Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This bubbling indicates your yeast is alive and ready to make your rolls wonderfully airy.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough To the foamy yeast mixture, add the melted butter, egg, and salt. Whisk to combine. Gradually add the flour, about 1 cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough If using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and knead on medium-low speed for 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until it’s smooth and pliable. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 4: First Rise (Bulk Fermentation) Lightly grease a clean large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has roughly doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls & Second Rise Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12-14 equal pieces (about 60-70g each for regular-sized rolls). Roll each piece into a smooth, round ball. Arrange the dough balls about 2 inches apart on a large, lightly greased baking sheet. If you want them to be pull-apart, you can place them closer together. Cover the baking sheet loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the rolls rise again in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until noticeably puffed up.
Step 6: Preheat Oven & Prepare Topping About 15 minutes before the end of the second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare your cheddar cheese topping: In a small bowl, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter for brushing.
Step 7: The Cheesy Crown Once the rolls have puffed up, gently brush the tops of each roll with the melted butter. Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each roll, ensuring a good, even coating. Don’t be shy here – this is where the magic happens!
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on the bottom and sides, and the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown and slightly crispy.
Step 9: Cool & Serve Remove the rolls from the oven and transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, and watch them disappear!