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Spicy Cheese Stuffed Whole Wheat Rolls

April 1, 2013


I hope everyone had a great weekend!  I had Friday off, so mine was extra long (but still never long enough, right?).  I’d like to say I was super productive with my day off, but I basically sat around playing video games, caught up on some TV, and baked a loaf of bread (recipe probably to come if I make it again and remember to take pictures.  It was delicious and crazy easy).

cheese-rolls-plate

With most of my posts, I wouldn’t know that anyone I interact with daily actually reads my recipes, but when I posted my broccoli and cheese stuffed rolls, pretty much everyone I know raved about how delicious they looked and tasted.  I had some left over dough a few weeks ago and was craving something spicy, so I thought I’d try to get that kind of reaction again!

cheese-rolls-pull

After not ever eating anything spicy for a long, long time, I’m suddenly obsessed.  These would be just as good without the hot sauce, if you’re not into spicy.  Cream cheese helps make these nice and creamy even if you eat them cold and keeps the spice in check.  I threw in some spinach simply because that’s how I roll and it was a great combination.  You could easily use another leafy green or even finely chopped cauliflower or broccoli.  This recipe only uses half the dough, because I like always having extra in the fridge.  Not sure what else to make?  Double the recipe, try the broccoli and cheese rolls, make a pizza, or apple pie cinnamon rolls – it’s a very versatile dough!  If you’re feeling lazy, thaw some frozen store bought pizza dough and it’ll save you having to make any and let it rise.

Spicy Cheese Stuffed Whole Wheat Rolls
Author: 
 

Ingredients
  • 1 ½ c water, warm (but not hot) to the touch
  • 4 tsp dry active yeast (two packets)
  • 2 tsp sugar (don’t use sugar-free substitutions)
  • 3 ½ c white whole wheat flour + extra
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 8 oz fat free cream cheese
  • 1 ½ c shredded reduced fat sharp cheddar
  • ½ – 1 tbsp Frank’s Red Hot
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • ¾ – 1 ½ c chopped spinach

Instructions
  1. Combine the water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit about 5 minutes, until the top is nice and foamy.
  2. Mix the flours and salt. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook (or by hand, for a good arm workout) add the yeast mixture to the flours. Stir until it comes together as a ball. Add extra flour or water as necessary until all flour is visibly incorporated and the ball isn’t sticky.
  3. Hand knead or use the stand mixer on a slow/medium speed for five minutes.
  4. Cut the dough in half and put extra in the refrigerator or freezer for another use. Cover remaining dough and let rise for 15 minutes.
  5. While the dough is rising, combine cream cheese (may need to microwave for ~15 – 30 seconds to soften), shredded cheese, hot sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper. Once combined, gently stir in the spinach until evenly distributed.
  6. Cut the dough into 8 equal pieces. For each piece, flatten and stretch into a circle ~ 4 – 5 inches in diameter. Drop ⅛th of the cheese picture into the center of a circle. Wet the edges with your fingers, bring the edges in and seal well, shaping the roll while you do it.
  7. Preheat the oven to 400° F. Cover and let rest for another 10 – 20 minutes (you can skip this step, the actual roll part will just be less thick).
  8. Place the rolls on a baking sheet. If desired, you can spritz the rolls with nonstick spray or brush with oil/butter to encourage browning.
  9. Bake for 10 – 15 minutes. Cheese may start oozing out if the rolls aren’t well sealed or through thin spots in the dough.

Nutrition Information
Calories: 180 Fat: 5g Carbohydrates: 21g Fiber: 3g Protein: 14g

Side Note:  I know a few people have made recipes from my blog, but I always wonder if there are more out there.  I’m thinking about doing some sort of contest where people Tweet or email pictures of the food they’ve made and I’ll randomly select someone to get a gift card.  Anyone have any suggestions for the logistics of this?  I don’t use much social media (but am not opposed to setting something up for my blog).  What should I use for this: Twitter, email, Instagram?  Any suggestions?

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33 Comments
    batel Mar 05, 2014

    wow these look so delcious they make my eyes hurt and my tummy grumble!!! I’m going to have to attempt to make these this weekend. Thanks for the awesome recipe.

