There’s something irresistibly comforting about the smell of warm, cheesy bread wafting through the kitchen. The moment I pulled these Cheesy Smoked Pull Apart Rolls from the smoker, I knew I had stumbled upon a new family favorite. Picture fluffy rolls, perfectly infused with shredded cheddar, zesty chiles, and aromatic herbs—a delightful contrast of flavors that dances on your palate with every pull.
Perfect for gatherings or just a cozy night in, this recipe turns simple dinner rolls into a show-stopping appetizer or snack. As someone who often finds themselves tired of the same old fast food routine, I was thrilled to create something that was not just delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. With just a little prep and a friendly embrace from a smoky heat, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly this dish elevates your meal. Grab your ingredients and let’s get started on your culinary adventure!
Why Cheesy Smoked Bread Will Wow You
Comforting aroma fills your kitchen, making it impossible to resist. Simple preparation allows even novice cooks to shine, while the uniquely smoky flavor elevates traditional bread to a gourmet experience. Perfect for sharing, these rolls delight guests at parties or cozy family dinners. With fluffy texture combined with zesty chiles and cheddar, they offer a satisfying pull-apart experience. If you’re looking for an easy yet impressive recipe, these cheesy treasures are a must-try!
Cheesy Smoked Bread Ingredients
• For those eager to create this indulgent dish, here’s what you’ll need!
For the Rolls
- Rhodes dinner rolls – defrost 18 rolls and cut into fourths to create fluffy, pull-apart pieces.
- Olive oil – 1/4 cup adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
For the Filling
- Cheddar cheese – 1.5 cups of shredded cheese infuses the rolls with gooey goodness.
- Onion – 1/2 diced onion provides a savory flavor boost.
- Minced garlic – 1 tablespoon for a fragrant kick that complements the cheese.
- Diced chiles – 4 oz (drained) gives a nice heat level, making the cheesy smoked bread an unforgettable treat!
For the Seasoning
- Garlic salt – 1 teaspoon enhances the overall flavor and works well with the cheese.
- Basil – 1 teaspoon contributes a hint of herbal freshness.
- Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon rounds out the flavor profile with warm, aromatic notes.
With these simple yet impactful ingredients, you’re well on your way to crafting a delicious batch of cheesy smoked bread that will be the star of the table!
How to Make Cheesy Smoked Bread
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Soften the Rolls: Place the frozen Rhodes dinner rolls in an aluminum 9×13″ pan, ensuring there’s space between them. Let them sit for 45 minutes until they become soft and pillowy.
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Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, drained diced chiles, shredded cheese, diced onions, and seasoning. Stir until well mixed and enticingly aromatic.
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Prep the Rolls: Cut each softened dinner roll into four equal pieces. Gently toss the pieces in the bowl with the filling to ensure every bit is coated in that cheesy goodness.
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Transfer to Pan: Lightly spray the aluminum pan with non-stick spray. Carefully pour the pull-apart roll mixture into the pan, spreading it evenly.
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Let It Rise: Cover the tray with aluminum foil and place it in a warm spot in your kitchen. Allow the mixture to rest and rise until it has doubled in size, which should take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
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Preheat the Smoker: Set your smoker to 350°F. Once it’s preheated, carefully place the covered tray on the grates and let it smoke for 40 minutes.
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Brown the Top: Remove the aluminum foil and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a lovely golden brown top. If you prefer a darker finish, leave it for 5 more minutes.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once perfectly smoked and golden, remove them from the smoker and serve warm!
Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs for an aromatic finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Chili Cheese Pull Apart Rolls?
Elevate your meal with delightful side dishes that perfectly complement the cheesy goodness of these rolls.
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Creamy Tomato Soup: The tangy richness of tomato soup enhances the savory flavors of the rolls, creating a perfect dunking experience. Imagine savoring each cheesy bite alongside a warm bowl of comforting soup.
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Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the cheesy, hearty rolls. This balance of textures will leave your palate dancing!
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Spicy Salsa: Add a zesty kick with fresh salsa that brings brightness and spice, making each bite a flavorful explosion. The acidity cuts through the richness, enhancing the overall experience.
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Guacamole: The creamy texture of guacamole is a delightful partner for the rolls, providing a smooth layer of flavor that melds beautifully with the cheesy filling. This duo is perfect for sharing at gatherings!
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Stuffed Bell Peppers: Serve these alongside stuffed peppers filled with rice, black beans, and spices for a slightly heartier option. The robust flavors create a satisfying complete meal.
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Chilled Lemonade: A refreshing glass of lemonade balances the richness of the rolls while serving as a digestif. The citrusy notes cleanse your palate, making every bite feel new.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: Cap off your meal with warm chocolate chip cookies for a sweet ending. The melty chocolate provides a lovely contrast to the savory rolls, creating indulgence in every bite.
Choose any combination of these delicious sides to transform your meal into an unforgettable experience!
