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There is something truly comforting about homemade bread, but these flaky, tender rolls bring it to a whole new level. This Cottage Cheese Dinner Rolls Recipe creates soft, fluffy rolls with a hint of sweetness from honey and a subtle creaminess from the blended cottage cheese, making each bite simply irresistible. Whether you’re gathering for a holiday feast or just elevating your weeknight dinner, these rolls add warmth, texture, and that special touch that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to bake your Cottage Cheese Dinner Rolls Recipe is delightfully simple because the ingredients are straightforward, yet each plays a crucial role in creating those perfect rolls. From the creamy cottage cheese that lends tenderness, to the honey adding a subtle sweetness and golden crust, every component pairs perfectly to bring out a rich, satisfying texture and flavor.
- ¼ cup warm water: The ideal temperature activates the yeast without killing it, setting the stage for a good rise.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Adds richness and keeps the dough tender while also brushing on top for a golden finish.
- ½ cup whole milk: Enhances softness and flavor depth in the dough.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Balances the tang of cottage cheese with a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1 cup blended cottage cheese (2% milkfat): When blended smooth, it melts into the dough, giving rolls a moist, tender crumb.
- 1 large egg, room temperature: Binds ingredients and contributes to structure and color.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast: The magic ingredient that makes your rolls rise beautifully and become airy.
- 4 ¼ to 4 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure; adding gradually ensures soft but manageable dough.
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Amplifies flavor and controls yeast activity.
- Extra melted butter: For brushing the tops, creating that irresistible shiny, golden crust.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Dinner Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Mix the wet ingredients
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, whisk together the warm water, melted butter, milk, honey, blended cottage cheese, and the egg until completely smooth and uniform. This creamy base is what gives the rolls their tender, rich texture, so take a moment to ensure everything is well combined before moving on.
Step 2: Add yeast, flour, and salt
Sprinkle the instant yeast evenly over the mixture, then add the flour (start with 4¼ cups) and sea salt. Use a dough hook or a sturdy wooden spoon to mix everything together until a soft dough begins to form. You’ll want to add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky—it should feel slightly tacky but not cling to your fingers. This balance is key to rolls that are soft but hold their shape.
Step 3: Knead the dough
Knead the dough either by hand on a floured surface or with your mixer for 8 to 10 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and springy—this is the moment it develops the gluten network that will trap air and give your rolls their beautiful fluffy structure. Once kneaded, cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and set it aside in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size, about 60 to 75 minutes.
Step 4: Shape the rolls
After the first rise, gently punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces—this is where you start shaping your rolls for that perfect bite-sized softness. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them snugly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover again and let them rise for another 25 to 35 minutes until puffy and almost doubled. The close placement helps the rolls rise upward and form soft sides.
Step 5: Bake until golden
Preheat your oven to 375°F and pop the rolls in for 15 to 18 minutes. Watch for that gorgeous golden-brown top—a signal they’re perfectly baked with a tender crumb inside. This is where your kitchen fills with the amazing aroma of baked bread, a cue that something delicious is about to happen.
Step 6: Brush with butter and serve
Once the rolls come out warm from the oven, brush the tops generously with melted butter. This extra step seals in moisture and adds a beautiful shine. For a little extra flavor, sprinkle with flaky salt if you like. Now, they’re ready to serve—warm, fluffy, and utterly irresistible.
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Dinner Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes can elevate your rolls from everyday to special. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt after brushing with butter adds a subtle crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft crumb. Fresh herbs like finely chopped rosemary or thyme sprinkled on top before baking also infuse a fragrant aroma and an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
Cottage Cheese Dinner Rolls shine alongside a variety of meals. They’re a perfect foil to hearty soups and stews—imagine dunking these soft rolls into a creamy tomato bisque or a rich beef stew. They also pair beautifully with roasted chicken or glazed ham, soaking up savory juices and complementing every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the rolls in a rustic basket lined with a colorful kitchen towel to keep them warm and inviting. For a fun twist, slice them horizontally and turn them into mini sliders filled with your favorite sandwich fixings. You can also brush them with flavored butter, such as garlic-herb or honey-cinnamon, to suit whatever mood you’re in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Cottage Cheese Dinner Rolls Recipe rolls (though that might be tough!), store them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to two days—perfect for quick snacks or impromptu sandwiches.
