These Cheddar Cheese Cloverleaf Rolls are warm, soft, and cheesy, with a buttery finish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of freshly baked rolls and melted cheddar cheese wrapped inside each one makes for a delicious treat that complements any meal. Whether you’re serving them at dinner, for a special occasion, or as an appetizer, these rolls are sure to disappear quickly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These rolls offer the best of both worlds: soft, fluffy dinner rolls with the gooey goodness of cheddar cheese inside. The clever cloverleaf shape adds a fun twist, while the buttery, golden finish on top brings everything together. They’re easy to make with Rhodes Bake N Serve Yeast Dinner Rolls, and with just a few extra ingredients, you’ll have a warm and cheesy side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Cheddar Cheese Cloverleaf Rolls

Ingredients

12 Rhodes Bake N Serve Yeast Dinner Rolls (from a 3 lb package)
1 ½ cups grated yellow sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
Sea salt (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prep the Rolls: Place twelve rolls on a baking sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, evenly spaced apart. Spray plastic wrap with nonstick spray and cover the rolls. Refrigerate for 16 to 18 hours (or use the quicker method from the package instructions). Once ready, allow the rolls to rise on the kitchen counter for 1 to 2 hours, until they double in size.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
Prepare the Rolls: Cut each roll into four pieces. Take 1 to 2 teaspoons of cheddar cheese and wrap the cheese inside each piece. Roll up the dough, dip it in the melted butter, and place all four pieces in the prepared muffin tin.
Top and Brush: Repeat the process for the remaining rolls. Sprinkle sea salt on top of each roll. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush melted butter over the top of the rolls and add the remaining cheese on top.
Bake: Bake for 14 to 16 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Allow the rolls to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Carefully remove them from the tin and serve.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 rolls
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Different Cheeses: Use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a spicy pepper jack for a unique flavor twist.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh or dried herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, into the melted butter for a fragrant, herbed finish.
Garlic Butter: Brush the rolls with garlic butter instead of plain melted butter for an extra savory flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their softness and warmth. You can also microwave them, though they may not stay as crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls and refrigerate them before baking. Just follow the instructions until the point of baking, then cover them and let them rest in the fridge for up to a day. When ready, bake them directly from the fridge as directed.

2. Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, feel free to swap out the cheddar cheese for other varieties like mozzarella, gouda, or fontina for a different flavor.

3. How do I make sure the rolls rise properly?

Ensure the rolls are given enough time to rise in a warm area. If your kitchen is cold, try placing them in the oven with the light on or cover them with a warm, damp towel to help speed up the process.

4. How can I make these rolls extra cheesy?

For an even cheesier experience, you can sprinkle additional cheese on top of the rolls after they’re baked and return them to the oven for a minute or two to melt the cheese.

5. Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes, you can freeze the prepared rolls before baking. Just assemble them in the muffin tin, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.

6. Can I use a different brand of frozen rolls?

Yes, you can use any brand of frozen dinner rolls that you like, as long as they’re similar in size and texture. The main goal is to get rolls that will puff up and create a fluffy, cheesy interior.

7. Can I add more toppings to these rolls?

Yes! Feel free to add any toppings you like—herbs, grated parmesan, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking for extra flavor.

8. How do I make these rolls less greasy?

If you want to reduce the amount of butter, you can brush the rolls lightly instead of generously coating them. Just make sure to still add a little for flavor.

9. Can I skip the sea salt?

Yes, the sea salt is optional, but it enhances the flavor and gives the rolls a nice contrast to the cheese. If you prefer, you can skip it or substitute with garlic salt or another seasoning.

10. How can I get the rolls to be extra soft?

For extra soft rolls, make sure not to overbake them. Take them out of the oven when they’re golden and just set, then let them cool slightly before serving.

Conclusion

These Cheddar Cheese Cloverleaf Rolls are the ultimate comfort food, offering soft, cheesy bites in every pull-apart piece. With the buttery, golden crust and melted cheddar cheese inside, they’re perfect for any meal—whether you’re serving them for a casual family dinner or a special occasion. Easy to make and full of flavor, these rolls are sure to be a hit at your next gathering!