Cheese Bread Recipe

This Cheese Bread Recipe is essentially a cheesy version of a cinnamon roll. Crusty pizza dough loaded with mozzarella and brushed with garlic butter. Hello, LOVE!

Bread loaded with cheese, you’re welcome! This homemade cheesy bread is a great side dish, appetizer or a fun after-school snack for the kiddos! Dip them in pizza sauce…kids love dipping things! Shoot, I love dipping things! It’s also a great side for soup!

Why We Call These “Cheese Doodles”

This easy cheese bread is called “cheese doodles” in our house. I wanted to call it cheese pizza rolls, but the kids insisted that when they are rolled up like a cinnamon roll they already have a name, cheese doodles. Try to say that and sound like an adult.

Ummm, also, I just learned that a cheese doodle used to be a chip. Is that still a thing?

I know you’re not going to believe this, but I actually love cheese bread (or cheesy breadsticks) even more than pizza. GASP! Alright, no that’s not totally true. A margherita pizza is my favorite thing ever. But cheesy bread rolls, mmmmm I love it!

Ingredients Needed for Cheesy Bread Rolls

This homemade cheesy bread requires few ingredients, most of which you probably have already!

• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the bread dough. The gluten in flour gives structure and chewiness, allowing the bread to rise and hold its shape. 
• Instant Yeast: The leavening agent that makes the dough rise. It produces carbon dioxide as it ferments the sugars, creating an airy, fluffy texture. 
• Salt: Balances flavor and strengthens the gluten structure, so the dough is elastic and not sticky. It also slows down yeast activity so the dough doesn’t over-proof. 
• Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast for quicker fermentation, helps with browning in the oven, and adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors. 
• Soy Lecithin: Acts as an emulsifier. It helps fats and liquids blend smoothly, improves dough elasticity, keeps the crumb tender, and extends shelf life so the bread stays soft longer. 
• Water: Hydrates the flour to activate gluten formation, dissolves the yeast and sugar, and helps bring the dough together. The amount of water also affects whether the bread is chewy or soft. 
• Garlic Seasoning: Adds bold, savory flavor and aroma, turning the bread from plain into irresistible garlic cheese bread. We love Johnny’s Garlic Seasoning. 
• Shredded Mozzarella: The melty, gooey cheese layer. Mozzarella is perfect because it stretches, browns lightly, and creates that classic cheese pull. 
• Pizza Sauce: Make your own homemade pizza sauce or grab your favorite store-bought jar. It’s all about the dipping!

What’s the Difference Between Active Dry Yeast and Instant Yeast?

Active dry yeast needs to be dissolved in water before added to the rest of the ingredients.

Instant yeast can be added directly into the dry ingredients. I prefer to always use instant yeast as it’s easier and usually I end up with a better rise.

How to Make Cheese Pizza Rolls

It all starts with the easiest pizza dough ever, but you’re going to need a special ingredient, Soy Lecithin.

1. Make the pizza dough and let it rise.
2. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
3. Once the dough has risen, roll it out flat into a rectangle like you’re making cinnamon rolls.
4. Spread shredded mozzarella cheese all over the dough and roll it up tightly, starting from the far side of the rectangle.
5. Use floss or a serrated bread knife to cut 2-inch doodles.
6. Arrange the cheese bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden.
7. Meanwhile, melt the butter and mix with garlic and seasoning.
8. Brush the tops of the hot doodles and serve with our famous Homemade Pizza Sauce.

What Type of Cheese Should I Use?

I’ve eaten ridiculous amounts of cheesy bread and all restaurants seem to use different mixtures, but the most common is mozzarella cheese. Soft cheeses, like mozz, usually have the best meltiness! You’ll want to use a good quality of mozzarella, but unless it’s an artisan pizza I would avoid buying a fresh mozzarella because of the water content, which makes for soggy cheese pizza rolls.

If you want to experiment, try these cheeses:

• Pre-Shredded Pizza Cheese Mixture
• Colby Jack and Mozzarella
• Mozzarella and Parmesan
• Pepper Jack Cheese

Make Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Make Ahead: You can make cheese bread ahead of time by completely making them, covering with foil and reheating in the oven for serving. They will keep in the fridge for 4-5 days.

Storing: Cheese rolls should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Reheating: Preheat the oven to 350F. Unwrap frozen rolls and heat in the oven until hot. To bake, just place directly on a baking sheet or pan and bake until golden, about 15-20 minutes depending on your oven.

Can I Freeze Cheese Rolls?

Yes, these cheese pizza rolls can be frozen before or after they are baked.

To freeze unbaked cheese rolls: Prepare them, set them out on a cookie sheet, and freeze. Take the pizza rolls off of the cookie sheet and place in a freezer bag for up to one month.

To freeze baked cheese rolls: To freeze the pizza rolls after baking, allow them to cool and place in freezer bags for up to 1 month.

Nothing beats homemade! This cheese bread recipe is melty, soft, and simple to make. Great for beginners and a family-friendly twist on cheesy breadsticks.

More Bread Recipes:

• Herb Focaccia Bread
• Irish Soda Bread
• No Knead Artisan Bread
• Tortillas
• Naan
• More Bread Recipes

Watch How This Cheese Bread is Made…