Pandesal Rolls with Sweet Butter and Cheese Filling

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

Soft Filipino breakfast rolls filled with a luscious blend of sweet butter and melty cheese, perfect for a comforting morning treat. This filipino-inspired breakfast ready in about 48 minutes combines all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, warm water (110°F) 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 280 calories and feeds 8, 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: 30 min Cook: 18 min Serves 8 Filipino cuisine 280 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 it sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 tsp salt. Add the yeast mixture, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, and 1/2 cup milk. Mix and knead for 10 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
  3. Step 3: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
  4. Step 4: Punch down the dough and divide it into 16 equal pieces. Flatten each piece, spread 1/2 tbsp softened sweet butter and a strip of processed cheese inside, then roll into a log shape.
  5. Step 5: Roll each log in 1 cup bread crumbs to coat. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover, and let rest for 30 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 15-18 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm for breakfast or snack.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pandesal Rolls with Sweet Butter and Cheese Filling take to make?

Total time is about 48 minutes (30 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 Rolls with Sweet Butter and 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 Rolls with Sweet Butter and 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 Rolls with Sweet Butter and Cheese Filling for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Rolls with Sweet Butter and 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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