Grandma’s Cheesy Butter Dinner Rolls

by

Grandma’s Cheesy Butter Dinner Rolls

Soft, pillowy rolls baked in a rich buttery sauce and smothered with melted cheese.
This is the kind of recipe that doesn’t look impressive at first glance—but once people take a bite, it disappears fast. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, and Sunday dinners.

 Prep & Cook Time

  • Prep: 10 minutes

  • Bake: 25–30 minutes

  • Total: ~40 minutes

 Servings

  • 12 rolls (serves 6–8 as a side)

Ingredients

  • 12 frozen dinner rolls (Rhodes-style work best)

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

  • ½ cup heavy cream

  • 1½ cups shredded cheese
    (cheddar, Colby-Jack, Monterey Jack, or a mix)

  • ½ tsp garlic powder (optional but recommended)

  • ¼–½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

  • ¼ tsp salt (optional, depending on cheese)

 Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)

  2. Grease a 9×13 glass baking dish.

  3. Arrange frozen rolls evenly in the dish.

  4. Pour melted butter evenly over the rolls.

  5. Slowly pour heavy cream over everything (don’t stir).

  6. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

  7. Cover evenly with shredded cheese.

  8. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until:

    • Rolls are golden

    • Cheese is bubbly and lightly browned

  9. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

 Description Notes

  • The rolls soak up butter and cream as they bake, creating a rich, almost custardy bottom.

  • Cheese forms a golden crust while keeping the rolls soft inside.

  • Glass baking dishes work best for even browning.

 Tips for Best Results

  • 🧀 Use freshly shredded cheese (melts better than pre-shredded)

  • 🧄 Add minced garlic or Italian seasoning for extra flavor

  • 🔥 For extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end

  • 🧈 Don’t skimp on butter—this is not a “light” dish

Variations

  • Garlic Parmesan: Use mozzarella + parmesan

  • Herb Lovers: Add rosemary or thyme

  • Spicy: Sprinkle red pepper flakes

  • Breakfast Style: Add crumbled bacon before baking

Nutritional Info (Per Roll – Approx.)

  • Calories: 240

  • Fat: 17g

  • Carbs: 18g

  • Protein: 6g

  • Calcium: 15% DV

(Estimates vary by cheese and roll brand)

 Benefits (Yes, Really)

  • Comfort food = emotional nourishment

  • High calcium and protein

  • Great for feeding a crowd with minimal effort

  • Encourages family-style sharing (and seconds!)

 Q & A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble everything, cover, refrigerate up to 24 hours, then bake.

Q: Can I use fresh rolls instead of frozen?
A: Yes, but reduce cream slightly since fresh rolls absorb less liquid.

Q: Why is my bottom soggy?
A: That’s normal—and part of the magic. If you want firmer bottoms, bake 5 extra minutes.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for best texture.

Leave a Comment