These Baked Cheese Buns are a delightful treat that will instantly become a family favorite. Inspired by South American cuisine, they feature a soft, buttery dough filled with a gooey, cheesy center. Whether enjoyed as a snack, a breakfast treat, or alongside a hearty soup or salad, these buns are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is an irresistible combination of soft, fluffy dough and molten cheese. The dough is buttery and tender, while the cheese provides a creamy, savory filling that oozes out as you bite into each bun. Not only are these buns easy to make, but they are also incredibly versatile. You can customize the cheese to your liking, whether you prefer mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of both. Plus, they make an excellent snack or appetizer for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast or serving them at a party, these baked cheese buns will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups grated cheese (e.g., mozzarella, cheddar, or a combination)
Directions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece, place a tablespoon of grated cheese in the center, and fold the dough around it to form a bun.
- Arrange buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush tops of buns with milk or beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and cheese is oozing out.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 buns
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the buns for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! You can use any cheese you like. Mozzarella and cheddar work well, but feel free to experiment with other varieties such as gouda, parmesan, or provolone.
2. Do I need to use active dry yeast?
Yes, active dry yeast is necessary for this recipe to help the dough rise and achieve the soft, fluffy texture. Avoid substituting it with instant yeast unless you're familiar with the conversion ratios.
3. Can I make these buns ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator overnight for a slower rise. Let the dough come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
4. Can I freeze these cheese buns?
Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, freeze the buns in an airtight container or bag. To reheat, just place them in the oven for a few minutes until warmed through.
5. Can I use non-dairy milk for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the warm milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond, soy, or oat milk. Just ensure it’s warm, not hot, to activate the yeast.
6. How can I make the buns extra golden?
For a beautifully golden finish, brush the tops of the buns with a little milk or a beaten egg before baking.
7. Can I add herbs or spices to the dough?
Yes! You can add dried herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme to the dough for extra flavor. Garlic powder or onion powder also works well.
8. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but keep in mind the texture will be denser.
9. Why didn't my buns rise properly?
The yeast may not have been activated properly, or the dough may have been placed in a too-cool environment. Ensure your yeast mixture is frothy before proceeding, and allow the dough to rise in a warm place.
10. How do I know when the buns are done baking?
The buns should be golden brown on top, and when gently pressed, they should feel firm. Additionally, you may see some cheese oozing from the buns, which is a great sign of their gooey goodness!
Conclusion
These Baked Cheese Buns are an easy, yet impressive treat that's sure to please everyone at your table. The combination of a soft, buttery dough and a gooey, cheesy center makes them irresistible. Whether you're serving them as a snack, a breakfast treat, or alongside your favorite soups and salads, they're sure to become a go-to recipe. Try them out today for a warm, comforting indulgence!
Baked Cheese Buns
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Cheese Buns are a soft and fluffy treat filled with melted cheese, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as an appetizer. Made with warm milk, yeast, and butter, they’re customizable with your favorite cheese. Easy to make and irresistible, these buns are sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups grated cheese (e.g., mozzarella, cheddar, or a combination)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece, place a tablespoon of grated cheese in the center, and fold the dough around it to form a bun.
- Arrange buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush tops of buns with milk or beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and cheese is oozing out.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use your preferred cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or even a mix of both.
- Add herbs or spices like garlic powder, oregano, or thyme for extra flavor.
- For a golden top, brush with milk or a beaten egg before baking.
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: South American-inspired
