Crispy kaiser rolls, fragrant herb butter, ham, salami, vegetables and melted cheddar make a simple combination perfect for a quick dinner or as a snack for guests. The bread warms up during the short baking time, turns golden on the surface, and stays full of juicy filling inside.
This recipe doesn’t require complicated preparation. Simply cut deep slits into the kaiser rolls, fill them with seasoned butter and other ingredients, and bake briefly. You can easily change up the filling to your taste, use a different cheese, or make a meatless version.
What You’ll Need
- kaiser rolls,
- butter,
- fresh parsley,
- thyme,
- salt,
- pepper,
- Vysočina salami,
- cherry tomatoes,
- olives,
- ham,
- red onion,
- cheddar cheese.
The original recipe doesn’t specify exact amounts, so adjust according to the number and size of your rolls and how much filling you want.
Step-by-Step Preparation:
1. Prepare the herb butter: Place softened butter in a small bowl. Add chopped fresh parsley, thyme, salt and pepper, and mix thoroughly so the herbs and spices are evenly distributed in the butter.
2. Prepare the filling: Slice the ham and salami so they fit easily into the slits. Cut the cherry tomatoes, olives and red onion into smaller pieces and grate the cheddar.
3. Cutting the kaiser rolls: Cut each kaiser roll in a cross pattern. Make the cuts deep enough to hold the filling, but don’t cut all the way through or the roll might fall apart when filling.
4. Spreading the butter: Carefully spread the prepared herb butter into the slits. Try to get it deep into the bread so it melts during baking and infuses the rolls with aroma.
5. Filling the rolls: Insert slices of Vysočina salami and ham into the slits. Add pieces of cherry tomato, olives and red onion so the filling is spread throughout the roll.
6. Adding cheddar: Sprinkle grated cheddar over the top of each filled roll. You can also add some cheese into the wider slits, where it will melt among the other ingredients as it bakes.
7. Baking: Place the filled rolls in an oven preheated to 170°C. Bake for about 12 minutes, until the cheddar is melted and the bread is attractively golden.
8. Serving: Serve the baked kaiser rolls as a quick main dish or a colorful snack. They’re best fresh from the oven, when the cheese is melted, the bread is crispy on the outside, and the herb butter is wonderfully fragrant.
How to Easily Change Up the Filling
You can replace cheddar with gouda or emmental. For a spicier flavor, add chili flakes or hot paprika. Sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes also work well in the filling.
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham and salami. Just add more vegetables and cheese into the slits.
How to Properly Cut and Fill Kaiser Rolls
The slits should be deep, but not all the way to the bottom crust. This way, the roll stays together and there’s enough space for the butter, meats, vegetables and cheddar.
Distribute the filling into all the slits, not just the center. Smaller pieces of tomato, olives and onion fit more easily and are less likely to fall out when serving.
Final Tip
Baked kaiser rolls can be served on their own as a quick dinner or included as a snack for guests. Thanks to the variety of possible fillings, you can create a different version every time with ingredients you love.
