Baked pumpkin rolls with mushroom filling and cheese

Here's a recipe for Baked Pumpkin Rolls with Mushroom Filling and Cheese—a delightful and savory treat perfect for appetizers or as a unique addition to any meal.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

  • 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F or 45°C)
  • 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt

For the mushroom filling:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, finely chopped (such as cremini or button mushrooms)
  • 1/2 cup grated cheese (such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For assembly:

  • 1/4 cup melted butter (for brushing)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough:

  • In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until frothy.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, melted butter, and egg. Stir to combine.
  • Add the yeast mixture to the pumpkin mixture.
  • Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the mushroom filling:

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Add the finely chopped mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and are well browned, about 7-10 minutes.
  • Stir in the grated cheese and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool.

3. Assemble the rolls:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface.
  • Roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
  • Spread the mushroom filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  • Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other to form a log.
  • Slice the log into 1-inch pieces and place them cut-side up in a greased baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter.

4. Bake:

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
  • If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the rolls during the last 5 minutes of baking.

5. Serve:

  • Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving.

Tips:

  • For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the mushroom filling.
  • If you prefer a sweeter dough, you can increase the sugar in the dough recipe.

These Baked Pumpkin Rolls with Mushroom Filling and Cheese are warm, savory, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!