Description
Delicious homemade baked cheese buns with a soft, fluffy texture filled with melted cheese. Perfect as a savory snack or accompaniment to your meals, these buns are easy to make using basic ingredients and classic bread-making techniques.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough 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
Filling
- 2 cups grated cheese (e.g., mozzarella, cheddar, or a combination)
For Brushing
- Milk or beaten egg (for brushing tops)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
- Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, mix flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which develops the gluten for a soft texture.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Shape Buns: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece, place a tablespoon of grated cheese in the center, and fold the dough around the cheese to form a sealed bun.
- Second Rise: Arrange the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover them, and let rise again for 30 minutes for a lighter texture.
- Preheat Oven and Brush Buns: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the buns with milk or beaten egg for a beautiful golden finish when baked.
- Bake: Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and oozing out.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving to enjoy the warm, cheesy filling and soft bread.
Notes
- Ensure milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
- You can use any combination of mozzarella, cheddar, or your favorite melting cheeses for the filling.
- For extra flavor, add herbs like rosemary or oregano to the dough.
- Brush with beaten egg for a glossy finish or milk for a more matte look.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat before serving for best texture.
- Freeze shaped buns before the second rise and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
