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
Scale
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.
