Pandesal Bread Rolls with Sweetened Cheese Filling

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft and fluffy Filipino pandesal rolls filled with a creamy sweetened cheese mixture, perfect for breakfast or snack. This filipino-inspired breakfast ready in about 108 minutes combines all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, warm water into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 12, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 90 min Cook: 18 min Serves 12 Filipino cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast and 1 tbsp sugar in 1 cup warm water (110°F). Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 tsp salt. Add yeast mixture, 1/2 cup warm milk, and 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  3. Step 3: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, stir together 1 cup grated cheddar cheese and 4 oz softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Punch down risen dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a 3-inch circle, place 1 tbsp cheese filling in center, and fold dough edges over to seal. Shape into oval rolls.
  6. Step 6: Roll each filled dough piece in 1 cup bread crumbs and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush each roll with 1 beaten egg and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pandesal Bread Rolls with Sweetened Cheese Filling take to make?

Total time is about 108 minutes (90 min prep + 18 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover Pandesal Bread Rolls with Sweetened Cheese Filling?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pandesal Bread Rolls with Sweetened Cheese Filling?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pandesal Bread Rolls with Sweetened Cheese Filling for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pandesal Bread Rolls with Sweetened Cheese Filling?

Filipino breakfast like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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