Here’s a detailed, step-by-step recipe for Soft and Fluffy Stuffed Bread Rolls pillowy homemade bread filled with a delicious savory or sweet filling of your choice. These rolls are perfect for snacks, parties, or meal prep, and can be customized with different fillings like cheese, spiced meat, potatoes, or even chocolate.
Soft and Fluffy Stuffed Bread Rolls
Yield: 12 medium rolls
Prep Time: 25 minutes (+1 hour rising)
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Dough:
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3½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
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2¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
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2 tbsp sugar
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1 tsp salt
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¾ cup warm milk (about 100°F or 38°C)
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¼ cup warm water
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1 egg (room temp)
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¼ cup unsalted butter, softened or melted
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1 tbsp oil (for greasing bowl)
For Brushing:
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1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (egg wash)
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Sesame seeds, nigella seeds, or grated cheese (optional topping)
Suggested Fillings
Savory Fillings:
A) Cheesy Garlic Chicken:
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1 cup cooked shredded chicken
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½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar
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1 tsp garlic powder or minced garlic
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1 tbsp mayonnaise or cream cheese
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Salt & pepper to taste
B) Spiced Ground Beef:
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1 tbsp oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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½ lb ground beef
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1 tbsp tomato paste
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½ tsp paprika
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Salt & pepper
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Chopped parsley or cilantro (optional)
Sweet Fillings:
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Nutella
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Sweetened cream cheese
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Cinnamon sugar and butter
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Fruit jam or preserves
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
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Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
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Add wet ingredients: Pour in warm milk, warm water, egg, and softened butter.
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Knead: Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5–6 minutes with a stand mixer on medium, until smooth and elastic. Add a little flour if sticky, but don’t overdo it – the dough should be slightly tacky, not dry.
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First rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
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Cook savory fillings (if needed): For meat or chicken, cook and season ahead of time, then cool before using.
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Sweet fillings: Prepare any sweet fillings and set aside.
Step 3: Shape the Rolls
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Punch down dough: After rising, gently deflate the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces.
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Flatten and fill: Roll each piece into a ball, flatten into a disc (about 4–5 inches wide), and place 1–2 tablespoons of your chosen filling in the center.
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Seal well: Pinch edges together to fully seal the filling inside, then roll gently back into a ball or oval shape.
Step 4: Second Rise
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Arrange: Place the filled rolls seam side down on a parchment-lined baking tray, spaced slightly apart.
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Cover and rise: Cover lightly with a kitchen towel and let rise for another 25–30 minutes, until slightly puffy.
Step 5: Bake
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Egg wash: Brush the tops of the rolls with the egg yolk + milk mixture.
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Add toppings (optional): Sprinkle with sesame seeds, grated cheese, or herbs.
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Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
Step 6: Serve
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Let cool slightly on a rack before serving.
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Enjoy warm, or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days (can also be frozen).
Tips & Variations
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Make-ahead: Prepare the dough and fillings the night before. Shape and bake the next day.
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Freezer-friendly: Freeze the baked rolls. Reheat at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or until warmed through.
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Cheese lovers: Add more cheese into savory fillings or sprinkle cheese on top before baking.
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Glaze for sweet rolls: Mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tbsp milk and drizzle over cooled sweet rolls.
Perfect With:
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Tea, coffee, or soup
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Packed lunches
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Party platters or brunch spreads