    Recipe Wednesday: Green in Color | Healthy Living Blogs Mar 05, 2014

    […] from left: Spicy Stuffed Mexican Peppers from Peanut Butter & Peppers, Spicy Cheese Stuffed Whole Wheat Rolls from Hidden Fruits and Veggies, and Spicy Rosemary Brazil Nuts from Killer Bunnies […]

    Ashleigh Feb 27, 2014

    Kelly, I pinned this a while ago and just got around to actually making them. I added shredded chicken to my rolls and just made them bigger. I also added cheese to the tops because I am a huge sucker for crunchy cheese. They’re amazing! I’m adding them to my “It’s a Keeper” Pinterest board, and I will definitely be making them again!

      Kelly Feb 27, 2014

      Ashleigh — glad you like them! Love the idea of putting cheese on top, I’m a sucker for crunchy cheese too! (who isn’t??) I appreciate your stopping by to let me know that you loved the recipe 🙂

    laurasmess Apr 07, 2013

    These rolls look incredible. Not only do you get the rolls fluffy and light, but that cheese stuffing… argh, you are a genius Kelly! This is the first time I’ve discovered your blog but it;s amazing. I’m going to try the broccoli version soon too! Thanks for sharing! x

      Kelly Apr 08, 2013

      Glad you found me and glad you found some recipes you like!

    Natalie Apr 02, 2013

    Oh boy these look SOO good, cheese and spice? This is my kind of roll.

    Reeni Apr 02, 2013

    Gooey cheese inside a warm roll? Yes, please. My heart just started beating a little quicker.

    Em @ Love A Latte Apr 02, 2013

    I think Twitter is a great idea!! Pinterest is a great way for people to store your recipes for the future though!!

      Kelly Apr 02, 2013

      I’ve had quite a bit of luck with Pinterest so far (though I don’t have a separate account for my blog… Maybe I should make one!), but I have a recipe with over 1000 pins (!!!) and there’s not really a way to tell if anyones actually made it — I’m so so so curious.

    Daniela Apr 02, 2013

    HI, it’s my first visit to your blog and I love the tasty, healthy recipes you propose!
    The pictures are amazing, too.

      Kelly Apr 02, 2013

      I’m glad you found me! 🙂

    Alex @ Cookie Dough Katzen Apr 02, 2013

    I’m a hot sauce lover too! It just makes everything better. These look amazing- cheese is the best food around 🙂

      Kelly Apr 02, 2013

      the good news is they make fantastic left overs, so you just have to tell yourself you want one for lunch tomorrow, too 😉

    Christie - Food Done Light Apr 02, 2013

    About the side note, I would say facebook is the way to go. Most people will follow on facebook. I have not found twitter to be that good for followers other than other bloggers. Facebook you get more actual people that just like your food. You will also find that a lot more other bloggers will share your recipes. There is quite a good and very supportive food blogger community on facebook.

      Kelly Apr 02, 2013

      Thanks for the input! I’ve been out of the social networking game for almost 3 years now, it’s a little intimidating to jump back in

    Christie - Food Done Light Apr 02, 2013

    I have to make these soon. I adore the hot sauce in the bun. I have a feeling I would want to eat them all though.

    crazyforcrust Apr 01, 2013

    I love these! What a great recipe – spicy is goooood. 🙂

    Monet Apr 01, 2013

    Um yes please. These look beyond delicious. In fact, I wish I had one, or two, or three right now! Thank you for sharing them with us!

      Kelly Apr 01, 2013

      It was very very hard to eat any less than three 😀

      Kelly Apr 01, 2013

      Thanks 🙂

    cleaneatingveggiegirl Apr 01, 2013

    I am fairly certain that anything “cheese stuffed” is amazing!! I might have to try this with Daiya “cheese” and vegan cream cheese to make a vegan version :).

      Kelly Apr 01, 2013

      Let me know how that works out! I’ve thought about using vegan cheeses in cheese stuffed rolls before, but it’s kind of expensive and hard to find around here. I didnt want to take the chance and waste it.

    marcie@flavorthemoments Apr 01, 2013

    These look so good, Kelly! I’ve thought about doing something like that contest, too. I think Twitter or Facebook. I’ve got to make these!

    Becky @ Olives n Wine Apr 01, 2013

    These look amazing! Any thing that includes cheese and bread in one bite is good is my book 🙂 And I love the contest idea! Twitter is easier to set up and maintain (in my opinion) but Facebook is good for blogs too.

      Kelly Apr 01, 2013

      I was leaning towards Twitter, mostly because every time I look at Josh’s Facebook, it looks SO complicated and intimidating. I remember it looking so much simpler and easy to use when I was in college.