Freezing
You can freeze these rolls with great success. Let them cool completely after baking, then wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil or place in an airtight freezer bag. Frozen rolls keep well for up to three months, ready to be thawed when you need a warm comforting bite.
Reheating
Reheat your rolls gently by wrapping them in foil and warming in a 325°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. For a quick fix, microwave a roll wrapped in a damp paper towel for 15 to 20 seconds—this refreshes softness without drying them out. A quick butter brush before serving brings back that fresh-baked glow.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat or non-dairy cottage cheese?
While this recipe calls for 2% milkfat cottage cheese for optimal creaminess and texture, you can experiment with low-fat versions; just be aware the rolls might be slightly less tender. For non-dairy alternatives, it’s best to use a creamy substitute that blends smoothly to maintain moisture, but the texture and flavor will differ from the original.
Why is the dough sticky after adding flour?
It’s normal for the dough to feel a little tacky but it should not be overly sticky. Adding flour gradually helps you reach the perfect consistency. Sticky dough can make shaping difficult, while too much flour can dry the rolls out, so aim for that soft, slightly tacky feel.
How long should I let the dough rise?
The first rise should be about 60 to 75 minutes until the dough doubles in size, and the second rise after shaping the rolls takes around 25 to 35 minutes until puffy. Both rises are essential to develop the airy texture that makes these rolls so special.
Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
This specific recipe uses all-purpose flour for gluten development, which is crucial for the texture. Making gluten-free rolls would require a different blend of flours and additional binding agents. For best results, try a recipe specifically designed for gluten-free baking.
What if I don’t have instant yeast?
You can use active dry yeast instead, but you’ll need to proof it first by dissolving it in the warm water with a pinch of sugar until it becomes frothy, about 5 to 10 minutes. Then continue with the recipe as described.
Final Thoughts
There is truly nothing like pulling warm, golden rolls fresh from the oven, and this Cottage Cheese Dinner Rolls Recipe gives you that feeling of homemade comfort with a delicious twist. Once you try these, they’ll quickly become a staple on your table, perfect for every occasion from casual dinners to festive celebrations. So, grab your ingredients and dive in—you won’t regret making these tender, buttery rolls your new favorite!
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Cottage Cheese Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 dinner rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cottage Cheese Dinner Rolls are soft, tender, and slightly sweetened rolls made with blended cottage cheese for extra moisture and richness. Perfect for dinner, they have a delicate golden crust and fluffy interior, enriched with butter, milk, and honey. These homemade rolls are easy to prepare and ideal for serving alongside soups, salads, or your favorite main dishes.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 cup blended cottage cheese (2% milkfat; blend until completely smooth)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (one packet) instant yeast
- 4 ¼ to 4 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
Finishing
- Extra melted butter, for brushing on top
- Flaky salt, optional, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the warm water, melted butter, milk, honey, blended cottage cheese, and egg until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle in the instant yeast, 4¼ cups of the flour, and the salt. Mix with a dough hook attachment or a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. Gradually add more flour as needed until the dough feels smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough either by hand or using the mixer for 8–10 minutes until it becomes soft and springy. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, approximately 60–75 minutes.
- Shape Rolls: Punch down the dough to release air. Divide it into 12 equal portions and roll each piece into a ball. Arrange the dough balls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them. Cover and allow the rolls to rise again until they become puffy and nearly doubled, about 25–35 minutes.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops turn lightly golden brown and the rolls are cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and brush them generously with melted butter while still warm. Optionally, sprinkle with flaky salt for added flavor. Serve the rolls warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Blending the cottage cheese until smooth helps to ensure a soft and even texture in the rolls.
- The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not overly sticky; adjust flour amount accordingly.
- Letting the dough rise properly in a warm spot ensures light, fluffy rolls.
- Brushing the rolls with melted butter after baking gives a rich flavor and beautiful shine.
- These rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
