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Cheesy Pesto Pull-Apart Rolls
5 from 33 votes

Cheesy Pesto Pull-Apart Rolls

Cheesy Pesto Pull-Apart Rolls are soft yeast rolls layered with creamy pesto and shredded mozzarella cheese. Each roll features a tender crumb with pockets of melted cheese and herbaceous pesto, creating a savory, pull-apart texture ideal for sharing. These rolls can be shaped in festive forms or baked in a standard pan, making them adaptable for casual meals or special occasions. The dough's slightly sticky nature yields an airy interior, complementing the rich fillings.

Prep Time
2 hrs
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
2 hrs 20 mins
Servings: 21 rolls
Calories: 180 kcal
Course: Appetizer, Bread
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Rolls
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast 10 g
  • 1 cup water warm
  • 3 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 415 g
  • 2 teaspoons white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter salted, softened
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese 6.5 oz, freshly shredded
  • 3/4 cup pesto

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer add warm water and sugar and mix. Sprinkle yeast on top and let activate for about 10 minutes, until bubbly.
  2. Add butter and mix with the dough hook on low. Add flour, one cup at a time continuing to mix until all is combined and a soft sticky dough forms.
  3. Lightly flour a clean surface and transfer dough to it. Dough will be slightly sticky. Knead a couple of times and shape into a ball.
  4. Transfer the ball into an oiled large bowl (we love our misto to oil the bowl) and cover it with plastic wrap. Let rise until doubled - approximately an hour.
  5. Meanwhile, make the pesto by adding all pesto ingredients to a blender or a food processor. Blend until creamy. Add a tablespoon of water if you would like a looser consistency.
  6. Grease a large baking pan or a 9X13 baking dish (if not making it into a tree or wreath shape). Set aside.
  7. Use a kitchen scale and break off 21 equal sized pieces of dough that are about 1.2 - 1.4 oz each. This is to make a tree or wreath shape, if baking in a baking dish, see recipe notes.
  8. Take each piece of dough and gently spread it open in your palm. Use your other hand and grab a pinch of cheese and add to the center of the dough. Gently fold up the sides of the dough around the cheese and pinch it shut. Add to pan or dish seam side down and spaced about 1/2 inch apart for room to rise. Repeat for all dough balls. (See pictures in post for reference)
  9. Gently cover with a clean kitchen towel or linen and let rise again for about 30 minutes.
  10. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  11. Once the dough balls have risen again, sprinkle some mozzarella cheese in the corners of the dough balls. Use a silicone brush to generously brush on pesto over the tops of rolls and in the corners. Use as much pesto as you would like, at least 1/2 cup and up to 1 cup.
  12. Finish with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  13. Bake for 20 minutes until cheese is melty and browned.
  14. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Shred mozzarella fresh for the best melting texture in the rolls.
  • For shaping, 21 dough balls at about 1.2 - 1.4 oz each form a good-size festive tree or wreath; adjust size and number for pan baking.
  • Bread flour works as a substitute for all-purpose flour in the dough.
  • Unsalted butter can be used instead of salted, with extra salt added to taste.
  • Honey may replace sugar at 2 teaspoons when activating yeast.
  • Premade or frozen pesto can substitute freshly blended pesto; reduce amount to about 1/2 - 1 cup accordingly.
  • Alternative nuts such as pine nuts or walnuts can replace hazelnuts in pesto.

Nutrition Information

Calories 180kcal (9%) Carbohydrates 16g (5%) Protein 6g (12%) Fat 10g (15%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 6g (30%) Trans Fat 0.04g (2%) Cholesterol 12mg (4%) Sodium 373mg (16%) Potassium 63mg (1%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 236IU (5%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 78mg (8%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 21 rolls

Amount Per Serving

Calories 180

% Daily Value*

Calories 180kcal 9%
Carbohydrates 16g 5%
Protein 6g 12%
Fat 10g 15%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 6g 30%
Trans Fat 0.04g 2%
Cholesterol 12mg 4%
Sodium 373mg 16%
Potassium 63mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 236IU 5%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 78mg 8%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.