Expert Tips for Cheesy Smoked Bread
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Use Thawed Rolls: Ensure the Rhodes dinner rolls are fully thawed and soft before cutting. Otherwise, they won’t rise properly and could result in dense bread.
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Gentle Tossing: When mixing the cut rolls with filling, be gentle. Overmixing can cause the rolls to break apart, leading to uneven distribution of the cheesy goodness.
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Warm Rising Spot: Place the covered pan in a warm area for rising. If it’s too cool, the dough won’t rise well, making your cheesy smoked bread denser.
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Monitor Smoking Time: Keep an eye on the smoking time. Every smoker is different, so check towards the end to prevent overcooking, especially for that perfect golden top.
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Flavor Pairing: Experiment with different cheeses or spices to customize the flavors. Adding a touch of smoked paprika can enhance the smoky aspect of your cheesy smoked bread!
Variations & Substitutions for Cheesy Smoked Bread
Feel free to let your imagination run wild and customize this recipe to suit your taste!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free dinner rolls, and enjoy the same delightful pull-apart texture without the gluten.
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Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños to the filling for an extra layer of heat that brightens up the flavors and keeps your taste buds tantalized.
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Herbed Delight: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the filling to elevate the flavor profile, bringing a garden-fresh taste into each bite.
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Vegetable Packed: Mix in bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms to enhance the filling’s flavor and add a delightful texture. This makes each roll a delightful mélange of tastes!
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Cheese Variety: Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack cheese to create a rich, gooey, and uniquely flavored bread that everyone will love.
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Savory Twist: Experiment with adding cooked crumbled bacon or sausage to the filling for a meatier version that is sure to satisfy heartier appetites.
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Sweet Touch: Drizzle a touch of honey or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a sweet version, perfect for brunch or a fun snack that strays from the traditional savory.
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Dairy-Free: Use vegan cheese and olive oil as substitutions, ensuring everyone can enjoy this cheesy delight, no matter their dietary needs!
Make Ahead Options
These Cheesy Smoked Bread rolls are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the filling by mixing together the olive oil, drained diced chiles, cheese, onions, and seasonings up to 24 hours in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the flavors fresh. Additionally, you can cut the rolls into fourths and place them in your pan, covering it tightly with plastic wrap, ready to rise when you’re set to cook—this can also be done up to 24 hours ahead. When you’re ready to serve, simply allow the roll mixture to come to room temperature before letting it rise and smoke as instructed. This way, you’ll enjoy that warm, cheesy goodness with minimal effort, making it just as delicious as if you’d prepared them on the spot!
How to Store and Freeze Cheesy Smoked Bread
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Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cheesy smoked bread within a day, store it in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it soft and fresh.
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Fridge: For longer storage, place the rolls in the fridge. They will stay good for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain their delightful texture.
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Freezer: To freeze, wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheating: When ready to enjoy, place thawed cheesy smoked bread in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes. This will help restore their crispy exterior and gooey interior!
Chili Cheese Pull Apart Rolls Recipe FAQs
What type of chiles should I use for this recipe?
I recommend using diced green chiles from a can as they add a perfect mild heat and flavor. If you’re adventurous, feel free to use fresh jalapeños or even a mix of milder peppers for added zest!
How should I store leftover cheesy smoked bread?
After enjoying your cheesy smoked bread, cover it tightly in an airtight container and store it at room temperature for one day. If you’d like to keep it for a longer period, place it in the fridge where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just remember to reheat it in the oven for that crispy exterior!
Can I freeze cheesy smoked bread?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the cooled rolls in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes for the perfect texture.
What should I do if my cheesy smoked bread doesn’t rise?
If your rolls don’t rise, it might be due to a cool environment. Make sure to place the covered pan in a warm area, and if your kitchen is chilly, you could even use an oven at a low setting (like 200°F) for rising. If the dough is old or improperly thawed, I recommend using fresh ingredients next time for better results.
Are these rolls suitable for people with nut allergies?
Yes! This recipe is free from any nuts, making it suitable for individuals with nut allergies. Ensure that all your ingredient labels are checked for cross-contamination, especially with store-bought products like cheese and olive oil.
How long does it take for the rolls to soften and rise?
The rolls will need about 45 minutes to soften initially. After mixing them with the filling, cover the pan and let it rest in a warm area for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until they double in size. The combination of warming and rising is essential for achieving fluffy, pull-apart rolls!
Irresistible Cheesy Smoked Bread for Flavor Lovers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the frozen Rhodes dinner rolls in an aluminum pan and let them sit for 45 minutes until soft.
- In a bowl, combine the olive oil, drained diced chiles, shredded cheese, diced onions, and seasoning. Stir until well mixed.
- Cut each softened dinner roll into four equal pieces and toss in the filling mixture.
- Lightly spray the pan with non-stick spray and pour the mixture into the pan, spreading it evenly.
- Cover with aluminum foil and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the smoker to 350°F, then smoke the covered tray for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes for a golden brown top.
- Once finished, serve warm and enjoy!
