Name: Goat Cheese Stuffed Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup water; 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon heavy cream, divided; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 4 tablespoons plus 1 1/2 teaspoons honey, divided; 1 (2 1/4 teaspoon) packet rapid rise yeast; 3 1/4 cups (390 g) all-purpose flour, sifted; 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided; Cooking spray; 2 large eggs, divided; 6 ounces goat cheese, room temperature; 2 tablespoons sliced chives, plus more for topping; 2 teaspoons thyme leaves, chopped, plus whole leaves for topping; Flaky sea salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 136 reviews

If you’re craving something warm, savory, and just a little bit fancy, I have the perfect treat for you—my Goat Cheese Stuffed Rolls Recipe is hands-down one of my favorite comfort foods to make at home. These rolls are pillowy-soft on the outside with a rich, tangy goat cheese filling that’ll have you swooning from the first bite. I promise you, once you try them, you’ll understand why my family goes crazy for these every single time I make them. Keep reading, because I’m going to share all my tips so you can nail this recipe on your first go!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Surprisingly Simple Dough: You don’t have to be a bread expert to get soft, tender rolls every time.
Creamy Goat Cheese Filling: The balance of herbs and honey amps up the flavor beyond your typical bread roll.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for snacks, dinner sides, or even brunch with a little extra flair.
Impressive Yet Cozy: These rolls look fancy but feel like a warm hug—you’ll want to make them again and again!

Goat Cheese Stuffed Rolls Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Goat Cheese Stuffed Rolls Recipe works best with a handful of quality ingredients that combine to create the perfect texture and flavor. Don’t stress about fancy brands, but I do recommend fresh goat cheese and good-quality butter to really make these shine.

Goat Cheese Stuffed Rolls Recipe - Ingredients

Water: Use lukewarm water to gently wake up your yeast without killing it.
Heavy Cream: Helps keep the dough tender and rich.
Unsalted Butter: Divided to give that lovely buttery flavor both in the dough and for topping.
Honey: A touch of sweetness balances the tanginess of goat cheese and feeds the yeast.
Rapid Rise Yeast: Makes the dough rise beautifully and saves you time.
All-Purpose Flour: Sifted to ensure an airy, light dough.
Kosher Salt: Don’t skip this; salt is key to enhancing flavor and controlling yeast growth.
Cooking Spray: To prevent sticking when proofing and baking.
Eggs: Adds richness and helps create that golden brown crust.
Goat Cheese: Room temperature to make filling smooth and easy to handle.
Sliced Chives: Fresh is best for a gentle oniony bite inside and as garnish.
Thyme Leaves: Adds earthy herbal notes that pair perfectly with goat cheese.
Flaky Sea Salt: For a final sprinkle that adds crunch and flavor contrast.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Goat Cheese Stuffed Rolls Recipe is. You can easily swap or add fillings to match your mood or what you have on hand. Personalizing it makes it even more fun to bake and share.

Herb Variations: I’ve swapped thyme for rosemary or basil, and each brings a fresh, unique twist to the filling.
Cheese Swaps: If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, cream cheese or ricotta work pretty well—though I do miss that tang!
Gluten-Free Option: Try a gluten-free flour blend, but note the texture will differ; I’ve had decent results with almond or oat-based flours plus a binder.
Sweet Touch: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough can give a lovely warming spice vibe, especially in cooler months.

How to Make Goat Cheese Stuffed Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Blooming the Yeast and Preparing the Dairy Base

Start by warming your water, heavy cream, butter, and honey in the microwave, stirring often until the butter is just melted. It’s key to get this mixture around 110°F—warm enough to activate your yeast but not so hot it kills those little guys! After sprinkling the yeast on top, give it a gentle stir, then set it aside for about 10 minutes. You’ll notice it get bubbly and frothy—that’s how you know your yeast is alive and kicking.

Step 2: Mixing Eggs and Dry Ingredients, Kneading to Perfection

Once your yeast has bloomed, add one whole egg and an extra yolk—this combo gives the dough richness and helps the rolls brown beautifully. Then, slowly mix in your sifted flour and salt, starting on low speed to avoid a messy cloud of flour, gradually adding more until you get a sticky but manageable dough. Switching your mixer to medium speed here, knead the dough for about 4 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. It’s so satisfying to see it pull away just right!

Step 3: First Rise — Proofing Your Dough Like a Pro

Spray a large bowl lightly with cooking spray to keep the dough from sticking, then transfer your dough using a bowl scraper. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and place it somewhere warm but draft-free—your oven with the light on works perfectly. Let it do its magic for about an hour, or until it’s puffed up and doubled in size. Don’t rush this step; it really helps create those soft, airy rolls.

