The Perfect Pesto Feta Rolls Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Pesto feta rolls blend culinary creativity with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients that dance across your palate.

Soft, pillowy dough becomes a canvas for bright green pesto and crumbly white cheese.

The delicate spiral captures herbs, cheese, and texture in one delightful package.

Savory aromas promise a gourmet experience far beyond ordinary bread preparations.

Elegant yet simple, these rolls upgrade basic ingredients into something spectacular.

Unexpected flavor combinations elevate this recipe from routine to remarkable.

Your kitchen will soon radiate with irresistible Mediterranean charm.

Savory Pesto Feta Rolls You’ll Love

• Burst with Flavor Combinations: These rolls combine tangy feta, zesty pesto, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella in every delectable bite, creating a symphony of taste sensations that dance across your palate.
• Quick and Easy Gourmet Experience: Perfect for busy home cooks, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into impressive rolls with minimal technical skills, delivering restaurant-quality results in just over an hour of total preparation and baking time.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for brunches, potlucks, or casual gatherings, these rolls work wonderfully as appetizers, side dishes, or standalone snacks that will impress guests with their sophisticated yet approachable flavor profile.
• Customizable Culinary Canvas: Easily adaptable recipe allows for personal creativity by swapping cheeses, adding different herbs, or experimenting with alternative fillings while maintaining the core delicious concept of savory stuffed rolls.

Key Ingredients for Pesto Feta Rolls

• Milk: Warm base for activating yeast and creating soft, tender texture.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and adds subtle sweetness to the dough.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for dough rising and developing bread structure.
• Eggs: Provide richness and help bind ingredients together.
• All-Purpose Flour: Primary structure for rolls, creating tender crumb.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast growth.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness, flavor, and helps create soft dough.

• Pesto: Provides herbal, garlicky flavor base for rolls.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty cheese notes.
• Feta Cheese: Brings tangy, crumbly texture to filling.
• Spinach Leaves: Adds nutrition and fresh green element.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Introduces concentrated, sweet-tart flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates melty, stretchy cheese layer.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, glossy finish for rolls.
• Garlic: Adds intense, aromatic flavor to butter topping.
• Sea Salt: Enhances overall seasoning.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides final crispy, cheesy garnish.

How to Make Pesto Feta Rolls from Scratch

Step 1: Activate Yeast

In a medium bowl, mix warmed milk with sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and whisk until combined. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Blend Wet Ingredients

Incorporate eggs into the yeast mixture, whisking thoroughly to create a smooth consistency.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a stand mixer with dough hook, mix remaining sugar, flour, and salt in one bowl.

Step 4: Create Dough

Pour milk mixture into flour blend while mixing. Gradually add butter pieces, mixing completely between additions. Knead on medium speed for 1 minute, then increase to medium-high for 5 minutes until soft. Add extra flour by tablespoon if needed.

Step 5: First Rise

Coat a clean bowl with melted butter. Transfer dough to the bowl, brush more butter on top, and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 6: Prepare Filling

• Pesto
• Parmesan cheese
• Feta cheese crumbles
• Spinach leaves
• Sun-dried tomato slices
• Mozzarella shreds

Step 7: Roll Out Dough

Gently punch down dough and transfer to a floured surface. Roll into a 10×15 inch rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 8: Add Filling

Spread pesto evenly across rolled dough. Layer filling ingredients across the surface.

Step 9: Form Rolls

Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife.

Step 10: Second Rise

Arrange rolls in a 9×13 inch baking dish sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Let rest in a warm spot for 40 minutes until nearly doubled in size.

Step 11: Preheat Oven

Set oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).

Step 12: Bake Rolls

Bake uncovered for 35 minutes until golden brown.

Step 13: Create Garlic Butter Topping

• Melted unsalted butter
• Minced garlic
• Sea salt

Step 14: Finish Rolls

Brush garlic butter over warm rolls. Sprinkle generously with grated parmesan cheese.

Step 15: Cool and Serve

Let rolls cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Flaky and Flavorful Pesto Feta Rolls

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to help yeast bloom without killing it, creating a fluffy dough texture.
• Knead with Confidence: Work dough until smooth and elastic, adding flour sparingly to prevent dry, tough rolls.
• Rise in Warmth: Choose a draft-free spot like near a warm oven or inside a turned-off oven with light on to help dough rise evenly.
• Layer Ingredients Strategically: Spread pesto and toppings uniformly to guarantee consistent flavor in every single bite.
• Brush for Golden Shine: Apply garlic butter generously right after baking to create a glistening, aromatic crust that enhances overall taste and appearance.

Storing and Reheating Pesto Feta Rolls

• Storing and Reheating Leftovers
• Refrigeration: Wrap the pesto feta rolls tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor. Chilled rolls maintain their delicious taste when properly sealed.
• Freezing Method: Carefully place cooled rolls in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze up to 2 months for future enjoyment. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Technique: Warm rolls in the oven at 325°F for best results. Wrap loosely in aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake for 10-12 minutes until heated through.

