A cheese roll might sound basic, but there are cheese rolls from various parts of the world that are anything but boring. This recipe is for a Filipino-style cheese roll, a sweet cream cheese bread.
Filipino food is known for being hearty and savory, with a little bit of sweetness. This Filipino cheese roll fits that description. The dough is soft and fluffy, with a rich cream cheese filling that is both sweet and savory.
This recipe is straightforward and only requires a few ingredients, making it a perfect snack, especially when you serve it warm.
What Is a Cheese Roll?
When someone refers to a “cheese roll,” they may be referring to one of many snacks or desserts that include cheese as a primary ingredient. Cheese rolls might be savory or sweet and can be found in cuisines worldwide.
Some cheese rolls are made with dough similar to bread dough, while others might be more like pastry dough. Typically filled with cheese filling, this dough can have anything from simple cream cheese to a more complex mixture of cheeses, herbs, and spices.
You can serve this cheese-filled bread as a snack, appetizer, or dessert, and people usually serve them warm.
Filipino Cheese Rolls
Filipino cheese rolls, sometimes called Filipino cheese balls or cream cheese bread, are among the many delicious snacks you can find in Filipino cuisine. They entail soft dough filled with cheese.
The following tasty recipe is for Filipino cheese rolls, but I will also briefly discuss some other cheese rolls.
Thai Cheese Rolls
Thai cheese rolls are very similar to the Filipino version in terms of ingredients and taste. The main difference is that Thai cheese rolls usually contain green onion in the cheese filling, whereas Filipino cheese rolls do not.
These cheese rolls are popular in Thailand as a street food snack; many enjoy them with sweet chili sauce or ketchup.
Guyana Cheese Rolls
Guyana cheese rolls, sometimes called Guyanese pastries or Guyanese tennis rolls, are a type of cheese roll that originated in Guyana. A Guyana cheese roll has a dough similar to biscuit dough, and the cheese filling is usually just a mixture of grated cheese and spices.
These cheese rolls are popular in Guyana and the Caribbean, and many enjoy them as appetizers or snacks.
Trinidad Cheese Rolls
Trinidad cheese rolls are another type of cheese roll popular in the Caribbean. These cheese rolls are made with a dough similar to puff pastry, and the cheese filling is usually just a mixture of grated cheese and spices.
Like most cheese rolls, people often serve Trinidadian cheese rolls as an appetizer or snack, with ketchup or hot sauce on the side.
Filipino Cheese Rolls
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients:
- 240 ml Milk, lukewarm
- 50 grams Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Active dry yeast
- 390 grams All-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoons Salt
Filling Ingredients:
- 226 grams Package of cream cheese, softened
- 50 grams Sugar
- ¼ teaspoon Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine the milk, yeast, and sugar in a medium-to-large bowl and stir until the yeast has dissolved.
- Add the flour and salt to the bowl and stir until everything is combined.
- Turn the dough out onto a surface covered in flour and knead for around 10 minutes or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and allow it to rise for around an hour until it doubles in size.
- While this dough rises, start the filling by combining the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla in a medium bowl and stirring until smooth.
- Once the dough doubles in size, turn it onto a floured surface and roll it into a 12-inch (30-cm) square.
- Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch (2.5-cm) border.
- Roll the dough up from one of the long sides, jelly roll style, and cut it into 12-16 pieces.
- Place the rolls, cut side up, on a greased baking sheet and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
Tips & Tricks for Filipino Cheese Rolls
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the perfect Filipino cheese rolls.
Dry Yeast Substitute
If you don’t have active dry yeast, use 1 tablespoon of instant yeast instead.
Extra Cheesy Rolls
If you want the rolls to be extra cheesy, you can add 1/2 cup (113 grams) of grated cheddar cheese to the filling.
Make It Ahead
You can make these cheese rolls ahead of time and freeze them. Just place the unbaked rolls on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until solid.
Then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag and keep it in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to bake, let the rolls thaw overnight in your fridge, and then bake the rolls as directed.
Cheese Philippines
If you want to make a more traditional cheese roll from the Philippines, you can use queso de bola. Queso de bola is a type of Edam cheese popular in the Philippines. It’s a bit salty, so you may want to reduce how much salt you include in the dough.
Pan de Regla
If you love cheese rolls, you may also love the similar pan de regla, another Filipino pastry with bright red pudding instead of cheese.
Nutrition Information of Filipino Cheese Rolls
One Filipino cheese roll contains about 150 calories, 7 grams of fat, 20 grams of carbohydrates, and 3 grams of protein.
Conclusion
Filipino cheese rolls are a delicious and easy snack that everyone will love. In very little time, you can have these tasty treats ready in no time. So, what are you waiting for? Give them a try today!
Do you have a favorite cheese roll recipe? Let us know what your tips and tricks are in the comments below.
I loved the flavours in this recipe.
Have made this twice
This was delicious.