Fluffy and savory, these Cheesy Pesto Swirl Rolls are the perfect fusion of soft bread, fresh basil pesto, and gooey cheese. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, appetizer, or standalone snack, they offer a comforting, aromatic flavor that’s hard to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These rolls are a flavorful twist on classic dinner rolls, combining the herby brightness of pesto with the richness of cheese. They’re ideal for entertaining, as a crowd-pleasing side, or simply to elevate a casual dinner at home. Easy to make with basic ingredients and customizable to your taste, they also make excellent leftovers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Active dry yeast
• Warm water
• Sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Olive oil
• Basil pesto
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Butter or olive oil for brushing

Directions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 1/2 cups of flour. Mix until a soft dough forms. Add more flour as needed.
3. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer it to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle measuring approximately 12×16 inches.
6. Spread the pesto evenly over the dough. Sprinkle mozzarella and optional Parmesan cheese on top.
7. Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Cut into 12 even pieces.
8. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Cover and let rise for an additional 20 minutes.
9. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
10. Brush with melted butter or olive oil before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 12 rolls.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: Approximately 2 hours 5 minutes

Variations

• Cheese Swap: Substitute mozzarella with provolone, gouda, or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Nut-Free: Use a nut-free pesto if you have allergies.
• Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a spicy pesto variant for heat.
• Whole Wheat: Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
• Mini Rolls: Cut the dough into smaller sections for bite-sized appetizers.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm the rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave individual rolls for 20–30 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

How do I know if my yeast is active?

After dissolving in warm water with sugar, the mixture should become foamy within 5–10 minutes. If it doesn’t, your yeast may be expired or the water too hot or cold.

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, store-bought pizza or bread dough can be used as a shortcut, though homemade will offer better flavor and texture.

Can I freeze the rolls?

Yes, freeze them after baking. Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen.

What’s the best way to slice the rolls?

Use a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss for clean cuts that maintain the swirl.

Can I use a different type of pesto?

Absolutely. Try sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto for a different flavor.

Why did my rolls come out dense?

This could be due to insufficient kneading, not enough rising time, or expired yeast.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them overnight before the final rise and baking.

What can I serve these with?

They pair wonderfully with pasta dishes, soups, or as part of a brunch spread.

Is it necessary to use both mozzarella and Parmesan?

No, but combining them enhances the cheesy flavor. Parmesan adds a salty depth that complements the pesto.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, use a vegan pesto, dairy-free cheese, and brush with olive oil instead of butter.

Conclusion

Cheesy Pesto Swirl Rolls are a delightful addition to any meal, offering layers of savory, herby flavor wrapped in a warm, fluffy dough. Whether you’re preparing for a dinner party or craving something cozy, this versatile recipe brings homemade comfort and gourmet flair to your table.

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