Baked Cheese Buns Recipe

If you’re craving something that perfectly balances pillowy softness with gooey cheese and an irresistible golden crust, these Baked Cheese Buns will absolutely delight your taste buds. Imagine the joy of tearing into a warm, freshly baked bun to discover a molten pocket of cheesy goodness hiding inside. These buns are comforting enough for a rainy day indoors, crowd-pleasing enough for gatherings, and simple enough to make any time you want true homemade happiness. Once you try them, it’s easy to see why Baked Cheese Buns are a staple in my kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Baked Cheese Buns is in their simplicity. Each ingredient has a purpose—some add fluff, others flavor, and of course, a generous measure of cheese for that oozy center. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Warm milk (1 cup, 110°F): Warm milk activates the yeast and adds richness to the dough, giving these buns a tender crumb.
• Active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp): This magical ingredient makes your buns rise, creating a light, airy texture inside.
• Sugar (1 tbsp): A little sugar feeds the yeast and boosts browning, leading to perfectly golden buns.
• All-purpose flour (3 cups): The backbone of the dough—just the right protein content for fluffy but structured buns.
• Salt (1 tsp): Essential for flavor, salt brings out the best in the cheese and dough.
• Unsalted butter, melted (4 tbsp): Butter infuses the dough with buttery flavor and softness—don’t skip it!
• Large egg (1): Egg enriches the dough and helps bind everything together beautifully.
• Grated cheese (2 cups, mozzarella, cheddar, or combo): The star of the show! Choose your favorite melting cheeses for that signature gooey center.

How to Make Baked Cheese Buns

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by mixing the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl. Let this sit for about 5-10 minutes, keeping an eye out for that magical frothy layer that means the yeast is alive and ready to work its wonders. This step is like a mini science experiment, and it sets the stage for perfectly risen Baked Cheese Buns.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour and salt, giving them a quick stir. Make a little well in the center, then pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Use a spoon (or your hands) to bring everything together—your kitchen is about to smell amazing!

Step 3: Knead Until Smooth

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth, springy dough that feels a bit like a well-loved pillow. This is the secret to getting Baked Cheese Buns that are tender and fluffy every time.

Step 4: First Rise

Pop your dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest in a cozy, warm spot. In about an hour, it should double in size—it’s like the dough is taking a luxurious nap before the cheese party begins!

Step 5: Shape and Fill with Cheese

Once your dough has risen, gently punch it down and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each one slightly, spoon a heap of grated cheese into the center, and wrap the dough around the cheese to seal it into a bun. You’ll get a satisfying bundle of cheesy potential with every roll.

Step 6: Second Rise

Space the buns evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover them up, and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise ensures the Baked Cheese Buns are light and puffy, with irresistible texture.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Just before baking, brush the tops with a little milk or beaten egg—this gives that glorious golden sheen. Bake for 15-20 minutes, keeping an eye on the cheese as it starts to bubble and spill out in delicious little puddles.

Step 8: Cool Slightly and Enjoy

Resist the temptation to dive in right away—letting the buns cool for a few minutes will keep you from burning your tongue, and gives the cheese a moment to settle into the bun. The first bite is worth the wait!

How to Serve Baked Cheese Buns

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives on top right after baking for a pop of color and extra layer of flavor. You could also dust them with a pinch of flaky sea salt or a sprinkle of parmesan for even more cheesy drama.

Side Dishes

Baked Cheese Buns are wonderfully versatile alongside soups (think creamy tomato or vegetable), hearty stews, or even a simple salad. Their richness makes them the ideal partner for brothy dishes or to soak up gravies—plus, they elevate any homemade meal into a cozy event.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your Baked Cheese Buns in a rustic bread basket lined with a colorful napkin, or stack them artfully on a wooden board with other snacks like olives, cured meats, and pickles for an appetizer spread. These buns also shine in lunchboxes and picnic baskets—watch them disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers (it doesn’t happen often!), store your Baked Cheese Buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll stay soft and delicious, just waiting for your next snack attack.

Freezing

Baked Cheese Buns are freezer-friendly! Once cooled completely, wrap each bun tightly and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Defrost at room temperature or pop them straight into the oven to reheat.

Reheating

For that just-baked feeling, warm leftover or thawed buns in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes. The buns get nicely refreshed, and the cheese turns irresistibly melty again. Avoid microwaving if you can—it can make the bread a bit tough.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese in Baked Cheese Buns?

Absolutely! Mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, or even fontina all work beautifully. Try a combination for more complex flavor and fun cheese pulls—customizing the cheese makes every batch unique.

What if I don’t have active dry yeast?

You can swap in instant yeast—just mix it directly into the dry ingredients and skip the proofing step. The rising times should stay roughly the same, so your Baked Cheese Buns will still come out perfectly fluffy.

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

Make sure to pinch the dough really well around the cheese, fully sealing any seams. Even if some cheese does sneak out, it forms tasty little crispy bits on the edges (honestly, the baker’s reward!).

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dough, cover well, and keep it in the fridge after the first rise for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature, then proceed with filling and shaping.

Are Baked Cheese Buns good for kids?

Kids adore these buns! They’re soft, easy to eat, and the cheese center is always a hit. You can even have little ones help with stuffing and shaping the dough for a fun hands-on kitchen project.

Final Thoughts

There’s something enchanting about biting into warm, golden Baked Cheese Buns and discovering that melty, cheesy core. They’re a little bit magical, a little bit comforting, and totally irresistible. Give these buns a go—they’re sure to earn a place in your baking rotation and win over everyone at the table!

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