How many calories are in a cheesy bread roll?

December 31, 2025 •

4 min read

A single cheesy bread roll can contain anywhere from 107 to over 200 calories, depending heavily on its size, ingredients, and preparation method. Understanding this wide range is key to fitting this delicious treat into your dietary plan. For instance, smaller, homemade rolls often have a lower count than larger, store-bought varieties.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for cheesy bread rolls varies significantly by size, recipe, and ingredients, ranging from around 107 to over 200 calories per roll.

Key Points

Calorie Range: Cheesy bread rolls can contain anywhere from 107 to over 200 calories per roll, depending on size and recipe.
Ingredient Impact: The type and amount of cheese, flour, and added fats like butter or oil are the primary drivers of the calorie count.
Recipe Variations: Homemade versions can be lower in calories due to customizable ingredients, while pre-packaged options have fixed nutritional labels.
Portion Control: The simplest way to manage calories from cheesy bread is through portion control, opting for smaller rolls or consuming fewer overall.
Healthier Alternatives: Substituting ingredients like using low-fat cheese or vegetable-based dough (e.g., cauliflower) can create a lower-calorie cheesy bread.
Sodium and Fat: Some cheesy bread rolls can be high in sodium and saturated fat, so it's wise to consider the full nutritional profile.

The Calorie Breakdown of Cheesy Bread Rolls

Determining the exact calorie count of a cheesy bread roll is not a straightforward calculation. The ingredients and preparation method dramatically affect the final nutritional value. For example, a small, Brazilian-style cheese bread (pão de queijo), made with tapioca flour and a mix of cheeses, can have a lower calorie count than a larger, American-style cheesy bread roll made with white flour and a generous amount of butter and cheddar cheese. The amount and type of cheese are particularly important, as cheese is a calorie-dense ingredient. The addition of butter or oil, and the portion size, are also major contributing factors.

Factors Influencing Cheesy Bread Roll Calories

Several key factors determine the final calorie count. If you're tracking your intake, consider these variables:

Serving Size: A larger, heavier roll will naturally contain more calories than a small one. Always check the weight (grams) when comparing nutrition facts.
Type of Flour: Some recipes, like Brazilian pao de queijo, use tapioca flour, which can have a different calorie and carbohydrate profile than traditional wheat flour.
Cheese Variety: Cheeses differ greatly in their fat and calorie content. Using a low-fat or low-moisture cheese can reduce the calorie load compared to using a high-fat cheese like full-fat cheddar.
Added Fats: Recipes often call for butter or oil, which significantly increases the total calories. The amount used, both in the dough and brushed on top, makes a difference.
Recipe Variations: A homemade recipe can be fully customized, allowing for healthier ingredient substitutions, whereas a pre-packaged or restaurant version has a fixed nutritional profile.

Comparison of Cheesy Bread Roll Calories

To highlight the variation, here is a comparison of different types of cheesy bread rolls based on data found from various sources. This table shows how ingredients and serving size can impact the final number.


Cheesy Bread Type	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Macronutrient Breakdown	Notes
Generic Cheese Roll	1 roll	125 kcal	Carb-heavy	Based on Fatsecret data, likely a smaller roll.
Brazilian Oven	2 rolls (~40g)	130 kcal	43% Carb, 48% Fat, 9% Protein	Lower carb, higher fat due to tapioca starch.
Tesco Chunky Cheese Roll	1 roll (80g)	205 kcal	33.9g Carb, 8.6g Protein	A larger roll with more substantial calories.
Homemade Cheddar Roll	1 roll (assumed)	187 kcal	22g Carb, 6g Protein, 7g Fat	Can be modified for lower calories.
El Sembrador Brand	1 unit (70g)	180 kcal	High in fat and protein	Higher protein due to white cheese.

Nutritional Information Beyond Calories

While the calorie count is a key metric, it's also worth examining the macronutrient composition. A cheesy bread roll is typically high in carbohydrates and fat, with some protein from the cheese. For example, the Brazilian-style rolls tend to have a higher fat-to-carb ratio than those made with a traditional bread dough. Some store-bought versions can also be high in sodium, which is an important consideration for heart health. Choosing recipes with whole-grain flour and adding more protein or fiber-rich ingredients can improve the overall nutritional profile of a cheesy bread roll. This can make the snack more satiating and less likely to cause a rapid spike in blood sugar.

Making Healthier Cheesy Bread Choices

If you're mindful of your calorie intake but still want to enjoy cheesy bread, there are several strategies. Portion control is the most obvious first step; enjoying a single, smaller roll instead of several larger ones. Additionally, modifying recipes can make a significant impact. Using a cauliflower-based crust instead of traditional flour, for example, can drastically reduce calories and carbs while increasing fiber. Opting for lower-fat cheeses and using less added butter or oil are also simple changes that reduce the total calorie count. For those following a calorie-controlled diet, it’s about balance—you can enjoy cheesy bread occasionally as long as you account for its caloric contribution in your overall daily intake.

Conclusion

The number of calories in a cheesy bread roll is not a fixed number and is highly dependent on factors like size, recipe, and ingredients. Ranging from just over 100 to more than 200 calories per roll, it's crucial to understand the source and composition of your cheesy bread. By being aware of these nutritional differences, you can make informed choices, whether you are enjoying a store-bought treat or preparing a healthier homemade version. Moderation and mindful ingredient selection are key to fitting this indulgent snack into a balanced diet.

For more detailed nutritional information, a resource like Nutritionix offers specific data on various food products and recipes, which can be helpful in tracking your intake.

Authoritative Link: For more detailed nutritional information on cheesy bread and other foods, visit Nutritionix.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Homemade cheesy bread rolls can have a more variable calorie count, which you can control by selecting ingredients. Store-bought options have a fixed nutritional profile, which can sometimes be higher in calories, sodium, and fat than a carefully prepared homemade version.

Not necessarily. While some sources show a lower calorie count per roll for smaller servings, many Brazilian-style recipes can be higher in fat due to ingredients like tapioca flour and specific cheese types. Always check the serving size and total calories.

To reduce calories, you can use low-fat cheese, reduce the amount of butter or oil, or substitute some traditional flour with lower-calorie alternatives like cauliflower flour or whole wheat flour.

Some cheesy bread rolls, particularly those made with high-protein cheese, can contribute to your protein intake. However, they are typically higher in carbohydrates and fats, so they shouldn't be your sole source of protein.

Yes, absolutely. Cheeses vary significantly in their fat and calorie content. For example, using a lower-fat mozzarella will result in a different calorie count than using a full-fat cheddar or parmesan.

Yes, you can include cheesy bread rolls in a calorie-controlled diet as long as you practice portion control and balance your overall daily intake. Moderation is key, and it's easier to manage calories from smaller or homemade versions.

The cooking method can slightly affect the calories. Baking or air-frying cheesy bread rolls typically uses less oil or fat than frying, which can reduce the final calorie count.

The wide variation is due to the lack of standardization. A 'cheesy bread roll' can refer to many different recipes and sizes, from small, doughy Brazilian varieties to larger, more indulgent American-style rolls, all with different ingredients.