Description
Irresistible Baked Cheese Buns are soft, golden, and packed with gooey melted cheese inside. These homemade savory buns make a perfect snack, breakfast treat, or a delightful side to soups. Made with a tender yeast dough infused with butter and milk, each bun offers a warm, cheesy center with a slightly crisp top brushed with egg wash for a beautiful finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
Filling and Topping
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let this mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Make Dough: Add melted butter, egg, salt, and 2 ½ cups of the flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms. Gradually add the remaining flour a little at a time until the dough is soft and slightly tacky but manageable. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 6–8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl. Cover with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Form Buns: Punch down the dough to release air. Divide it into 10–12 equal portions. Flatten each piece slightly, place a generous pinch of shredded cheese in the center, then gather and pinch the edges to seal the cheese inside.
- Second Rise: Place the formed buns seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely with a towel and allow them to rise again for 20–30 minutes.
- Prepare Egg Wash & Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon milk to create the egg wash.
- Finish & Bake: Brush the tops of the buns with the egg wash. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top for a cheesy crust. Bake the buns for 18–22 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the buns to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm.
Notes
- Use your favorite cheese or mix multiple types for a richer flavor profile.
- These buns are best served warm and can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispness.
- Perfect as a breakfast item, snack, or served alongside soups and salads.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
