Warm Cheese & Thyme Rolls

The perfect side for winter casseroles and cosy Christmas suppers

There’s something so comforting about baking bread on a cold winter’s day — that gentle rhythm of kneading, the buttery smell as it rises in the oven, and the moment you pull a tray of golden, warm rolls from the oven just as dinner is ready.

These Cheese & Thyme Rolls are my go-to side through the colder months — soft and fluffy on the inside, with a crisp, cheesy top and just a hint of fragrant thyme. They’re heavenly with soup, divine with stew, and the perfect partner to my Mulled Wine Beef Casserole.

Ingredients

• 500g strong white bread flour

• 1½ tsp Sea Salt

• 7g sachet of instant yeast

• 300ml warm water

• 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for brushing)

• 100g mature cheddar, grated

• 100g Freshly Grated Parmesan

• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)

• A pinch of black pepper

Method

1. Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and yeast together. Add the warm water and olive oil, and bring together into a soft dough.

   
   

2. Knead: Tip onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and springy. (If using a mixer, 5 minutes with a dough hook works perfectly.)

   
   

3. First rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a clean tea towel, and leave somewhere warm for about an hour, or until doubled in size.

   
   

4. Shape: Knock back the dough add the cheese and fresh Thyme and divide into 8–10 rolls. Shape into rounds and place on a lined baking tray. Cover again and leave to rise for 30–40 minutes.

   
   

5. Top and bake: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Brush the rolls lightly with olive oil, sprinkle over the grated cheese, thyme leaves, and a twist of black pepper.Bake for 15–18 minutes, until golden and the cheese is bubbling.

   
   

6. Serve: Best enjoyed still warm — the cheese just melted, the thyme fragrant, and the crust crisp enough to tear and dunk straight into your casserole.

“There’s nothing quite like that first pull of a warm, cheesy roll on a winter evening — especially when it’s dipped into something rich and slow-cooked.”

Tip: These rolls freeze beautifully. Just reheat in a warm oven for 5–7 minutes before serving — perfect for those last-minute Christmas suppers.

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