Save It Soft and golden these Spinach Alfredo Pull-Apart Rolls bring together everything I love about fresh bread and creamy cheesy comfort food in one irresistible bite. Each roll is stuffed with a garlicky spinach laced Alfredo that stays perfectly gooey inside pillowy homemade dough. Whether I serve these as a starter or alongside soup they disappear long before dinner ends.
The first time I made these rolls for a neighborhood potluck people hovered around the dish until the very last one vanished. Now they are what friends request whenever I offer to bring bread.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: gives the rolls their classic fluffy texture look for an unbleached variety for better flavor
- Active dry yeast: ensures the dough rises well check the expiration date for reliability
- Warm milk: adds richness and activates yeast use whole milk whenever possible
- Granulated sugar: helps jumpstart the yeast and gently sweetens the dough
- Unsalted butter: creates tenderness in both dough and filling choose European or high fat varieties for flavor
- Egg: binds the dough and gives color to the crumb
- Salt: enhances every flavor in dough and filling opt for sea salt if available
- Fresh spinach: supplies lovely color and earthy notes pick leaves without blemishes
- Garlic: deepens the flavor and balances richness use fresh over pre minced for best results
- Heavy cream: is the backbone of the Alfredo sauce find one with a high fat percentage for thickness
- Parmesan cheese: delivers sharp salty depth always grate fresh for best melt and taste
- Mozzarella cheese: stretches and softens the filling use low moisture for less sogginess
- Ground nutmeg: brings a subtle warmth grate whole nutmeg right before using for more aroma
- Salt and black pepper: round out savory flavors grind pepper fresh if you can
- Fresh parsley: offers a vibrant garnish choose bunches with unwilted leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl blend warm milk with sugar then sprinkle in yeast. Let the mixture rest until bubbly which takes about five minutes. Whisk in melted butter the egg and salt. Slowly mix in the flour about one cup at a time. When a shaggy dough forms knead on the counter for six to eight minutes until it feels soft and elastic. Move dough into a greased bowl cover and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size about one hour.
- Make the Spinach Alfredo Filling:
- While dough rises heat butter in a skillet over medium. Add minced garlic and let it sizzle gently for one minute until fragrant not brown. Add spinach letting it wilt in the heat which takes about two minutes. Pour in heavy cream bring to a simmer and add Parmesan mozzarella nutmeg salt and pepper. Stir gently as cheeses melt and sauce thickens which should take under three minutes. Let the filling cool to room temperature so it spreads easily.
- Shape and Fill the Rolls:
- Punch air out of risen dough and transfer to a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle measuring roughly twelve by eighteen inches which keeps each roll even. Using an offset spatula spread the cooled Alfredo sauce evenly over the surface making sure to reach the edges.
- Form the Rolls:
- Start from one long edge and roll up the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut cleanly into twelve pieces. Try to make each piece the same width for even baking.
- Arrange and Proof:
- Set each roll cut side up in a greased nine by thirteen baking dish leaving a little space between rolls. Cover with a clean towel and let them rise thirty minutes until puffed. This second rise creates a light cloudlike texture.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and scatter grated Parmesan across to encourage browning and flavor.
- Bake and Finish:
- Slide the dish into the center rack and bake for twenty five to thirty minutes until the rolls turn golden brown and the filling sets. Watch that the tops do not overbrown before the centers are done.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Let the rolls cool for five to ten minutes after baking. If you like sprinkle chopped parsley over the tops for a fresh pop. Serve the rolls warm so the cheesy filling stays oozy and tender.
Save It Mozzarella is my favorite ingredient here since it gives the filling those stretchy cheesy pulls everyone loves. My family always fights over the center rolls for maximum gooeyness.
Storage Tips
To keep leftovers soft wrap the baked rolls tightly in foil and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. Rewarm in a low oven to revive fluffiness. Freezing is also an option either baked or unbaked. For baked rolls let them cool completely before freezing and then reheat straight from the freezer covered with foil.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap in store bought dough or use part whole wheat flour for an earthier crumb. For lactose free options try a plant based cream mozzarella and Parmesan. Swiss or Gruyere are delicious cheese alternatives that change the mood of the filling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these rolls alongside tomato soup or a crisp salad when you want something cozy yet balanced. At gatherings I sometimes place a small bowl of extra Alfredo sauce in the center for dipping. These also work well as a vegetarian main with a hearty soup.
Save It For a final special touch sprinkle a little extra parsley for color before serving. Enjoy the warm gooey centers and share with those you love.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use store-bought dough for these rolls?
Yes, you can substitute store-bought pizza or bread dough for homemade to save time and effort.
- → How do I make the filling creamy?
The Alfredo filling achieves creaminess from heavy cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, and gentle simmering.
- → What's the best way to reheat leftover rolls?
Cover rolls with foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven to restore softness and keep them moist.
- → Which wine pairs well with these rolls?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the rich, creamy filling of the rolls.
- → Can I add some spice to the filling?
A pinch of crushed red pepper can be added to the filling for subtle heat and extra flavor.
- → Are these rolls suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all ingredients are vegetarian-friendly; just ensure cheese is made without animal rennet.