Cheese Buns

These Cheese Buns are a cross between cheesy scones, biscuits, popovers, and a loaf of cheesy bread. They are incredibly soft on the inside and form a crispy cheesy crust on the outside. This recipe is a one-bowl wonder and only takes a few minutes to whip up. It doesn’t require any kneading, yeast, or precision at all. If you can mix a few basic ingredients in a bowl, you are capable of baking soft cheesy buns like these!

What stands out

It could not be easier to make these fluffy Cheese Buns and the results are phenomenal. These are a savory bite that is as a quick side dish alongside a roast chicken, hearty stew, or soup. Kids and adults will love the fluffy and light texture of these, and the cheesy crust is perfection. We love that these come together in just one bowl: no mixer, no kneading, or rise time required. A warm bowl of these buns in the center of your table will have everyone excited to dive in!

How to Prepare

Preheat oven to 375F (190C).

In a large bowl whisk the eggs and then add the salt and Parmigiano and whisk.

Add the water and mix again. Then add in the flour and baking powder and mix until a sticky batter forms.

Add in the ricotta cheese and mozzarella, then stir well with a spatula until combined.

We like to take a large scoop and scoop 8 equal balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake at 375F (190C) for 23 minutes, then switch the oven on broil (top broiler only) for the last 1 to 2 minutes to get that golden cheese top. Keep a close eye on them as you do not want them to burn.

Enjoy as is or use the buns to make sandwiches!

Kitchen tip

Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper so they don’t stick.

Swaps

1. You can use any cheese you love. In Bulgaria, we make something similar called “sirenki” or “kashkavalki” and use feta which is.
2. We have not tried making this recipe with any other flour so you will have to experiment if you do. If you do make them differently, please let us know in the comments.
3. You don’t have to put the buns under the broiler for the last minute or two if your oven is a convection oven or it bakes the buns evenly. We like to as our oven is weak and bakes mostly from the bottom.
4. You can also stir in any herbs or additional flavorings you like, such as chives, oregano, rosemary, garlic powder, or smoked paprika.
5. Please use good quality cheeses, if possible that are NOT pre-grated as it makes all the difference in taste and texture.
6. You can use cottage cheese, cream cheese, or even Greek yogurt instead of ricotta.

Serve it with

• You can use these Cheese Buns for sandwiches, like our Ham and Cheese Sandwiches or Italian Chopped Sandwiches.
• These are sensational served alongside a big bowl of stew, such as our Healthier ChiliThe Best Lentil Soup or Beef Soup Recipe.

Questions

why did our cheese buns not rise properly?

When using baking powder, always check the expiration date. Expired baking powder will not help your recipe rise, and you’ll have sad, deflated buns. You can test if your baking powder has expired by adding ½ teaspoon baking powder to ¼ cup hot water. If the water bubbles up, it’s not expired; if it does not bubble, it’s expired and should be tossed.

can we use a different type of cheese in this cheese bun recipe?

Yes, you can substitute Parmigiano Reggiano with another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano. You could also use cheddar or even feta as well. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still work.

strong What can we use i nstead of ricotta chee strong se?

You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese, cream cheese, or even Greek yogurt. The texture and flavor may vary slightly, but they’ll still be.

strong How do we know when the buns are fully baked?

The buns should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch. You can insert a toothpick into the center of a bun as well; if it comes out clean, they are done.

strong Can we make these cheese strong buns smaller or larger?

Yes, you can adjust the size of the buns by using a smaller or larger scoop. If you make them smaller, reduce the baking time accordingly, and if larger, increase the baking time slightly.

strong Can we add other ingredients to the batter?

Yes, you can certainly customize the buns by adding herbs, garlic, or other cheese varieties to the batter. Just be mindful of the moisture content to ensure the buns bake properly.

Ingredients

Makes 8 buns

• 2 eggs
• pinch salt
• ¼ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
• ¼ cup cold water
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¾ cup ricotta
• ¾ cup grated mozzarella

Equipment

• Mixing Bowls
• Cookie Scoop
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper

Method

1. Preheat oven to 375F (190C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and add the salt and parmigiano and whisk. Add the water and mix again. Add in the flour and baking powder. Mix until a sticky batter forms.
3. Add in the ricotta cheese and mozzarella. Stir well with a spatula until combined.
4. We like to take a large ice-cream scoop and scoop 8 equal balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can also use a large spoon or measuring cup as well.
5. Bake at 375F (190C) for 23 minutes, then switch the oven on broil (top broiler only) for the last 1 to 2 minutes to get that golden cheese top. Keep a very close eye on them as you do not want them to burn.
6. You don't have to put them on broil for the last few minutes if your oven is a convection oven or it bakes the buns evenly. We like to as our oven is very weak and bakes mostly from the bottom.
7. Enjoy as is or use the buns to make delicious sandwiches!