Randy Chandler
Cheese buns are a delicious treat, and there are many ways to make them. The dough is often a simple mixture of flour, sugar, yeast, and water, but the type of cheese you use is where things get interesting. Cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, parmesan, and provolone are all popular options, and you can even add sesame seeds or garlic powder for extra flavour and texture. You can bake them in the oven until the cheese is melted and golden, and then enjoy them as a snack or use them as a burger bun. They're best enjoyed fresh, but you can also freeze them for later. So, what do you put on a cheese bun? The possibilities are endless, but one thing is for sure: they're sure to be delicious!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Cheddar, Parmesan, Provolone, Mozzarella, Swiss, Fontal, Gouda, or experiment with your favourites |
| Yeast | Fresh, Active Dry, or Instant |
| Oven Temperature | 350-480°F/177-249°C |
| Baking Time | 12-30 minutes |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for a couple of days or freeze for up to 2 months |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese buns
These cheese buns are a great snack, side dish, or sandwich alternative. They are soft, fluffy, and light, with a crispy, golden topping. The recipe is simple and easy to follow, requiring only a handful of basic ingredients. You can also experiment with different cheeses and additional flavourings to create your own unique version.
Ingredients
- Flour
- Butter
- Yeast
- Sugar
- Salt
- Egg
- Milk
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Cheddar
Method
- In a large bowl, add flour, butter, yeast, sugar, salt, egg, milk, and mozzarella, mixing with a spoon until the dough is partially formed.
- Using a stand mixer with the dough hook on, knead the dough for around 5-6 minutes. It will feel soft to the touch and won't be sticky.
- Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm spot for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Deflate the dough and divide it into 8 equal parts (or more if you want smaller buns).
- Fold each piece of dough over itself 4 times, creating a ball. Pinch the ends together and place them facing down.
- Flatten the balls with your palm and let them rise for 30 to 45 minutes, or until they look puffy and light.
- Preheat the oven to 350-375°F.
- Place the buns on a baking sheet and brush them with melted butter.
- Sprinkle shredded parmesan or cheddar cheese over the top of each bun.
- Bake for about 23-30 minutes, or until pale golden on top.
- When the buns come out of the oven, brush them with the remaining melted butter and serve warm.
Tips and Variations
- You can add herbs, garlic, or other spices to the dough for extra flavour.
- Try using different types of cheese, such as marble cheese, cottage cheese, cream cheese, or Greek yogurt.
- For a vegan option, use vegan cheese, swap the honey for maple syrup, and brush the tops with almond milk.
- These buns are best consumed within 3 days of baking but will last for about 5 days if stored at room temperature in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
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Garlic and onion powder seasoning
A garlic and onion powder seasoning can be a great addition to your cheese buns. The blend of these two aromatics can be used to season almost any savoury food. You can also use this seasoning as a tasty base for salt-free seasonings, homemade BBQ rubs, and chilli powder blends.
Garlic and onion powder is a common seasoning in vegan cheese recipes. It helps to create a distinct flavour that contributes to a cheese taste. If you're making a vegan cheese, the combination of onion and garlic powder with nutritional yeast can help you get that smoky tang found in many animal cheeses.
If you're making a non-vegan cheese bun, you can still use garlic and onion powder as a seasoning. This seasoning pairs well with many types of cheese, including cheddar, gouda, and mozzarella.
Ingredients:
- Hot water
- Sugar
- Yeast
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Olive oil
- Flour
- Fresh mozzarella
- Butter
- Shredded cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and prepare a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine hot water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit and rise until puffy, about 10 minutes.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and olive oil and begin mixing on low.
- Add flour 1 cup at a time and mix until you have a smooth soft dough, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the dough from the bowl and divide it into 16 pieces.
- Stuff each piece of dough with a few balls of fresh mozzarella, then crease closed in a ball.
- Place the buns on the prepared sheet pan and brush generously with melted butter.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of each bun.
- Bake the buns for about 12 minutes, until pale golden on top.
- Brush the buns with the remaining melted butter and serve hot!