Pairing Pesto Feta Rolls with Salads

• Pair with Fresh Citrus Salad: Create a light, zesty spinach salad with orange segments, lemon vinaigrette, and crisp almonds to balance the rich, savory rolls.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the herbal pesto and cut through the cheese's creaminess.
• Serve Alongside Mediterranean Cucumber Tzatziki: Prepare a cool, tangy cucumber yogurt dip with fresh dill and garlic to provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy rolls.
• Enhance with Herb-Infused Olive Oil: Drizzle a homemade rosemary or basil-infused olive oil around the plate for an extra layer of Mediterranean-inspired flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Fun Variations of Pesto Feta Rolls

• Mediterranean Melody: Replace sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers and add chopped kalamata olives for an authentic Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spinach Lover's Dream: Increase spinach quantity and incorporate ricotta cheese, creating a more vibrant green and creamy texture throughout the rolls.
• Protein Power Pack: Swap feta with crumbled cooked chicken or pancetta, adding extra protein and a robust savory dimension to the classic recipe.
• Herb Garden Remix: Blend fresh basil, oregano, and thyme directly into the pesto sauce, enhancing the herbal notes and creating a more complex taste experience.

Pesto Feta Rolls Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Pesto feta rolls offer a Mediterranean-inspired twist on classic bread, blending herbaceous basil pesto with tangy crumbled feta inside delicate, golden-brown dough. Savory spirals promise a delightful journey through Italian flavors that will transport you to sun-drenched coastal kitchens.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2¾ cups (344 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 jar (6.5 ounces) pesto
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 jar (7 ounces) oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped

Liquid and Dairy Ingredients:

• ⅔ cup (163 g) whole milk, warmed to 105°F-115°F
• ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces, room temperature
• ½ tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 5 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese, grated and sprinkled on top

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by combining warm milk (110°F/43°C) with sugar in a medium bowl, then sprinkle active dry yeast over the surface and whisk until fully integrated. Allow the mixture to rest for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
2. Whisk eggs into the yeast mixture thoroughly, creating a smooth, uniform liquid base.
3. In a stand mixer bowl equipped with a dough hook, blend the remaining sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt together until well combined.
4. Gradually pour the liquid yeast mixture into the dry ingredients while mixing at low speed. Slowly incorporate butter pieces, ensuring each addition is fully absorbed before adding the next. Knead the dough at medium speed for 1 minute, then increase to medium-high for 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes soft and elastic.
5. Prepare a separate bowl by lightly coating it with melted butter. Transfer the dough to this bowl, brushing its surface with additional melted butter. Cover completely with plastic wrap.
6. Place the covered dough in a warm, draft-free area and allow it to rise for 60-75 minutes, or until it doubles in volume.
7. Deflate the dough gently, then transfer to a lightly floured surface. Roll out into a rectangular shape approximately 10 x 15 inches (25 x 38 centimeters), maintaining a ¼-inch (0.6 centimeters) thickness.
8. Coat a 9 x 13 inch (23 x 33 centimeters) baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
9. Spread a uniform layer of pesto across the rolled dough, then evenly distribute parmesan cheese, feta cheese crumbles, fresh spinach leaves, sun-dried tomato slices, and mozzarella cheese shreds.
10. Beginning from the longest edge, tightly roll the dough into a compact log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 equal-sized rolls.
11. Arrange the rolls snugly within the prepared baking dish, leaving slight spacing for expansion. Cover and let rise in a warm location for 35-40 minutes until nearly doubled in size.
12. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) during the final rising period.
13. Bake the uncovered rolls for 32-35 minutes until they achieve a rich golden-brown color.
14. Create a garlic butter topping by blending melted unsalted butter with finely minced garlic and sea salt. Brush generously over the warm rolls immediately after baking.
15. Finish by sprinkling additional grated parmesan cheese over the top, enhancing the flavor profile and visual appeal.

Notes

• Activate yeast by mixing warm milk and sugar, creating a frothy foundation for these aromatic rolls.
• Blend wet ingredients smoothly, ensuring eggs incorporate perfectly into the yeast mixture for a silky texture.
• Combine dry ingredients systematically in stand mixer, setting the stage for a perfectly balanced dough.
• Knead dough strategically, watching for soft, elastic consistency that promises tender, pillowy rolls.
• Allow dough to rise undisturbed in warm environment, transforming simple ingredients into a puffy, promising canvas.
• Layer vibrant fillings like pesto, cheeses, and sun-dried tomatoes, transforming ordinary rolls into gourmet delights.
• Roll and slice with precision, creating uniform spirals packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
• Rise again before baking, letting rolls expand and develop complex, rich characteristics.
• Bake until golden brown, filling kitchen with irresistible herbal and cheesy aromas.
• Finish with garlic butter and parmesan sprinkle, elevating these rolls from delicious to absolutely extraordinary.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 113
• Sugar: 0.1 g
• Sodium: 167 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: <1 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg