Pesto bread rolls

Pesto bread rolls

1 h
Envision a freshly baked dinner roll, now shining with the bold flavours of pesto and creamy white cheese. Our pesto bread rolls are not just tasty; they also offer an elegant twist to your table. Perfect as an accompaniment to a main dish or as a treat on their own, these tasty rolls are sure to impress with looks and taste.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/pesto-bread-rolls/

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 200 °C.
  • Dissolve yeast in the lukewarm milk, add honey, and whisk in the egg.
  • Add the dry ingredients and knit the dough thoroughly for a couple of minutes (if you have a machine, let it run for 5 minutes).
  • Add soft butter or oil to the dough and keep knitting until it is mixed into the dough and has a smooth surface.
  • Place the dough on a floured surface.
  • Roll it into a rectangle of approximately 30 × 15 cm.
  • Spread the filling onto the entire surface, including the edges.
  • Fold the dough, first 1/3 from the long end and 1/3 from the other long end, so you end up with 3 layers. Now roll the dough a little again until it measures approximately 15 × 15 cm.
  • Cut the dough into long pieces, each 2 cm long. Twist each piece up to 7–8 times. Roll up the twisted dough into a little bun around 3 of your fingers, and make sure to tuck the end in the middle.
  • Place each twisted bun with fairly good space between them on a lined baking sheet.
  • Let the rolls rise for 1–2 hours, then brush with egg and bake for 10–15 minutes.
Enjoy!

FAQ: Questions about pesto bread rolls

These pesto bread rolls are a wonderful addition to any table. We have answered some frequently asked questions to help you perfect these savoury twisted rolls.

Can I make the dough for pesto bread rolls in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough for pesto bread rolls beforehand. After the dough rises initially, put it in a sealed container and refrigerate it. It will stay fresh for up to five days. If you need to keep it longer, freeze the dough. It will last in the freezer for up to three weeks. When you are ready to bake, move the dough from the freezer to the fridge the night before to thaw. This ensures the dough is ready for shaping and baking into tasty rolls.
How to store pesto bread rolls?
You can keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days by placing them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. If you prefer to keep them for a longer period, store them in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to a week.
Can I freeze pesto bread rolls?
Yes, you can freeze them for longer storage. First, let them cool after baking. Then, wrap each roll in cling film or put them in a freezer bag, squeezing out the air before sealing. This keeps their flavour and softness for about a month. When you fancy some pesto bread rolls, thaw them at room temperature or overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat them in an oven at 180 °C for 5–10 minutes.

Ingredients

Butter or coconut oil
50 g
Lukewarm milk
250 ml
Whole wheat flour
250 g
Refined flour
250 g
Small egg
1
Active yeast
25 g
Salt
1½ tsp
Honey
1½ tbsp
Filling
150 g
Green pesto (homemade or store-bought)
3 tbsp

Tips: Perfecting pesto bread rolls

Uncover the secrets to perfect pesto bread rolls with our practical tips. Learn how to achieve just the right dough consistency and pick a high-quality pesto.

Dough texture

To ensure your pesto bread rolls are soft and fluffy, the right dough consistency is key. It should be pliable and elastic but not too sticky. If the dough sticks to your hands or your work surface, add a bit more flour. Conversely, if it seems too dry, mix in lukewarm milk until it reaches the right softness.

Choose high-quality pesto

The flavour of your pesto bread rolls largely depends on the quality of the pesto. Look for store-bought pesto with fresh, natural ingredients and avoid those with too many preservatives or additives, which can mask the fresh basil taste that defines a good pesto.

If you are making the pesto yourself, use fresh basil leaves and quality pine nuts for an authentic flavour. Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese also adds depth. Aim for a spreadable consistency that is not too oily to keep the rolls moist but not soggy.

Homemade pesto bread rolls with white cheese

Indulge in our homemade pesto bread rolls, where the classic dinner roll meets the robust flavours of fresh pesto and tangy white cheese. Each roll bakes into a soft, golden treasure filled with herby goodness and warm cheese. The soft dough yields a burst of pesto with each bite, while the cheese adds a satisfying richness. Whether fresh from the oven or enjoyed the day after, the enticing aroma, beautiful look, and delicious taste make these rolls a welcome addition to any dinner table.

Elegant twist for perfect swirls

Our method of preparing and shaping the dough into layers with pesto and cheese forms breathtaking twisted rolls. When baked, the dough turns a stunning golden brown, while the green streaks of pesto create a beautiful look. They are rustic yet refined. As a bonus, the spiralling and swirling ensure that the ingredients and filling are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Warm and soft straight from the oven

We love the scent of homemade pesto bread rolls that fill the kitchen as they bake in the oven. Warm, soft, and gooey, the bread rolls are basically begging you to take a bite. You will find the white cheese has melted slightly into the soft dough with crispy edges. The result is pockets of creamy richness that pair wonderfully with the tender crumb. The pesto bread rolls are certainly enjoyed best straight from the oven, but we understand if you want to whip up a large batch to enjoy later.

Serve with an extra dollop of pesto or as a delicious side

While these rolls shine on their own, you can also serve them as a delicious side. Warm them up for a snack and savour them with a touch of olive oil or butter. You might also enjoy them with a crisp salad alongside an extra dollop of creamy, herbaceous pesto. Together, they make for a satisfying lunch with both fresh and indulgent flavours.

Our versatile pesto bread rolls are the perfect addition to a wide variety of dishes. Try serving them with a hot bowl of soup, where you can dip the rolls and relish in the warm flavours. Similarly, you cannot go wrong with serving them with pasta to mop up delicious sauces.

Also, consider pairing them with our cold pasta salad with avocado and salt-cured ham, a summer salad with quinoa, or a delicious Greek pasta salad with olives and white cheese.

Add your own twist to the recipe

For a sharper, more intense flavour, substitute the white cheese for goat cheese. The taste is similar to white cheese, yet slightly tangier. Give the bread rolls a Mediterranean feel by adding sun-dried tomatoes and black olives to the white cheese. They pair incredibly well with the pesto and add a richer taste.

You can also make the rolls with a sweet filling instead and serve as an indulgent breakfast or delectable dessert. A popular option is to go simple with cinnamon, sugar, and butter, creating bread rolls with a sweet swirl and pillowy dough. Fill them with Nutella or chocolate spread and witness how their gooey, chocolatey centre contrasts beautifully with the light, airy bread. Breakfast, dinner, or snack, our bread rolls are sure to hit the spot.