mini workout for your arms—but so worth it!

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer the dough into a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a tea towel. Let it rise somewhere warm until it’s doubled in size—about 90 minutes. If you’ve got an Instant Pot, you can speed things up by using the ‘Yogurt’ mode and keeping it cozy for about 50 minutes instead.

Step 4: Prepare the Spinach and Cheese Filling

While your dough is rising, stir together the finely chopped spinach, grated mozzarella, dried herbs, garlic powder, white pepper, salt, and (if you like) a spoonful of cream cheese. Taste for seasoning—the filling should be creamy, cheesy, with a gentle earthy note from the spinach.

Step 5: Shape and Fill the Rolls

Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface, gently flatten, and roll out into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Evenly spread the spinach and cheese filling over the dough. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into strips (about 2 to 3 cm wide). Roll up each strip snugly and place them in your greased baking tins or pans, with a little breathing room in between.

Step 6: Proof the Rolls

Cover the pans with a clean towel and let the rolls puff up again for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until noticeably larger. If you’re in a rush, you can proof them in your Instant Pot on ‘Yogurt’ mode again—just 30 minutes will do. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) while they rise for the second round.

Step 7: Bake and Finish

Give each roll a generous brush of melted butter—this helps them turn gorgeously golden as they bake. Slide the rolls into your hot oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until they’re puffed, tender, and sparkling with color. As soon as they come out, brush them with more butter (trust me!) for extra flavor and shine.

How to Serve Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Bread Rolls

Garnishes

Take your Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Bread Rolls to new heights with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a shower of freshly chopped parsley, or an extra dusting of parmesan just before serving. A drizzle of olive oil or even a flicker of crushed red pepper adds an irresistible finishing touch, especially when they’re fresh and piping hot from the oven.

Side Dishes

Pair these savory bread rolls with a simple green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette, a bowl of tomato soup, or a platter of charcuterie and antipasto. They’re the perfect partner to everything from a hearty stew to a light lunch board—honestly, they’re so good, they can steal the show all on their own!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Bread Rolls stacked tall on a rustic wooden board, or arrange them in a basket lined with a linen napkin for a cozy, bakery-style feel. Want to wow guests? Bake them in a round tin so they pull apart into perfect spirals, or tuck a few into a picnic lunch for an out-of-the-box snack everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (good luck with that!), simply let the rolls cool, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the bread soft and the filling tasting fresh.

Freezing

Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Bread Rolls freeze surprisingly well! Place completely cooled rolls in a zipper bag or airtight container and stash them in the freezer for up to 2 months. To avoid freezer burn, wrap rolls individually in foil or plastic wrap before storing.

Reheating

To bring your rolls back to their just-baked glory, gently reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, or pop them in the microwave for 20–30 seconds. For that bakery-fresh taste, reheat from frozen straight in the oven, covered loosely with foil.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a bake that’s as impressive as it is comforting, you simply have to try these Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Bread Rolls. With fluffy homemade bread, a creamy-cheesy center, and endless ways to make them your own, they’re bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Bake a batch soon—they’re even better when shared!

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