AKA: "Volcano Rolls"...The cheese will erupt, like molten lava, from some of the rolls while baking and form a delicious cheesy crust - Oh my! yes! Imagine dunking in some soup, chili or spicy mustard! We could not eat them fast enough hot out of the oven! ( :
2tablespoonsoil(plus more to oil bowl/baking pans)
4cupsbread flour(plus additional as needed)
1teaspoonsalt
8ouncesgouda, smoked gouda or cheddar cheese(not pre-shredded)
1/4cuppretzel salt or coarse koshar salt(optional, with the cheese it's not really essential)
Boiling Liquid
2 1/2quartswater(in 6-quart pot)
1tablespoonsalt
1/2cupbaking soda
Instructions
Start Rolls
In stand mixer bowl, add warm water, yeast, milk, sugar, oil and 1 cup of the flour. Stir with flat or flex Allow yeast in mixture to “bloom” for 5 minutes. You will see some bubbles push through the surface of the mixture if the yeast is active.
In stand mixer bowl, add warm water, yeast, milk, sugar, oil and 1 cup of the flour. Stir with flat or flex edge beater just until combined.
Add pour shield (if using) and turn stand mixer to speed 1. Add flour a little at a time. Once combined, stop mixer, remove pour shield and switch to dough hook.
Knead on speed 2 for about 5 minutes or until smooth dough ball forms. If seems very sticky, can add a little extra flour a tablespoon at a time.
Place the dough in an oiled bowl and turn dough over so both sides are oiled. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and place in a warm place to rise for about 45 - 60 minutes or until approx. doubled in size.
Shred the cheese. Press tablespoon portions of cheese into a ball shape. You can squeeze gently in the palm of your hand. (*Don’t use pre-shredded cheese, it won’t stick together.)
Press down on the dough to release the air from rising, place on your baking mat or lightly floured surface and roll into an even cylinder shape. Cut into 8 equal pieces. Cut each piece in half so you have 16 total pieces.
Take each piece and pat out with your fingers to form an approx. 2-3-inch round or square.
Place a ball of cheese in the center of the dough. Gather up the edges of the dough and pinch together as if it were a drawstring purse or bag.
Turn over and gently press down to help seal bottom and form roll shape (about the size and shape of a small hamburger bun, about (2.5 – 3 inches diameter.)
Place rolls on two baking sheets, lined with silicone mat or greased parchment paper. Repeat with other rolls.
Lightly cover with a damp towel or greased plastic wrap. Place in warm spot to rise for 30-40 minutes. Should be fluffy and larger, not quite doubled.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Start Boiling Liquid While Rolls are Rising:
Add 2 ½ quarts water and salt to large pot (6-8 quart) and bring to boil. Make sure the water only fills the pot about 1/2 full so as to prevent boil over when you later add the baking soda.
Add baking soda a little at a time to boiling water. Be cautious, as water will tend to boil up when you add the baking soda.
Finish Rolls
Take two rolls at a time and place in boiling water mixture. Boil for 30 seconds, flip and boil for another 30 seconds on the other side.
Remove with a spider, slotted spoon or tongs and place back on baking sheet, arrange the rolls about 2 inches apart. You will fit 8 rolls on each baking sheet.
While the rolls are still wet, score the top in a shallow “X” shape with a sharp knife.
Optional: Sprinkle with a pinch or two of pretzel or kosher salt.
Bake for about 15 minutes, rotating baking sheets halfway through. They will be done when they are a deep brown color and sound hollow when tapped.
Remove from oven and allow to rest for about 5 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
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