If you have a soft spot for warm, cheesy bread that melts in your mouth, then you are absolutely going to love this Irresistible Baked Cheese Buns: Best Homemade Rolls Recipe. These buns combine the perfect balance of fluffy, tender crumb with a rich, gooey cheese center that’s simply unforgettable. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family dinner or a casual get-together, these homemade rolls bring comfort and joy to every bite, making them a standout favorite you’ll turn to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these delightful buns lies in a handful of simple, essential ingredients. Each element plays a starring role in creating that perfect texture, flavor, and aroma that make the Irresistible Baked Cheese Buns: Best Homemade Rolls Recipe so memorable.
- All-purpose flour (3 ½ cups / 420g): Provides structure and the soft crumb you crave in each bite.
- Active dry yeast (1 packet / 2 ¼ tsp): The powerhouse of rise that makes these buns fluffy and light.
- Warm milk (1 cup / 240ml at 110°F/43°C): Activates the yeast and contributes to a tender dough.
- Granulated sugar (2 tbsp): Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to balance the cheese.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors, preventing the dough from tasting flat.
- Unsalted butter, softened (2 tbsp): Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough and helps with browning for that beautiful golden crust.
- Shredded cheese (1 ½ cups): Choose cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, or a mix for that irresistible gooey goodness inside the buns.
- Melted butter (2 tbsp, for brushing): Gives the buns a shiny, flavorful finish straight out of the oven.
- Optional toppings: Garlic powder, parsley, and sesame seeds add extra flair and flavor.
How to Make Irresistible Baked Cheese Buns: Best Homemade Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This bubbling sign means your yeast is alive and ready to give your buns their amazing rise and airy texture.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
To that activated yeast mixture, add softened butter, the egg, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Stir everything together, then gradually incorporate the rest of the flour until a soft dough forms. This step is where the dough begins to take shape, transforming from wet ingredients to the beginnings of soft, chewy buns.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you prefer using a stand mixer, kneading with a dough hook for 5 to 6 minutes works perfectly. This kneading builds gluten, which is the secret to the buns’ chewy but tender texture.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a towel or plastic wrap. Let it rest in a warm spot until it doubles in size, typically around an hour. This rise is crucial for developing that fluffy, springy interior everyone loves about the Irresistible Baked Cheese Buns: Best Homemade Rolls Recipe.
Step 5: Shape and Fill
After the dough has puffed up nicely, punch it down to release the gas and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a small circle, place a generous tablespoon of shredded cheese in the center, then fold the dough around it, pinching to seal tightly. Roll the filled dough gently into balls and arrange them seam-side down on a lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the shaped buns loosely with a towel and allow them to rise again for 25 to 30 minutes. This second proof lets the buns relax and puff up further, ensuring every bite is soft and pillowy.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush each bun with melted butter for that irresistible golden sheen, and if you want, sprinkle extra cheese or seasonings like garlic powder, parsley, or sesame seeds on top. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, transfer the buns to a wire rack to cool slightly. These warm, melty cheese-filled buns are perfect just as they are, but pairing them with a touch of butter, a bowl of soup, or a fresh salad elevates the experience to pure comfort food bliss.
How to Serve Irresistible Baked Cheese Buns: Best Homemade Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dusting of garlic powder after baking for a fresh, savory kick. For a fun twist, try sesame seeds or a dash of smoked paprika to enhance both appearance and flavor.
Side Dishes
These buns pair wonderfully with hearty soups like tomato basil or creamy chicken chowder. They also shine alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the rich, cheesy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your buns warm in a basket lined with a colorful napkin to invite hungry guests to dive right in. Alternatively, slice them horizontally and use as sliders filled with ham or deli meats for an irresistible snack or party treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any buns left over, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their softness and freshness.
Freezing
To enjoy later, freeze the buns once fully cooled by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat buns in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but keep in mind the texture will be denser and the rise might be slightly reduced. Mixing whole wheat with all-purpose flour can give you a great balance.
What cheeses work best in this recipe?
Cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda are excellent choices. Mixing cheeses brings a beautiful combination of flavor and meltiness that makes these buns truly irresistible.
Can I make these buns vegan?
To go vegan, substitute the milk with plant-based milk, replace butter with vegan margarine, and use an egg replacer. The yeast and flour remain the same, keeping the dough rise and texture intact.
How long can I prepare the dough in advance?
You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight after the first rise. Just bring it back to room temperature before shaping and continuing with the recipe.
Can I add herbs or spices in the dough?
Absolutely! Adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, or spices such as smoked paprika or cumin directly to the dough can add a unique flavor twist to the Irresistible Baked Cheese Buns: Best Homemade Rolls Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about making bread from scratch, especially when it results in such a warm, cheesy, and delightful treat as the Irresistible Baked Cheese Buns: Best Homemade Rolls Recipe. This recipe is a celebration of comfort and flavor that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fill your home with the inviting aroma of freshly baked happiness!
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Irresistible Baked Cheese Buns: Best Homemade Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 47 minutes
- Yield: 12 cheese buns
- Category: Bread & Rolls
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These irresistible baked cheese buns are soft, fluffy rolls filled with a melty blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda cheeses. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or alongside soups and salads, these homemade rolls combine a tender yeast dough with a savory cheesy center and a golden, buttery crust for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
Filling
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, or a mix)
Topping
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
- Optional: garlic powder, parsley, sesame seeds for topping
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready for use.
- Mix the Dough: To the foamy yeast mixture, add the softened butter, large egg, salt, and 2 cups of the flour. Stir to combine, then gradually incorporate the remaining flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook and knead on medium speed for 5–6 minutes.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap and set aside in a warm spot. Allow the dough to rise for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape and Fill: Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a small circle, place about a tablespoon of shredded cheese in the center, fold the dough around the cheese, pinch to seal the edges, and gently roll into a ball. Place each bun seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped buns loosely with a towel and let them rise for another 25–30 minutes until puffed.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush each bun generously with melted butter and optionally sprinkle extra cheese or seasonings such as garlic powder, parsley, or sesame seeds. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the buns from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm alone, with butter, or alongside soups and salads for a comforting meal or snack.
Notes
- Ensure milk is warm but not hot (around 110°F/43°C) to properly activate yeast without killing it.
- You can use any combination of cheeses you prefer for the filling.
- For a softer crust, brush buns with melted butter immediately after baking as well.
- Optional toppings like garlic powder, parsley, or sesame seeds add extra flavor and texture.
- These buns are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for longer.
- Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving to regain softness and melty cheese.
