Homemade Cheesy Cornbread Rolls

These Cheesy Cornbread Rolls are an irresistible way to transform a can of Pillsbury cornbread swirls into a crowd-pleasing side. Soft, buttery cornbread dough is filled with a creamy cheese mixture seasoned with chili spices, then baked until the exterior is golden and the center is melt-in-your-mouth gooey. Ready in about 24 minutes from start to finish, these rolls are ideal for chili night, BBQ dinners, or as a shareable appetizer at gatherings.

seasoned baked cornbread rolls on a plate with a bowl of seasoning in the background
Whitney headshot.

Bring the flavor to cornbread!

I love using convenient store-bought dough to speed up weeknight baking, and Pillsbury cornbread swirls are a perfect example. They capture the classic cornbread flavor while giving you a versatile dough that’s easy to work with.

Filled with a simple mix of cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and a bold chili seasoning, these cheesy cornbread rolls deliver rich, savory flavor with minimal effort. A quick brush of spiced melted butter before baking adds a golden finish and extra taste.

Whether you serve them as a side for a hearty bowl of chili or as a snack for a crowd, these rolls are a new go-to recipe for anyone who loves cheesy comfort food.

—Whitney
ingredients for cheesy cornbread rolls on a white wood surface

Key ingredients

Below are the main ingredients and a few notes to help when shopping or making substitutions. The full ingredient list with measurements is included in the recipe card further down.

  • Cornbread swirls – the canned Pillsbury cornbread swirls are the base for these rolls. They provide the right texture and flavor, and they’re sold near the crescent roll dough in most grocery stores.
  • Chili seasoning – a chili seasoning blend adds warmth and depth. Use a homemade or store-bought chili seasoning depending on what you have. If you’d rather pair the rolls with barbecue, a BBQ-style seasoning can work as an alternative.

Instructions

This recipe is straightforward and quick. Step-by-step photos are shown below to guide you visually; the concise, printable instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom.

seasoned cream cheese mixture in a glass bowl with a red spatula
Combine cream cheese, cheddar, and chili seasoning until smooth.
seasoned melted butter in a glass measuring cup with a red pastry brush
Mix melted butter with a pinch of chili seasoning for brushing.
seasoned cream cheese spread on cornbread dough on a black cutting board
Unroll the cornbread dough and spread on the cheese filling.
seasoned cheese filled cornbread rolls on a cutting board
Roll up the dough over the filling and slice into individual rolls.
cornbread rolls on a baking sheet, topped with seasoned melted butter
Brush the tops with seasoned butter for a golden finish.
baked cornbread rolls on a parchment lined baking pan
Bake until golden, about 14–16 minutes.
cheese-filled cornbread rolls on a plate, with a bowl of chili and fresh cilantro on the side

What to serve them with

These cheesy cornbread rolls pair perfectly with a steaming bowl of chili — they’re practically made for dipping. They also make a great accompaniment to BBQ mains, hearty soups (try tomato soup for a comforting combo), or as an appetizer at parties and tailgates.

For a sweet-and-spicy touch, drizzle warm rolls with honey or hot honey just before serving. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.

seasoned, baked cornbread rolls stacked up on a plate

Cornbread Rolls

Turn a can of cornbread swirls into cheesy, savory rolls filled with cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and chili seasoning. Soft, buttery dough surrounds a warm, cheesy center—ready in about 24 minutes and perfect with chili or BBQ.
Servings: 6 rolls
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 24 minutes
Author: Whitney Bond

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons chili seasoning, divided
  • 6 count Pillsbury cornbread swirls (one can), unrolled
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and 2 teaspoons of chili seasoning until smooth and evenly mixed.
  3. Unroll the cornbread swirls onto a clean work surface. Spread the cheese mixture evenly across the dough, leaving a small border at the edge.
  4. Carefully roll the dough back up over the cheese mixture. Slice the rolled log into 6 equal rolls and place them cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
  5. Mix the melted butter with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of chili seasoning and brush the tops of the rolls with the seasoned butter.
  6. Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the filling is hot and melty. Remove from the oven and serve warm.

Notes

  • Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in an air fryer at 400°F for 2–3 minutes for best texture, or warm in an oven or microwave.

Nutrition Facts (per roll)

Calories: 349 kcal | Carbohydrates: 25 g | Protein: 9 g | Fat: 24 g | Saturated Fat: 13 g | Sodium: 643 mg

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