Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

Filipino Cheese Rolls, with soft, fluffy bread rolls and oozing cheese filling, are a delightful treat that will leave you craving for more. So, gather your ingredients and let’s make these classic Filipino bakery bread.

If you are a cheese lover and you find yourself craving a heavenly combination of soft bread and gooey cheese, then this soft and fluffy cheese Rolls recipe is for you. Delicious rolls with golden crust, glistening with melted butter and sugar on top with oozing cheese filling, Filipino Cheese Rolls are simply irresistible.

What are Filipino Cheese Rolls?

Imagine taking a bite into a soft, pillowy roll, only to discover a glorious eruption of melty, gooey cheese. That’s the magic of Filipino Cheese Rolls! It’s essentially bread brushed with butter then sprinkled with sugar with a savory cheese filling, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Creating your own batch is almost similar to making ensaymada which is also a Filipino favorite. The combination of the bread’s pillowy softness and the melty cheese filling makes it one of the most popular bread sold at bakeries and cafes. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying snack, or a comforting treat to indulge in, these baked goodies are the answer.

Notes On Some Ingredients

Flour — I use bread flour for fluffier and delicious rolls. If you’re asking “Can I use all purpose flour?”, well yes but it will not be as fluffy as using bread flour.
Butter — has fat to ensure softness of the cinnamon roll dough.
Egg — same with butter, egg helps make a richer, softer dough.
Salt — flavor enhancer.
Sugar — white granulated sugar is essential for flavor and to feed the yeast.
Yeast — causes the dough to rise and aerate by converting sugar to carbon dioxide gas. You can either use instant yeast or active dry yeast, whichever is available, for this recipe.
Cheese Filling — I used cheddar cheese cut into sticks but you can always swap it with your preferred kind of cheese.

How To Make Cheese Rolls

These are a popular baked treat in the Philippines that are so easy to make. They are made by encasing cheese sticks inside a soft and slightly sweet bread dough.

The bread dough is typically made using simple ingredients like flour, sugar, salt, yeast, milk, water, butter, and eggs. It is prepared by mixing and kneading the ingredients together until a smooth and elastic dough is formed. The dough is then allowed to rise until it doubles in size, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.

Once the dough has risen, it is cut into smaller smaller dough that is flattened. Cheese stick filling is then placed on the flatten dough. The dough is then rolled tightly into a log to seal the filling inside. These pieces are placed on a baking tray, allowed to rise again, and then baked in a preheated oven until they turn golden brown and the cheese filling becomes melty and delicious.

Baking Tips

Fresh ingredients can greatly affect the taste and texture of your bread rolls.
Shape the rolls evenly: When shaping the rolls, divide the dough into equal portions. This ensures that the rolls bake evenly and have an attractive appearance.
Let the dough rise properly: After kneading, allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place until it doubles in size. This can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the temperature and the type of yeast used.
If using instant yeast, simply added directly to the dry ingredients. Give the rolls a second rise: After shaping, allow the rolls to rise again for at least 30 minutes or until double in size. This helps to further develop the flavor and texture of the rolls.
To know if the dough has been kneaded enough to achieve the desired elasticity and structure, do a windowpane test. Take a small piece of dough and stretch the dough apart, pulling it gently in all directions. As you stretch, the dough should thin out and become translucent without breaking.

How To Serve And Store

These cheese-stuffed bread are often enjoyed as a snack or dessert, perfect for any time of the day. They can be served warm, allowing the cheese to ooze out, or at room temperature.
To Store: Place rolls in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag the refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze: Ensure the rolls are wrapped tightly and stored in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to consume, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in an oven for a few minutes.