Irresistible Baked Cheese Buns : Best Homemade Rolls

There’s something undeniably comforting about freshly baked bread, and when it’s stuffed or topped with melty, savory cheese? Pure magic. These Baked Cheese Buns are soft, fluffy, golden, and absolutely packed with cheesy flavor. Whether you serve them as a side dish, snack, or centerpiece at dinner, they’re guaranteed to impress.

Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or casual weekday meals, this quick baked bread recipe delivers that bakery-style texture without complicated steps. It’s a keeper for anyone who loves homemade cheese rolls, yeast baking recipes, or just wants to make something extra special with simple ingredients.

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Why These Baked Cheese Buns Are So Popular

These cheese buns are more than your average dinner roll. They’re fluffy on the inside, golden on the outside, and ooze with delicious cheese in every bite. They’re ideal when you’re craving:

• Comfort food that’s warm, soft, and savory
• Quick rolls that taste like they came from a bakery
• A crowd-pleasing addition to your dinner table
• A way to use leftover dough or pantry staples creatively
• Cheese dinner rolls that everyone—from kids to adults—will devour

If you’ve ever wondered what to make with dough recipes, these buns are the perfect answer.

Ingredients for the Best Cheese Rolls

This simple recipe uses common baking staples and your favorite shredded cheese.

For the Dough:

• 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

For the Cheese Filling and Topping:

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, or a mix)
• 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
• Optional: garlic powder, parsley, sesame seeds for topping

You can also experiment with your favorite cheese combinations or seasoning blends.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Cheese Buns

You won’t need anything fancy to bake these buns, but here’s what helps:

• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or dough hook (if using stand mixer)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone mat
• Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• Pastry brush
• Cooling rack

This setup keeps it simple and stress-free, even if you’re new to baking.

How to Make Baked Cheese Buns – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready to rise.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add the softened butter, egg, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine, then gradually add the remaining flour. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also knead using a stand mixer with the dough hook for 5–6 minutes.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape and Fill

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a small circle. Add a tablespoon of shredded cheese in the center, then fold the dough around it and pinch to seal. Roll gently into a ball and place seam-side down on a lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the shaped buns loosely with a towel and let them rise again for 25–30 minutes.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush each bun with melted butter and sprinkle with extra cheese or seasonings, if desired. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let buns cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm with butter, soup, or just on their own.

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Tips for Soft, Fluffy, and Cheesy Results

Use warm—not hot—milk to activate the yeast properly. Measure flour carefully to avoid dry dough. Knead well to develop gluten, which creates a light, fluffy texture. Let the dough rise fully for better flavor and softness. Use good-quality cheese that melts well, like cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella. Add cheese on top for an extra layer of crispiness and flavor.

Cheese Filling Variations and Add-Ins

Want to make these rolls your own? Try these flavor boosters:

• Garlic herb butter: mix minced garlic and parsley into the dough or drizzle before baking
• Spicy kick: add chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes
• Italian style: mix in Parmesan and oregano
• Bacon cheese buns: add crumbled cooked bacon to the filling
• Sweet-savory: pair cheddar with a hint of honey butter glaze after baking

You can truly turn this into the best rolls recipe your table has ever seen.

What to Serve With Cheese Dinner Rolls

These buns are so versatile—they go with almost anything:

• Soups and stews like tomato basil, creamy potato, or chili
• Pasta dishes such as spaghetti, lasagna, or Alfredo
• Grilled meats and BBQ
• Holiday meals alongside turkey or roast beef
• Egg dishes for brunch, or sliced in half and used as breakfast sliders

They also work well for sandwiches or mini sliders—just slice and fill with your favorite protein or veggies.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing Tips

Make-ahead options:

• Prepare the dough a day ahead and let it rise in the fridge overnight
• Shape buns and refrigerate 2–4 hours before baking

Storage:

• Store cooled buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
• Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes for best results

Freezing:

• Freeze unbaked, shaped buns for up to 1 month—thaw and bake when ready
• Freeze baked buns, then reheat wrapped in foil at 350°F for 10–12 minutes

Ideal for meal prep or holidays when oven space is tight.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Yeast Baking Recipes

Skipping yeast activation can lead to flat dough. Using cold or hot milk can kill or slow yeast activity. Not kneading enough prevents gluten development. Not letting dough rise fully leads to dense rolls. Overbaking can make rolls dry and tough. Under-seasoning results in bland dough. Follow each step carefully to ensure your rolls turn out light, fluffy, and flavorful.

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FAQ: Homemade Cheese Rolls

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry? Yes! Skip the proofing step and mix directly with flour. Rise times may be slightly shorter.

What cheese works best? Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, gouda, or a cheese blend melt beautifully.

Can I make this without a stand mixer? Absolutely. Kneading by hand works perfectly—just takes a few more minutes.

How do I make them extra cheesy? Add more cheese in the center and sprinkle cheese on top before baking.

Is this recipe good for sandwich buns? Yes! Make slightly larger rolls and don’t overfill. Slice after baking.

Can I make them gluten-free? Use a gluten-free flour blend with yeast and xanthan gum—texture may vary slightly.

More Special Bread Recipes & Cheese Breads to Try

If you love cheesy, homemade baked goods, don’t miss these:

• Pull-Apart Garlic Cheese Bread
• Cheddar Chive Biscuits
• Stuffed Pizza Rolls
• Honey Butter Dinner Rolls
• Soft Pretzel Cheese Bites

These recipes pair perfectly with your favorite comfort meals or The Practical Kitchen recipes for home bakers.

Call to Action: Try These Baked Cheese Buns and Share With Family

Ready to bake up something that’s warm, cheesy, and seriously irresistible? These Baked Cheese Buns are everything you want in a comforting side dish—or main event.

If you try this recipe, we’d love to see it! Tag your photos, leave a comment below, and subscribe for more homemade breads, rolls, and comforting yeast baking recipes you can count on.

Don’t forget to save and share this recipe with family and friends—it’s too good to keep to yourself!

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