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Brushing with egg wash
Preparing the Egg Wash
The traditional egg wash is made by whisking together one whole egg and about a tablespoon of water. This mixture will give your cheese buns a golden sheen. If you prefer a darker golden brown colour, simply use the egg yolk only or whisk the whole egg without adding water. For a lighter golden shade, you can whisk the egg with milk or cream. Additionally, a pinch of salt is sometimes added to the egg wash to denature the proteins and create an even smoother mixture for brushing.
Applying the Egg Wash
Use a silicone pastry brush to apply the egg wash to your cheese buns before baking them. Make sure to brush it onto the tops of the buns generously and evenly. This step will give your buns a shiny, golden-brown finish and make them look more professional. The egg wash also has a functional purpose, as it can act as an adhesive if you plan to sprinkle toppings on your cheese buns, such as grated cheese or sugar.
Storage and Leftovers
Egg wash can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days if wrapped properly. If you have leftover egg wash, you can use it in other recipes, such as scrambled eggs, or simply give it to your pets, as dogs often enjoy eggs too!
Experimentation and Alternatives
Feel free to experiment with different types of egg washes and glazes to achieve varying results on your cheese buns. For example, you can substitute egg white for the yolk to get a clearer shine. Additionally, if you prefer a matte finish, you can brush your buns with butter before baking.
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Using yeast
Yeast is a key ingredient in many cheese bun recipes, helping the dough to rise and giving the buns their fluffy texture. While some recipes don't require yeast, it is a common ingredient and can be used in a few different ways.
Types of Yeast
There are several types of yeast that can be used for making cheese buns:
- Fresh yeast: Crumble fresh yeast into lukewarm water, then mix in sugar and let stand for about 5 minutes.
- Active dry yeast: Follow the same procedure as for fresh yeast.
- Instant yeast: Simply mix instant yeast with the flour.
Adding Yeast to the Dough
When making the dough for cheese buns, yeast is typically added to a mixture of water and sugar. Let the mixture sit and rise until puffy, which should take around 10 minutes. Then, add other ingredients such as garlic powder, salt, and olive oil, followed by flour to form a soft dough.
Proofing the Dough
Once the dough is formed, cover it with a kitchen towel or dishtowel and set it in a warm place to rise. The amount of time needed for the dough to double in size can vary depending on the type of yeast and the temperature of the room. For fresh yeast dough, this may take around 1 to 1.5 hours. For instant yeast, the rising time may be shorter.
Baking the Buns
After the dough has risen, shape it into balls and place them on a prepared baking sheet or tray. Brush the buns with milk, egg wash, or melted butter, and sprinkle with additional cheese if desired. Bake the buns in a preheated oven at a temperature between 375 and 480 degrees Fahrenheit until they are golden brown, which typically takes around 12 to 30 minutes.
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Freezing and storing
Cheese buns can be frozen and stored for up to six months. To do this, wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap or cling film to prevent freezer burn. Then, place the wrapped buns into a large freezer bag, such as a Ziploc bag, and store them in the freezer.
When you are ready to eat the cheese buns, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw. You can thaw the buns by leaving them in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours or by microwaving them for a few minutes. After thawing, you can refresh the buns by heating them in the oven for a few minutes, making the cheese inside melty again.
Additionally, you can freeze the cheese you plan to use as a topping or stuffing for your buns. Hard or semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar or Parmesan, can be frozen in blocks for up to six months. Fresh shredded cheeses, like mozzarella, can also be frozen but will last for a shorter period, around three to four months. To freeze shredded cheese, place it in a plastic bag or its original packaging and store it in the freezer. When you're ready to use it, allow it to thaw for 24-48 hours in the refrigerator.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese buns are usually made with cheddar cheese, but you can also use other types of cheese such as gouda, parmesan, provolone, mozzarella, or even a mix of different cheeses.
Aside from cheese, you will need flour, yeast, salt, sugar, olive oil, butter, and milk. You can also add spices like garlic powder and onion powder for extra flavor.
Baking time can vary depending on the recipe, but it typically ranges from 12 to 20 minutes. You'll know the buns are done when they are a deep golden brown color.
