Name: Pesto Feta Bread Rolls: The Ultimate Recipe & Baking Guide
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 165 min
Yield: 12 rolls
Ingredients: 500g strong bread flour, plus extra for dusting; 7g sachet of fast-action dried yeast; 1 tsp salt; 300ml lukewarm water; 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing; 150g fresh pesto (homemade or store-bought); 200g feta cheese, crumbled; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 large egg; 1 tbsp milk or water; Sesame seeds; Dried herbs (such as oregano or basil)

Pesto feta bread rolls: Prepare to be utterly captivated by these warm, fragrant, and utterly irresistible morsels of deliciousness! Imagine biting into a soft, pillowy bread roll, its golden crust giving way to a swirl of vibrant green pesto and tangy feta cheese. It's a flavor explosion that will have you reaching for seconds (and thirds!).

While the exact origins of combining pesto and feta in bread rolls are somewhat modern, the individual components boast rich histories. Pesto, originating in Genoa, Italy, has been a beloved sauce for centuries, its bright basil flavor a staple of Italian cuisine. Feta, a brined curd cheese from Greece, has been enjoyed since ancient times, adding a salty, creamy element to countless dishes. This delightful fusion brings together the best of both worlds!

People adore pesto feta bread rolls for their incredible taste and satisfying texture. The herbaceous pesto perfectly complements the salty feta, creating a harmonious balance that tantalizes the taste buds. The soft, fluffy bread provides the perfect canvas for these flavors to shine. Plus, they are incredibly convenient! Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a delightful addition to a brunch spread, or a simple yet satisfying snack, these rolls are always a winner. I find them particularly comforting on a chilly evening, served alongside a warm bowl of soup. Trust me, once you try them, you'll understand the obsession!

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

500g strong bread flour, plus extra for dusting
7g sachet of fast-action dried yeast
1 tsp salt
300ml lukewarm water
2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing

For the Pesto Filling:

150g fresh pesto (homemade or store-bought)
200g feta cheese, crumbled
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Egg Wash:

1 large egg
1 tbsp milk or water

Optional Toppings:

Sesame seeds
Dried herbs (such as oregano or basil)

Preparing the Dough:

First, let's get our dough ready. In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, dried yeast, and salt. Make sure the yeast and salt are well combined but not directly touching each other initially, as salt can inhibit yeast activity.
Now, pour in the lukewarm water and olive oil. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix everything together until a shaggy dough forms. The dough will be quite sticky at this stage, and that's perfectly fine.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This is a crucial step for developing the gluten, which will give our bread rolls their lovely texture. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it becomes manageable.
Once the dough is smooth and elastic, form it into a ball. Grease a clean bowl with olive oil, place the dough in the bowl, and turn it to coat it with the oil. This will prevent the dough from drying out as it rises.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Place the bowl in a warm place and let the dough rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. The rising time will depend on the temperature of your environment. A warm spot will encourage the yeast to work its magic!

Preparing the Pesto Filling:

While the dough is rising, let's prepare the delicious pesto filling. In a medium bowl, combine the fresh pesto, crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, olive oil, and black pepper.
Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want to add a pinch of salt, but be careful, as feta cheese is already quite salty.
Set the pesto filling aside until the dough is ready.

Assembling and Shaping the Rolls:

Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12x18 inches in size. Try to keep the thickness even throughout the rectangle.
Spread the pesto filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges. This border will help seal the rolls later.
Starting from the opposite long edge, carefully roll the dough up tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it closed.
Using a sharp knife or a dough scraper, cut the log into 12 equal-sized rolls. Each roll should be about 1.5 inches thick.
Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Arrange the rolls in the baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up slightly.

Baking the Pesto Feta Rolls:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
While the oven is preheating, prepare the egg wash. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk or water until well combined.
Gently brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color.
If desired, sprinkle the rolls with sesame seeds or dried herbs.
Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the rolls should reach 200-210°F (93-99°C).
If the rolls start to brown too quickly, you can tent them with aluminum foil to prevent them from burning.
Once the rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the baking dish for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and Storing:

Serve the pesto feta bread rolls warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own or as a side dish to soups, salads, or pasta.
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat the rolls, wrap them in foil and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a shorter amount of time, but they may become slightly softer.
These rolls are also freezer-friendly. To freeze them, let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat as directed above.

Tips and Variations:

Use different cheeses: Instead of feta, try using goat cheese, ricotta, or mozzarella.
Add vegetables: Mix in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or olives to the pesto filling.
Make mini rolls: Cut the dough into smaller pieces to make bite-sized rolls.
Garlic Herb Butter: Brush the baked rolls with melted garlic herb butter for extra flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto filling for a little heat.

Enjoy your homemade Pesto Feta Bread Rolls!

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let's be honest – you've read this far because something about those pesto feta bread rolls whispered sweet nothings of cheesy, herby goodness into your ear. And I'm here to tell you, the reality is even better than the dream. This isn't just another bread roll recipe; it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and honestly, ridiculously easy to make. Why is this a must-try? Because it's the perfect combination of savory, salty, and comforting. The pesto brings a vibrant freshness, the feta adds a tangy creaminess, and the warm, pillowy bread… well, that's just pure happiness. It's the kind of recipe that makes you look like a culinary genius, even if you're just starting out in the kitchen. Plus, it's incredibly versatile. Think of these rolls as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! Want to kick things up a notch? Try adding some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of sweetness and chewiness. Or maybe some Kalamata olives for an extra salty, Mediterranean vibe. For a spicier kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the pesto mixture will do the trick. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even experiment with different cheeses – goat cheese would be amazing, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. Serving suggestions? Oh, the possibilities are endless! These pesto feta bread rolls are fantastic as a side dish with pasta, soup, or salad. They're also perfect for a picnic or potluck. Imagine bringing a basket of these warm, fragrant rolls to your next gathering – you'll be the star of the show! They also make a delicious and satisfying snack on their own. I personally love them warmed up with a little extra butter – pure indulgence! But wait, there's more! These rolls aren't just for savory dishes. You can even adapt them for a sweeter treat. Imagine adding a touch of honey to the dough and using a sweet pesto made with basil, mint, and a touch of lemon zest. Fill them with a mixture of ricotta cheese and berries, and you've got a delightful dessert roll that's sure to impress. Seriously, I'm telling you, this recipe is a game-changer. It's the kind of recipe that you'll make again and again, and it's guaranteed to become a family favorite. It's simple enough for a weeknight dinner, but impressive enough for a special occasion. So, what are you waiting for? Preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of these pesto feta bread rolls. I promise you won't be disappointed. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did you think? Share your photos and comments below – I can't wait to see what you create! Happy baking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I'll do my best to help. Now go forth and bake some deliciousness!