Soft & Cheesy Cheese Buns

These homemade Cheese Buns are soft, fluffy, and filled with gooey melted cheese. Brushed with butter and baked until golden, they’re perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a side with soups and pasta.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
• 2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the Filling

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

For the Topping

• 1 egg, beaten (egg wash)
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add the melted butter, egg, salt, and 2 cups of the flour. Mix until combined.
3. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
7. Flatten each piece into a circle and place about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture in the center.
8. Pinch the edges tightly to seal and shape into smooth balls.
9. Arrange the buns seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
10. Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes.
11. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
12. Brush the buns with the beaten egg and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
13. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
14. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Tips

• Seal the dough well to keep the cheese from leaking during baking.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt.
• Add chopped herbs, cooked bacon, or diced jalapeños to the filling for extra flavor.
• Serve warm for the ultimate gooey cheese pull.

Serving Suggestions

• Tomato soup
• Pasta dishes
• Chili
• Caesar salad
• Scrambled eggs
• Marinara sauce for dipping

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze baked buns for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or in the air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 3–4 minutes.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake Time: 18–22 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 buns
Calories: Approximately 250 calories per bun