Step 4: Preparing the Goat Cheese Filling

While your dough is rising, mix the goat cheese with chopped chives, thyme, a touch more honey, and some salt. This mixture is one of my favorite parts—it’s creamy, herby, and just the right balance of tang and sweetness. Portion it into little balls and pop them in the fridge so they’re nice and firm when you’re ready to fill your dough.

Step 5: Shaping and Stuffing the Rolls

When your dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air, then divide it into nine even portions. Flatten each piece and place a goat cheese ball in the center, folding the dough over and pinching the edges to seal your little cheesy surprise tightly. Don’t skip pinching firmly or the cheese might ooze out while baking—trust me, I’ve learned the hard way! Arrange the rolls snugly in a greased pan for that perfect pull-apart effect.

Step 6: Egg Wash and Baking to Golden Perfection

A quick brush of a mixture made from the reserved egg white and cream gives the rolls an irresistible golden shine. Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top for contrast and pop them in a 400°F oven. After baking for about 25 to 28 minutes, they’ll be beautifully browned and fragrant—the sweet smell of honey meeting warm herbs will fill your kitchen.

Step 7: Finishing Touches and Serving

Right out of the oven, brush the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with fresh thyme and chives for a burst of color and flavor. Let them cool for just a few minutes—you want them warm enough to melt the goat cheese inside but not so hot that you burn yourself (been there!). Serve these straight from the pan for a cozy homemade feel.

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Pro Tips for Making Goat Cheese Stuffed Rolls Recipe

Temperature Matters: I always use my thermometer to check the dairy mixture temp before adding yeast; too hot or cold can kill or slow your yeast, so it won’t bloom properly.
Chilling the Filling: Cooling the goat cheese balls makes stuffing cleaner and less messy—you get perfectly shaped little pockets every time.
Tight Seal Technique: Pinch the dough tightly around the cheese filling and place seam-side down to avoid any cheese escaping during baking.
Don’t Skip the Butter Brush: Brushing melted butter right after baking gives the perfect glossy finish and keeps rolls soft longer.

How to Serve Goat Cheese Stuffed Rolls Recipe

Goat Cheese Stuffed Rolls Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of a simple sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves and chopped chives over the top; it not only brightens up the look but adds that fresh herbal punch with every bite. Plus, a flick of flaky sea salt after baking adds those irresistible bursts of crunch and flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair beautifully with almost everything, but I especially enjoy serving them alongside a light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or hearty soups like tomato bisque or butternut squash. They’re also fabulous with roasted vegetables or a charcuterie board for an elevated snack spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged these rolls in a circle on a wooden board with little bowls of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping—guests love tearing them apart and sharing. Another fun idea is to make mini versions for appetizer bites or to add a colorful side by mixing colorful herbs like purple basil or edible flowers as garnish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature if I plan to eat them within a day. For best texture, I usually warm them slightly before serving—the goat cheese filling bounces back beautifully when gently reheated.

Freezing

When I have extras, I freeze unbaked stuffed rolls on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, when I’m ready, I bake straight from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the bake time—I’ve found this works wonderfully without compromising texture or flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the rolls in a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes. I avoid microwaving because it can make the bread rubbery and the crust lose its lovely crispness. A little oven time keeps both the dough and the creamy filling deliciously fresh.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream instead of heavy cream in the dough?

You can substitute regular cream with heavy cream, but the rolls might be slightly less tender and rich. Heavy cream’s higher fat content helps keep the bread soft and moist, which complements the goat cheese filling perfectly.
What if I don’t have rapid rise yeast?

If you only have active dry yeast, that works too—just be sure to activate it properly by dissolving it in the warm liquid and letting it bloom until bubbly before adding the eggs and flour. It might take a bit longer for your dough to rise.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

Look for a deep golden brown color on top and a crisp crust. If you tap the top lightly, it should sound hollow. Also, 25-28 minutes at 400°F usually does the trick, but ovens vary, so keep an eye near the end.
Can I prepare the rolls a day ahead?

Absolutely! After shaping and stuffing the rolls, cover them tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise a bit more before baking. This can actually enhance flavor complexity and convenience.
Is there a way to make these rolls vegan?

To veganize this recipe, you’d need to swap out butter, cream, eggs, and goat cheese for plant-based alternatives. While I haven’t tested this version extensively, using vegan butter, aquafaba or flax eggs, plant-based cream, and a vegan cheese spread could work with careful adjustments.

Final Thoughts

This Goat Cheese Stuffed Rolls Recipe has become such a comforting staple in my kitchen—I love how it feels like a little touch of homemade elegance with minimal fuss. Each roll bursting with that tangy, herby cheese filling is like a little celebration for your taste buds. I highly encourage you to try this recipe; whether for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, it’s a winner every time. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll want to keep the dough rising again and again!