Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Bread Rolls Recipe

There’s something truly magical about pulling freshly baked Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Bread Rolls from your oven—golden, pillowy-soft, and bursting with creamy, savory flavor. This recipe is my go-to when I want to wow guests or give my family a comforting treat that tastes like it came from a boutique bakery (but is totally do-able at home!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of kitchen staples transform into something so memorable! Each ingredient in these Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Bread Rolls works together to give you a dough that’s pillowy, flavorful, and beautifully golden, while the filling is decadent and cheesy with just enough freshness from the spinach.

• Bread Flour: Gives the rolls their signature chewy-yet-tender structure. You can also use all-purpose, but bread flour will make them extra fluffy!
• Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise into those beautiful, airy layers—just be sure your yeast is fresh for the best lift.
• Milk: Adds richness and a soft crumb; room-temperature milk is best for activating the yeast.
• Sugar: Just a touch wakes up the yeast and adds a faint sweetness to balance savory flavors.
• Egg: Enriches the dough and gives the rolls a delicate, golden finish.
• Butter (melted): Provides both flavor and softness—plus, a final brush after baking makes them glisten!
• Salt: Don’t skip it—a little salt makes every flavor pop!
• Spinach (fresh or thawed frozen): The star veggie, offering vibrant color and subtle “green” notes.
• Grated Mozzarella Cheese: Melts to luscious, stretchy perfection inside your rolls.
• Dried Herbs (like oregano or Italian blend): Bring savory, aromatic complexity to every bite.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a gentle garlicky undertone that makes them irresistible.
• White Pepper: Lively, subtle heat that doesn’t overpower the other flavors.
• Cream Cheese (optional): For an extra creamy, tangy center. Highly recommended if you love a gooey filling!
• Salt (for filling): Season the filling to taste so those creamy flavors really shine.

Variations

If you love putting your personal spin on recipes, you’ll be thrilled with how easy it is to riff on these Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Bread Rolls. Whether you’re catering to special diets or just working with what you have, here are some delicious ways to make them your own.

• Cheesy Feta & Sun-Dried Tomato: Swap out the mozzarella for crumbled feta and toss chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the filling for tangy Mediterranean flavor.
• Savory Meat Lovers: Add cooked bacon, ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken to the filling for heartier, protein-packed rolls.
• Corn & Cream Cheese Bliss: Fold sweet corn kernels and dollops of cream cheese into the spinach mixture for creaminess and bursts of sweetness.
• Whole Wheat or Spelt Dough: Substitute all or part of the bread flour for whole wheat or spelt for a nutty, wholesome twist (just expect a slightly denser roll).

How to Make Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Bread Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by gently warming your milk—it should feel just warmer than room temperature (think cozy bath, not hot!). Stir in the sugar and yeast, then set aside for about 8–9 minutes until it’s all gloriously foamy. In a big bowl, combine the flour, yeast mixture, egg, salt, and melted butter. Mix and knead everything together until the dough is smooth and soft. A stand mixer makes this a breeze, but your hands work beautifully too!

Step 2: First Proof

Pop your dough back into a greased bowl and cover with a tea towel. Let it sit somewhere warm for about 90 minutes, or until it’s doubled in size—patience here means fluffy rolls later! (If you have an Instant Pot with a yogurt function, you can speed this up to just 50 minutes.) As the dough rises, it’s the perfect time to whip up your filling.

Step 3: Make the Spinach and Cheese Filling

For this step, it’s as simple as mixing together your chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry if using frozen), mozzarella, dried herbs, garlic powder, white pepper, and a pinch of salt. Cream cheese is completely optional but makes the filling decadently smooth. Stir until everything’s evenly combined and set aside until shaping.

Step 4: Shape and Fill the Rolls

Once puffed and airy, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat out the air bubbles and roll it into a ¼-inch-thick rectangle. Spread the spinach-cheese filling all over the surface, getting as close to the edges as you can. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice the dough into long strips, then roll up each strip to create those signature bakery swirls.

Step 5: Second Proof

Arrange the filled rolls in a buttered baking pan, giving them just enough room to rise (they shouldn’t be squished). Cover with a towel and let them proof for another 50–60 minutes. If you’re using your Instant Pot again, you can proof even faster on the yogurt setting. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) so it’s hot and ready for baking.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Brush the tops generously with melted butter and bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes. They’ll turn a beautiful golden-brown and fill your home with the most mouthwatering aroma. When they’re done, brush them with another dab of butter for that irresistible glossy finish. Let them cool just enough to handle—but there’s truly nothing like a fresh, warm Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Bread Roll!

How to Serve Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Bread Rolls

Garnishes

I love finishing these rolls with an extra brush of melted butter and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a vibrant, inviting touch. A dusting of parmesan is also fabulous for extra cheese-lovers—just a hint takes the aroma to new heights.

Side Dishes

Pair your Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Bread Rolls with a big leafy salad, a steamy bowl of tomato soup, or even a bowl of chili for the ultimate comfort meal. They’re perfect for brunch spreads, alongside hearty stews, or simply with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the rolls stacked tall on a wooden board for a rustic centerpiece, or nestle them in a bread basket lined with a bright napkin. For parties, you can even bake them as “pull-apart” rolls in a round cake tin—everyone loves tearing off a warm, cheesy swirl!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the rolls cool completely, then tuck them into an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, they’ll stay soft for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for even longer freshness.

Freezing

These Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Bread Rolls freeze beautifully! Let them cool, then wrap individually or in a single layer in foil and place in a freezer bag. They’ll taste just-baked for up to 2 months—simply thaw at room temperature to enjoy.

Reheating

To bring leftover rolls back to bakery-fresh glory, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, or zap a single roll in the microwave for 20 seconds. Don’t forget a dab of butter on top—you deserve it!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a baking project that feels as fun as it is satisfying, these Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Bread Rolls have you covered. They’re such a joy to make and share—so round up your favorite ingredients, grab a bowl, and treat yourself to some cheesy, golden bliss fresh from your own oven. Happy baking!

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