Baked Cheese Buns

There’s something undeniably comforting about homemade bread, and when you add gooey, melted cheese into the mix, it becomes absolutely irresistible. Baked Cheese Buns are soft, fluffy, and filled with delicious, melted cheese—perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as a side dish for soups and stews. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying homemade bread for the first time, this easy-to-follow recipe will help you create the perfect cheesy buns from scratch.

Ingredients Needed

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the Filling:

• 2 cups grated cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a combination)

For Topping:

• 1 beaten egg or milk for brushing (for a golden-brown finish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by warming the milk to about 110°F (warm, but not hot). Pour it into a bowl and stir in the sugar and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it turns frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to work.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix everything together until a dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step helps develop gluten, which gives the buns their soft, fluffy texture.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Shape the Buns

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release excess air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece slightly, place a tablespoon of grated cheese in the center, and fold the dough around it to seal it tightly into a ball shape.

Step 6: Second Rise

Place the filled buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 7: Bake the Buns

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the buns with a little milk or beaten egg for a golden-brown finish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the buns are golden and the cheese starts to ooze out.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best melty cheese experience!

Tips for Perfect Baked Cheese Buns

• Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh and active to help the dough rise properly.
• Choose High-Quality Cheese: A mix of mozzarella and cheddar gives the best flavor and gooey texture.
• Don’t Overfill: Too much cheese can cause the buns to burst while baking. Stick to about 1 tablespoon per bun.
• Check Oven Temperature: An oven thermometer helps ensure even baking at the right temperature.
• Experiment with Herbs: Try adding garlic powder, oregano, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

Variations to Try

Want to mix things up? Here are some delicious variations:

1. Garlic Cheese Buns

Add 1 tsp of garlic powder to the dough and sprinkle garlic butter on top before baking.

2. Jalapeño Cheddar Buns

Mix chopped jalapeños into the dough for a spicy kick.

3. Ham & Cheese Buns

Add diced ham along with the cheese filling for a savory twist.

4. Sweet Cheese Buns

Mix a little honey into the dough and use cream cheese with a sprinkle of sugar as the filling.

How to Store and Reheat

Storing:

Baked cheese buns can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing:

To freeze, place the fully cooled buns in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating:

• Oven: Warm the buns in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat for 20-30 seconds for a quick snack.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?

Yes! If using instant yeast, you can skip the activation step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

2. What Cheese Works Best?

Mozzarella is best for a gooey texture, while cheddar adds a rich flavor. A mix of both works wonderfully!

3. Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping the buns.

4. Why Didn’t My Dough Rise?

Check that your yeast is fresh and that your milk was at the right temperature (too hot can kill the yeast, too cold won’t activate it).

Print