Cheddar Cheese Buns are the ultimate comfort treat for anyone who adores soft, pillowy bread packed with savory, cheesy goodness. These irresistible buns are brimming with rich cheddar and parmesan, offering a delightful contrast between the golden crust and the gooey, melty centers. Perfect fresh out of the oven, they’re absolutely dreamy for snacks, lunchboxes, or as a cheesy side for any meal. Simple ingredients, a clever overnight dough, and a topping of sesame seeds make every bite of these Cheddar Cheese Buns a genuine homemade joy.

Cheddar Cheese Buns Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how just a few everyday staples can transform into the most mouthwatering Cheddar Cheese Buns. Every ingredient brings its own magic—from the richness of dairy to the subtle hint of garlic. Here’s the line-up that will give your buns their unforgettable flavor and texture.

Boiling Water (2/3 cup): Helps gelatinize the flour in the overnight dough, ensuring softer buns.
All-Purpose Flour (2/3 cup + 2 and 2/3 cups): The backbone for your dough, giving structure and just enough chew.
Active Dry Yeast (1 tbsp): Essential for fluffiness, this gets your buns gloriously tall and airy.
Warm Water, 105-115 F (3/4 cup): Perfect temperature activates the yeast for a reliable rise.
Sugar (1/3 cup): Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory cheeses amazingly.
Salt (1 tsp): Enhances every flavor, especially highlighting the cheese.
Large Egg (1): Provides richness and better crumb for a tender bun.
Butter, melted (1/4 cup): A dose of buttery flavor makes the crumb super soft.
Egg for Wash (1, beaten): Gives the buns a glistening, golden finish.
Cheddar Cheese, shredded (1 and 1/2 cups + 1/4-1/2 cup for topping): The star ingredient — strong, melty, and wonderfully sharp.
Parmesan Cheese, shredded (1/2 cup): Brings an extra punch of salty nutty flavor.
Garlic Powder (1 tsp): A touch of warmth and depth that makes the cheese sing.
Sesame Seeds (for sprinkling): Each bun gets a crunchy, toasty crown.

How to Make Cheddar Cheese Buns

Step 1: Make the Overnight Dough

Start by combining the first portion of flour (2/3 cup) with boiling water in a medium bowl. As you stir, you’ll notice the mixture thickening and gathering into a rough mass—a sign the flour is absorbing all that hot water. Shape this mixture into a ball (it’ll look a bit shaggy and sticky, but that’s what you want), then wrap tightly in plastic. Pop it in the refrigerator overnight; this extra step gives your Cheddar Cheese Buns their signature pillowy softness.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread Dough

When you’re ready to bake, dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water and let it sit for about five minutes. Those little bubbles mean your yeast is alive and kicking! Stir in the sugar, egg, salt, and melted butter. Now, bring the chilled overnight dough out of the fridge and add it to the bowl. Begin adding the remaining flour a bit at a time, mixing until you get a soft, somewhat sticky dough. Knead on a floured surface until everything is elastic and smooth—this might take a bit of muscle but it’s what makes your Cheddar Cheese Buns so wonderfully chewy and tender.

Step 3: Proof and Shape the Dough

Shape your kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a clean, greased bowl. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise for about 1 and 1/2 hours. You’re looking for the dough to double in size—an unmistakable sign of light, airy buns to come! Once risen, gently punch down the dough and divide it into about 14 equal pieces. Flatten each piece in your hand and place a generous spoonful of shredded cheddar cheese in the center. Gather the edges, pinch tightly to seal, and roll into a neat ball. Each bun gets tucked, seam-side down, into a greased muffin tin.

Step 4: Final Rise and Topping

Cover the stuffed buns lightly and let them rise one more time, about 1 hour. Preheat your oven to 350 F. Brush the buns with beaten egg for a gorgeous sheen, sprinkle a pinch of garlic powder on top, and then lavishly top with more cheddar and parmesan. The grand finale: a scattering of sesame seeds, which add that perfect crunch and visual charm.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the Cheddar Cheese Buns for 18-22 minutes, until the tops are glowing gold and the cheese is blissfully melted and bubbling. As soon as you catch that intoxicating aroma of toasted bread and cheddar wafting through your kitchen, you’ll know they’re ready. Let them cool in the pan just until they can be handled before devouring!

How to Serve Cheddar Cheese Buns

Garnishes

A finishing sprinkle of sesame seeds brings an irresistible crunch, while a little extra cheddar or parmesan right after baking adds vivid color and gooey appeal. For an herby twist, try scattering fresh chopped chives or parsley on the warm buns—their brightness really pops against the rich cheese.

Side Dishes

Cheddar Cheese Buns play well with so many dishes! Try them alongside tomato soup or a leafy green salad for a satisfying lunch. They’re phenomenal next to chili or as a cheesy stand-in for dinner rolls beside roasted chicken and veggies. Even on a snack platter with cured meats and fruit, these buns absolutely steal the show.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your Cheddar Cheese Buns game with fun presentations! Slice warm buns and fill with roast turkey, spinach, or even a fried egg for an upgraded sandwich. Make mini versions for party sliders or transform them into the ultimate cheesy pull-apart bread by baking clusters in a round pan. You can even hollow them out and fill with your favorite dip for a fantastic party centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheddar Cheese Buns will keep their delightful softness if stored properly. Once cooled, pop them in an airtight container or zip-top bag and leave them at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm or humid, it’s best to refrigerate to keep them fresh—a quick zap in the microwave returns their just-baked fluffiness.

Freezing

For longer storage, these buns freeze beautifully! Place fully cooled Cheddar Cheese Buns in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. To serve, let them thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven—no one will suspect they weren’t baked just that morning.

Reheating

Nothing beats piping hot Cheddar Cheese Buns! For best results, reheat in a 300 F oven for about 8 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and the bun is warmed through. A quick 30-second burst in the microwave also works, especially for single servings. Either way, you’ll revive all that glorious melty-cheese goodness in no time.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar?

Absolutely! While cheddar gives these buns their iconic flavor, you can swap in gouda, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a different twist. Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well for that signature oozy center.

How do I know when the buns are fully baked?

Look for golden, glossy tops and bubbling melted cheese. Tapping a bun should produce a light, hollow sound, and a toothpick inserted into the side comes out clean (save for a little cheese).

Why refrigerate the overnight dough?

The overnight dough technique improves the final texture, making Cheddar Cheese Buns extra soft and tender with a beautifully fine crumb. It’s a simple step that delivers bakery-level results.

Do I need a muffin pan?

Using a muffin pan helps the Cheddar Cheese Buns stay perfectly round and keeps the cheese inside as it melts, but you can also bake them closely together on a parchment-lined baking sheet for a more rustic look.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! This recipe scales up very well. Just be sure to use larger mixing bowls and have enough pans ready. Doubling is perfect for parties, potlucks, or whenever you want plenty of Cheddar Cheese Buns to share.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to bring a little bakery bliss to your kitchen, these Cheddar Cheese Buns are pure joy in every bite. There’s just something magical about buttery bread and melting cheese—so gather your ingredients, invite the delicious aroma into your home, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this cheesy, homemade delight. Happy baking!