If you’ve been craving a warm, gooey treat that brings together the best of freshly baked bread and melty cheese, you’ve got to try this Baked Cheese Buns Recipe. These golden, pillowy buns stuffed with rich, stretchy cheese are incredibly satisfying and perfect for breakfast, snack time, or any occasion that calls for a little homemade comfort food. Each bite delivers a wonderful balance of soft bread and savory cheese, creating a classic combination that’s loved by everyone around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples that work together beautifully to create the perfect texture and flavor for your cheese buns. Each item plays an essential role, from the yeast helping the dough rise to the cheese providing that irresistible melty center.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): This magical ingredient helps your dough rise and gives it a lovely airy texture.
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F): The warmth activates the yeast and adds moisture for a tender crumb.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle touch of sweetness to balance the cheese.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting): The base of the dough, providing structure and a soft, chewy bite.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the dough’s sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and keeps the buns moist.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to a tender crumb.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix): The star filling, giving each bun that luscious cheesy stretch.
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash): Creates a shiny, golden crust that’s hard to resist.
How to Make Baked Cheese Buns Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a small bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy on top. This foaming action tells you the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic on your dough.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the softened butter, egg, and the foamy yeast mixture. Stir everything until it comes together into a soft dough. From here, knead by hand or with a dough hook for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic. This kneading develops the gluten, giving your buns a perfect chewy texture.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Cover your dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap, then place it in a warm spot. Let it rise gently for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. This stage is where your buns gain their airy, fluffy quality.
Step 4: Shape and Fill the Buns
Once your dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into 8 to 10 equal pieces. Flatten each piece slightly and place about 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese in the center. Carefully pinch the dough all around to seal the cheese inside, making sure the filling stays put during baking. Place each bun seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Final Rise and Egg Wash
Cover the buns loosely and let them rise again for 20 to 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Just before baking, brush each bun with the egg yolk and water mixture to give them a beautiful, golden shine.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the buns for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top. The smell of fresh bread and melting cheese will be irresistible! Let them cool slightly before digging in so the cheese inside sets just enough to keep the buns neat but still delightfully gooey.
How to Serve Baked Cheese Buns Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley right after baking to brighten the flavor and add a pop of color. A dusting of garlic powder mixed into the cheese filling before baking also intensifies the savory goodness.
Side Dishes
These buns are fantastic when paired with a warm tomato soup, a crisp green salad, or even a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes. The simplicity and richness of the buns complement a variety of sides, making them a versatile choice for any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your baked cheese buns on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of dipping sauces like marinara, pesto, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. This presentation invites everyone to share and enjoy the buns together like a cozy, communal feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover buns, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigeration is an option but may slightly dry out the bread.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen buns can last up to three months and make a wonderful ready-to-bake snack whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
For the best results reheating, pop the buns in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese inside is delightfully melty again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crisp and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in the Baked Cheese Buns Recipe?
Absolutely! Cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, but feel free to experiment with gouda, parmesan, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Mixing cheeses can create interesting flavor combinations.
Can I make these cheese buns dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk and use vegan butter along with dairy-free cheese alternatives. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly but the buns will still be delicious.
How do I know if the yeast is still active?
If your yeast mixture doesn’t foam after 10 minutes of proofing in warm milk with sugar, it might be expired or the milk too hot or cold. Using fresh yeast and the right temperature is key for good rise.
What if my dough is too sticky or too dry?
Add flour a tablespoon at a time if too sticky, or a bit more warm milk if too dry. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticking excessively to your hands.
Can I add herbs or spices to the dough?
Definitely! Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, or spices like garlic powder can be kneaded right into the dough for extra flavor that complements the cheesy center beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Cheese Buns Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, a snack, or a fun gathering, these buns never fail to impress. I absolutely encourage you to give this recipe a try and enjoy the delight of homemade cheesy buns fresh from your oven!
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Baked Cheese Buns Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1.5 hours rising time)
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 58 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 buns
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these warm, golden Baked Cheese Buns, stuffed with a gooey blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Perfect as a savory snack or a comforting bread option, these buns feature a soft, fluffy dough made from scratch, enriched with butter and eggs, and baked to perfection for a crispy crust and melty center.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
Filling
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
Egg Wash
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is properly activated and ready to use.
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the softened butter, whole egg, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough comes together.
- Knead the dough: Knead the dough either by hand on a floured surface or with a dough hook on low speed for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the buns: Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Divide it into 8–10 equal portions. Flatten each piece slightly and place approximately 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese in the center. Pinch the dough tightly around the cheese to seal, ensuring no filling escapes during baking.
- Second rise: Place the shaped buns seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with a towel and let them rise for another 20–30 minutes until puffed.
- Preheat oven and apply egg wash: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and water to create an egg wash. Brush this evenly over the surface of each bun to give them a glossy, golden finish when baked.
- Bake the buns: Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top. The cheese inside will be melted and the crust crisp.
- Cool and serve: Let the buns cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm to enjoy the melty, cheesy interior and soft, fluffy bread exterior.
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix herbs like chives or a pinch of garlic powder into the shredded cheese before stuffing.
- These buns are best enjoyed warm but can be reheated gently in the oven to restore freshness.
- If the dough feels sticky during kneading, sprinkle a little more flour, but avoid adding too much to keep the buns soft.
- Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a balance of sharpness and meltiness.
