Description
Cheese Monsters are delightful, gooey cheese-stuffed bread rolls perfect for a fun snack or party appetizer. These savory treats feature a crispy exterior with a melted cheesy center, making them an irresistible finger food favorite for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Topping:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the warm milk and olive oil, then mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the cheese filling: In a bowl, mix together the shredded mozzarella, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and dried oregano until well combined.
- Form the cheese monsters: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disc. Place about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture in the center of each disc, then carefully fold the dough over to encase the filling, pinching the edges to seal and shaping them into a ball or monster shape.
- Final rise: Place the filled dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to help achieve a golden crust, and sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds if desired. Cover with a clean cloth and let them rise for an additional 20-30 minutes.
- Bake the cheese monsters: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18-22 minutes until golden brown on top and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cheese monsters to cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burns from hot cheese. Enjoy them warm as a fun snack or party appetizer.
Notes
- Use warm milk to activate the yeast properly.
- You can substitute mozzarella and cheddar with other types of melting cheese according to your preference.
- For a spicier version, add finely chopped jalapeños to the cheese filling.
- Make sure to seal the dough tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
- These can be made ahead of time, refrigerated after shaping, and baked fresh when needed.
