Cheesy Stuffed Bread Buns
There is something irresistible about warm, freshly baked bread filled with melting cheese. Cheesy Stuffed Bread Buns bring that experience to your kitchen with very little effort. These buns are soft, fluffy, golden, and packed with a gooey cheese center that oozes out with every bite. They work beautifully as a snack, side dish, party appetizer, or even a quick lunch. What makes them a favorite in many homes is not only their flavor but also how simple they are to prepare.
The combination of tender dough and savory cheese gives these buns a comforting character that appeals to both kids and adults. Whether you choose mozzarella for a stretchy pull, cheddar for a sharper taste, or a blend of cheeses, the result is always satisfying. You can prepare them using homemade dough if you enjoy baking from scratch, or you can make them with store-bought dough for an easy shortcut. Either version results in warm buns that disappear as soon as they hit the table.
Ingredients
For the dough
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons instant yeast
3 tablespoons softened butter
1 cup warm milk
1 egg
For the filling
1 to 1½ cups cubed or shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or your preferred cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
A pinch of garlic powder or dried herbs (optional)
For the topping
1 egg beaten with a splash of milk
Sesame seeds or poppy seeds
Melted butter for brushing
Preparing the Dough
To begin, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast in a large bowl. Add the softened butter, warm milk, and egg. Stir until the ingredients come together, then knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you are using a stand mixer, the dough will come together easily in several minutes. If kneading by hand, take your time and enjoy the process. When the dough no longer sticks to your hands and feels soft, it is ready for its first rise.
Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and allow the dough to rise in a warm place until doubled in size. This usually takes about one hour. During this time, prepare your cheese filling. Cut the cheese into small cubes or use shreds if you prefer. Mix the cheese with a touch of black pepper, salt, or any seasonings you like. Garlic powder, dried parsley, oregano, and chili flakes all add extra flavor.
Shaping the Buns
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it onto a floured surface and divide it into even pieces. The size depends on how big you want your buns. Smaller pieces make great appetizers, while larger ones can be used as sandwich buns. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten it slightly.
Place a generous portion of cheese in the center of each dough round. Bring the edges together to enclose the cheese completely, then pinch the seams tightly. Roll the filled dough ball gently between your hands to smooth it out. Proper sealing is important to prevent cheese from leaking during baking. Place each formed bun seam-side down on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Allow the buns to rest for about fifteen minutes. This short second rise helps them become fluffier and softer after baking. Brush the tops with the egg wash and sprinkle them with sesame or poppy seeds if you like. These seeds give a nice texture and make the buns look artisanal.
Baking
Bake the buns in a preheated 350°F oven until they turn golden brown, typically about fifteen to twenty minutes. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes. Removing them as soon as they achieve a rich golden color ensures a soft, tender crumb.
When they come out of the oven, brush them with melted butter for a glossy finish and a richer taste. The delicious aroma of warm bread and cheese will instantly fill your kitchen. Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving so that the cheese inside sets just enough without losing its melt.
Serving Ideas
These buns can be served as they are, straight from the oven. They also pair well with soups, salads, and pasta dishes. If serving at a gathering, arrange them in a basket or on a wooden board. They disappear quickly, so you may want to double the batch.
For breakfast, they go well with eggs or sliced meats. For lunch, they can be filled further with veggies or deli slices, turning them into mini stuffed sandwiches. They also make a fantastic side for chili, stews, or roast chicken.
Variations to Try
Cheesy Stuffed Bread Buns are easy to customize. You can add spinach, jalapeños, caramelized onions, or cooked minced meat to the cheese for a fuller filling. A combination of mozzarella and cheddar provides both stretch and flavor. If you prefer a sharper taste, try provolone or gouda.
The dough can also be flavored by adding herbs, garlic, or grated cheese directly to it. This adds an extra layer of taste without changing the method. If you’re short on time, refrigerated biscuit dough or pizza dough can be used instead of homemade dough.
Storage and Reheating
These buns store well in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in the oven for a few minutes or warm them briefly in a microwave. They taste best when reheated gently so the cheese melts again without drying out the bread.
Freezing is another convenient option. Freeze the buns after baking and cooling. Thaw them at room temperature and warm them in the oven before serving. This makes them ideal for meal prep or for having a quick snack ready whenever needed.
Conclusion
Cheesy Stuffed Bread Buns are a versatile, comforting, and crowd-pleasing recipe that fits any occasion. Their soft texture, warm interior, and gooey cheese center make them hard to resist. Whether made from scratch or using ready-made dough, these buns deliver a satisfying treat that brings homemade warmth to the table. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is one you’ll return to often. If you ever want a longer WordPress version or a variation focused on a particular cheese or filling, I can prepare it anytime.