Soft Parmesan Cheese Rings: Golden Baked Bread Donuts for Afternoon Coffee

How to Make Soft Parmesan Cheese Rings

1. Start the dough. In a large bowl, whisk the warm milk, yeast and sugar. If using active dry yeast, let it rest until foamy.
2. Add the wet ingredients. Whisk in 1 egg, the melted butter and the salt.
3. Add cheese and flour. Stir in ¾ cup of the Parmesan. Add 3 cups of flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead. Turn the dough onto a floured counter and knead for 7 to 8 minutes, adding a little flour if it is very sticky, until smooth and elastic.
5. First rise. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until doubled.
6. Divide. Punch the dough down and divide it into 12 equal pieces, about 2 ounces each. Roll each into a smooth ball.
7. Shape the rings. Flatten each ball slightly, then push your thumb through the center and gently stretch the hole to about 1 ½ inches wide, like a bagel. The hole shrinks as it rises.
8. Second rise. Arrange the rings on two parchment-lined baking sheets, 2 inches apart. Cover and let rise 30 to 40 minutes, until puffy.
9. Glaze and top. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Brush the rings with the egg wash and sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup Parmesan.
10. Bake. Bake for 16 to 20 minutes, rotating the pans halfway, until deep golden with toasty cheese spots.
11. Finish. Brush with melted butter if you like and cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Fluffiest Cheese Rings

• Keep the milk warm, not hot, to protect the yeast.
• Make the holes generous. Small holes close up in the oven.
• Do not overbake. Take them out as soon as they are golden so they stay soft inside.
• Grate the cheese finely so it melts evenly into the dough.

Variations

For herb and cheese rings, knead in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley or chives and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.

For filled rings, roll each piece into a rope, flatten it, add a strip of mozzarella or ham and pinch closed before forming the ring.

For cheese knots, tie each rope of dough into a simple knot instead of a ring.

How to Store Cheese Rings

Keep the rings in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Warm them in a 325°F oven for 5 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked softness. To freeze, cool completely and freeze in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Nutrition Information

Each ring provides approximately 190 to 220 calories, depending on the amount of cheese and flour used. They are a satisfying, savory snack, especially with a cup of coffee.

Final Thoughts

These soft Parmesan cheese rings bring the cozy spirit of a country kitchen to your own table. They are simple to make, fun to shape and impossible to eat just one.

Bake a batch this week, put the coffee on and invite someone over for an afternoon chat.

With love, from Grandma's kitchen ❤️