Cheddar Beer Bread Rolls
Ingredients
- 6 cups/815 grams bread flour
plus more for work surface
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons/55 grams unsalted butter
plus more for the bowl and pan, 2 tablespoons softened, 2 tablespoons melted
- 1/4 cup/60 milliliters honey
- 2 cups/480 milliliters beer
such as pale ale
- 1 3/4 cup/200 grams shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
preferably white
Directions
- 1
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine bread flour, yeast, salt, 2 tablespoons softened butter, honey and beer. Mix on low speed for 4 minutes. The dough should come together around the dough hook. Increase speed to medium and continue to mix for 2 minutes more, occasionally stopping to scrape the dough from the hook. Add 1 cup/115 grams of the Cheddar cheese and mix until incorporated, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- 2
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise until nearly double in size, about 1 hour.
- 3
Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch pan. Tip the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 12 even pieces. Gently round each piece of dough into a ball, and place into the prepared pan. (The rolls may not touch now, but they will fill in the gaps when they rise and bake.)
- 4
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for 35 to 45 minutes, until they look visibly puffy. Toward the end of rise time, heat the oven to 400 degrees. Brush the rolls with 2 tablespoons melted butter, and top each roll with 1 tablespoon of the remaining white Cheddar, being careful to keep the cheese away from the edges of the pan.
- 5
Bake the rolls until golden brown, and the cheese on top is melted and browned (the rolls should have an internal temperature of 190 degrees), 17 to 22 minutes. Let cool at least 10 minutes before serving.
Cheddar Beer Bread Rolls
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About this Recipe
Craving warm, homemade rolls that offer so much more than a plain dinner accompaniment? These Cheddar Beer Bread Rolls are your answer, bringing a savory, cheesy, and surprisingly light touch to any meal.
The secret to these Cheddar Beer Bread Rolls lies in the unique combination of beer and instant yeast, which works wonders to create an incredibly light and fluffy texture, quite distinct from traditional rolls. The generous amount of sharp Cheddar cheese ensures a rich, savory flavor in every bite, perfectly complemented by a touch of honey for balance and depth.
Imagine biting into a soft, airy roll, where the tangy richness of sharp Cheddar mingles beautifully with a subtle, malty depth from the beer. You'll find a hint of sweetness from the honey, which rounds out the savory profile, creating a truly comforting experience. These rolls have a wonderfully tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth, making them irresistible whether served warm from the oven or simply slathered with extra butter.
Customization & Serving
While this recipe calls for a pale ale, feel free to experiment with other light-colored beers to subtly shift the flavor profile—a lager could offer a crisper note, for instance. If you prefer a milder cheese, a medium Cheddar can be used, though the sharp Cheddar truly stands out here for robust flavor. For those who enjoy a touch more sweetness, the amount of honey can be adjusted to taste.
These versatile Cheddar Beer Bread Rolls are perfect alongside hearty stews, chili, or roasted meats, absorbing rich sauces beautifully. They also make a fantastic appetizer or a delightful snack on their own, especially when slathered with extra butter for a simple, satisfying treat.