Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheesy Goodness: Each bun is filled with generous amounts of melted cheese, offering a savory experience in every bite.
- Versatile Pairing: These buns pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, hearty soup, scrambled eggs, or a cup of coffee or tea
- Freezer-Friendly: They freeze well, allowing you to enjoy them at your convenience by reheating in a warm oven.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 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 (such as mozzarella, cheddar, or a combination)
Directions
- Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and the egg. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Buns: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece slightly, place a tablespoon of grated cheese in the center, and fold the dough around it to form a bun.
- Second Rise: Place the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare for Baking: Brush the tops of the buns with a bit of milk or a beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and the cheese is oozing out.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving to enjoy them at their melty best.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 buns
- Prep Time: Approximately 2 hours (including rising times)
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different types of cheese to create your favorite flavor combination.Herbal Twist: Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for an aromatic touch.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate chopped jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes into the cheese filling for some heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: These buns freeze well; simply reheat them in a warm oven to bring back their freshly baked charm.
FAQs
Can I use non-dairy milk for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute warm non-dairy milk (like almond or soy milk) for the regular milk.
What type of cheese is best for these buns?
A combination of mozzarella and cheddar provides a good balance of meltiness and flavor.
How can I make these buns vegan?
Use a flaxseed mixture as an egg substitute, non-dairy milk, and vegan cheese.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?
Ensure the cheese is fully enclosed within the dough and consider pinching the seams tightly closed.
Can I add other fillings to these buns?
Certainly! Cooked spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or cooked meats can be added with the cheese filling.
Are these buns suitable for freezing?
Yes, they freeze well. Wrap them tightly before freezing and reheat in the oven.
How do I reheat frozen buns?
Place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Can I make these buns without yeast?
Yeast provides the rise and texture. For a yeast-free version, consider using baking powder and adjusting the recipe accordingly.
How can I make these buns spicier?
Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes to the cheese filling for added heat.
Conclusion
Baked cheese buns are a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of cheese and freshly baked dough. Their versatility allows for various fillings and flavors, making them suitable for different tastes and occasions. Whether enjoyed as a snack, side dish, or part of a meal, these buns are sure to become a family favorite.
Baked Cheese Buns
- Prep Time: 2 hours (including rising times)
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 buns
- Category: Snacks, Breakfast, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: South American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Cheese Buns are a savory and irresistible treat that brings together the richness of cheese and freshly baked dough. Originating from South America, these buns are perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or paired with a meal. The melted cheese inside and soft, golden dough make them a crowd-pleasing addition to any table. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, allowing you to enjoy them at your convenience.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 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 (mozzarella, cheddar, or a combination)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the milk and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Buns: Punch down the dough and divide into 12 pieces. Flatten each piece, place a tablespoon of grated cheese in the center, and fold the dough around it to form a bun.
- Second Rise: Place buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare for Baking: Brush tops of buns with milk or a beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until buns are golden brown and cheese is oozing out.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving for the best melty experience.
Notes
- Cheese Choices: Mozzarella and cheddar provide a perfect balance of meltiness and flavor.
- Herbal Twist: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor in the dough.
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or chili flakes to the cheese filling for added heat.
- Storage & Freezing: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
