If you love warm, melty cheese tucked inside golden, soft bread, this Baked Cheese Buns Recipe is about to become your new kitchen favorite. These delightful buns are stuffed with gooey cheese and baked to perfection, offering both a satisfying chew and an irresistible cheesy flavor in every bite. Whether you serve them as a snack, a side, or even a quick breakfast, this recipe brings comfort and joy straight from your oven to your plate. Simple ingredients, an easy process, and maximum cheesy goodness make these buns the perfect treat for your family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Baked Cheese Buns Recipe are humble pantry staples, yet each one plays a crucial part in creating a soft, flavorful, and cheesy bread that’s sure to impress. From the yeast that helps the dough rise beautifully to the blend of cheeses that give each bun its signature gooey center, every element counts.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): This awakens the dough, making it light and fluffy with a lovely rise.
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F): Warms up the yeast and adds tenderness to the dough.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast while adding a hint of sweetness to balance the cheese.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, giving structure to the buns.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and softness to the bread texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and lends a slight golden color.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix): The star ingredient that makes each bite irresistibly melty and flavorful.
- 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing): Creates a shiny, golden crust on the buns.
- Optional extra cheese for topping: Adds a gorgeous cheesy finish and extra indulgence.
How to Make Baked Cheese Buns Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining the active dry yeast and sugar in warm milk, stirred gently to dissolve. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This tells you the yeast is alive and ready to help your dough rise into fluffy perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add softened butter, egg, and the foamy yeast mixture. Mix everything until it forms a soft dough that’s slightly sticky but manageable. This is the base for your buns, and getting the right consistency here makes all the difference.
Step 3: Knead Until Smooth
Lightly flour your work surface and knead the dough for about 6 to 8 minutes. You’ll know you’re done when the dough is smooth, elastic, and bounces back when poked. This step develops the gluten, giving the buns their beautiful, airy texture once baked.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and leave it somewhere warm for about an hour. The dough should double in size, becoming soft and pillowy. This rising period is essential for that light, fluffy bite we all crave.
Step 5: Shape and Fill the Buns
After punching down the risen dough, divide it into 8 equal portions. Flatten each piece slightly and place about 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese right in the center. Pinch the edges closed securely, shaping each one into a smooth ball to trap all the melty goodness inside.
Step 6: Second Rise on the Baking Sheet
Lay the buns seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover again, and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise ensures your buns bake up light with that perfect golden crust and soft interior.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of your buns with milk to encourage a golden, glossy finish, then sprinkle extra cheese on top if you like. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until they’re beautifully golden brown. Let them cool just slightly before digging in—the cheese is best enjoyed warm!
How to Serve Baked Cheese Buns Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives makes an easy and fresh garnish. You can also add a dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of garlic butter for an extra flavor boost that perfectly complements the cheese.
Side Dishes
Baked Cheese Buns make a wonderful companion to soups or salads. A comforting tomato soup, a crisp garden salad, or even a creamy coleslaw all pair beautifully, turning a simple meal into something special and hearty.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate by serving these buns as part of a brunch spread layered with sliced deli meats, fresh fruits, and colorful vegetable platters. Alternatively, slice them open and add a bit of ham or roasted veggies inside for a quick cheese-stuffed sandwich twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay delightfully soft and cheesy if eaten within this window, perfect for a next-day snack or lunchbox addition.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked buns in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw them at room temperature or overnight in the fridge. Freezing is a great way to enjoy these cheesy treats anytime with minimal effort.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to refresh the crust and melt the cheese anew. You can also microwave a bun for 15–20 seconds when you’re in a hurry, but the oven method preserves the lovely texture best.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for the Baked Cheese Buns Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite melty cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even pepper jack for a little kick. Combining cheeses can also add wonderful depth in flavor.
What if I don’t have a warm place for the dough to rise?
If your kitchen is chilly, you can create a warm environment by preheating your oven to the lowest setting for a few minutes, then turning it off and placing the covered dough inside. Just make sure the dough is covered so it doesn’t dry out.
Can I add herbs or spices to the dough?
Yes! Mixing in dried herbs like oregano, basil, or a pinch of garlic powder adds a lovely flavor dimension that pairs beautifully with the cheese. It’s a simple twist that makes your buns even more special.
How do I know when the buns are fully baked?
The buns should be a gorgeous golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Also, the cheese on top should be melted and lightly bubbly, signaling they’re ready to enjoy.
Are these buns suitable for freezing before baking?
You can freeze the shaped buns after the second rise by placing them on a tray, freezing until firm, then transferring to a sealed bag. When ready, thaw completely and bake as usual. This way, you can have fresh-baked cheese buns anytime.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something magical about homemade bread, especially when it’s bursting with cheesy goodness like in this Baked Cheese Buns Recipe. It’s simple to make yet always impresses with its soft texture and melty heart. I can’t recommend you try this recipe enough—it’s comfort food that brings warmth and smiles to any table. So, grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and enjoy a batch of these irresistible buns fresh from your oven!
Print
Baked Cheese Buns Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1.5 hours rising time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 buns
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Cheese Buns are soft, fluffy bread rolls stuffed with gooey melted cheese. Perfect as a savory snack or appetizer, they combine a tender homemade dough with a flavorful cheesy center, baked to golden perfection. Easy to make with basic pantry staples, they are ideal for cheese lovers looking for a warm, comforting treat.
Ingredients
Yeast Mixture
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
Filling and Topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing)
- Optional extra cheese for topping
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar into the warm milk. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the softened butter, egg, and the foamy yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until it doubles in size.
- Shape the buns with cheese filling: Punch down the dough to release air. Divide it into 8 equal portions. Flatten each portion slightly and place about 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese in the center. Pinch the edges firmly to seal the cheese inside, then shape each into a ball.
- Second rise: Place the filled buns seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them and let rise for another 30 minutes to puff up.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the buns with milk and sprinkle with extra cheese if using.
- Bake the buns: Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the buns cool slightly before serving warm for the best cheesy experience.
Notes
- Use any melty cheese you prefer; sharp cheddar offers robust flavor.
- For added flavor, mix herbs like rosemary or thyme, or garlic powder, into the dough.
- These buns are best enjoyed warm but can be reheated in the oven to restore freshness.
