Cheddar Swirl Buns

Introduction

Cheddar Swirl Buns are the ultimate cheesy indulgence, combining soft, fluffy dough with rich, melty cheddar in every swirl. These golden, savory buns are infused with just the right amount of seasoning, creating the perfect balance of warmth, cheesiness, and comfort. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, a side dish, or even a meal on their own, these buns are guaranteed to impress with their irresistible texture and flavor.

The first time I made these, I was amazed at how simple yet satisfying they were. Rolling out the dough, spreading the cheese, and watching them bake into beautifully swirled perfection was pure joy. The aroma of fresh bread and melted cheddar filling my kitchen was enough to make everyone impatient for the first bite.

What I love most about Cheddar Swirl Buns is their versatility. You can customize them with a sprinkle of garlic, a dash of paprika, or even a handful of crispy bacon for an extra savory twist. Serve them warm with a pat of butter, alongside soup, or as part of a brunch spread—they’re always a crowd-pleaser. Whether fresh out of the oven or reheated, these cheesy swirls make any occasion feel a little more special.

Perfect for:

• Breakfast or brunch
• Holiday gatherings
• Side dish for soups and stews
• Party appetizers
• Cheese lovers

Why You’ll Love This Cheddar Swirl Buns Recipe

Here’s why Cheddar Swirl Buns will become a staple in your kitchen:

• Soft and Cheesy: The fluffy dough wraps around gooey cheddar for an unbeatable texture.
• Beautiful Presentation: The swirls create a visually stunning treat.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the dough ahead of time for an easy bake.
• Customizable: Add herbs, spices, or different cheeses for a personalized touch.
• Pairs Well with Anything: Serve with soups, salads, or as a standalone snack.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours (includes rising time)
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: 12 buns
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 8g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Cheddar Swirl Buns:

• For the Dough:
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
• For the Filling:
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)
• For the Topping:
  • 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • ¼ cup extra shredded cheddar (for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides bold flavor and melts beautifully.
• Warm Milk: Activates the yeast, creating a soft and fluffy dough.
• Butter: Adds richness to both the dough and the filling.
• Garlic & Onion Powder: Enhance the savory flavor profile.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness for extra depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling:

5. Mix the Filling: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

Assemble the Swirls:

6. Roll Out the Dough: Once risen, roll the dough into a large rectangle (about 12×16 inches).
7. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cheddar mixture over the dough, leaving a small border.
8. Roll and Slice: Roll the dough tightly from the long edge to create a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces.
9. Second Rise: Arrange the swirls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake the Buns:

10. Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).
11. Egg Wash & Cheese: Brush the tops with egg wash (egg yolk mixed with milk) and sprinkle with extra shredded cheddar.
12. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is melted.
13. Cool Slightly: Let the buns cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Cheddar Swirl Buns

• Warm with Butter – Serve freshly baked buns warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for a simple and delicious treat.
• Pair with Soup – These buns go perfectly with soups like tomato soup, broccoli cheddar soup, or a hearty beef stew for a comforting meal.
• Make a Breakfast Sandwich – Slice a bun in half and fill it with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and avocado for a delicious breakfast sandwich.
• Side for Barbecue – Serve alongside ribs, pulled pork, or brisket at a barbecue. The cheesy, buttery flavor complements smoky meats beautifully.
• Turn Into Sliders – Use the buns as mini sandwich rolls for ham and cheese sliders, chicken salad, or buffalo chicken.
• Serve with a Cheese Board – Pair the buns with a selection of cheeses, cured meats, fruit, and dips for an elegant appetizer spread.
• Dip in Marinara Sauce – Warm up some marinara sauce or a cheese dip and serve for a fun appetizer or snack.
• Grilled Cheese Upgrade – Slice a bun in half, add extra cheese, and toast it like a grilled cheese sandwich for a crispy, gooey delight.
• Accompany a Holiday Meal – These buns make a great side for holiday dinners, whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
• Stuff with Pulled Pork or Chicken – Use the buns as a base for pulled pork or shredded barbecue chicken, topped with coleslaw for a flavorful sandwich.

Additional Tips for Cheddar Swirl Buns

• Use High-Quality Cheese – Opt for sharp cheddar for the best flavor. You can also mix in a bit of Gruyère, Parmesan, or smoked cheddar for extra depth.
• Let the Dough Rise Properly – Give the dough enough time to rise until it doubles in size. Rushing this step can lead to dense buns instead of light and fluffy ones.
• Roll the Dough Evenly – Roll the dough into a uniform rectangle so the cheese filling is evenly distributed when slicing the swirls.
• Brush with Butter Before Rolling – Lightly brushing the dough with melted butter before adding the cheese helps the filling stick better and adds flavor.
• Add a Kick – Mix in some garlic powder, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes into the cheese for a boost of flavor. You can also add diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
• Use a Sharp Knife or Floss to Cut – When slicing the dough into buns, use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to prevent squishing the rolls.
• Space Them Properly – If you like soft edges, place the buns close together in the baking dish. For crispier edges, leave some space between them so they bake more evenly.
• Egg Wash for a Golden Finish – Brush the tops with an egg wash (egg + milk or water) before baking to give the buns a glossy, golden-brown finish.
• Bake on the Middle Rack – This ensures even baking, preventing the bottoms from over-browning while the tops are still pale.
• Finish with a Buttery Glaze – After baking, brush the warm buns with melted garlic butter or a sprinkle of extra cheese for an irresistible final touch.

Recipe Variations for Cheddar Swirl Buns

1. Jalapeño Cheddar Buns: Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
2. Parmesan Garlic Swirls: Swap cheddar for Parmesan and add minced garlic.
3. Bacon Cheddar Rolls: Mix cooked, crumbled bacon into the filling.
4. Herb & Cheese Swirls: Add Italian herbs or fresh rosemary for extra flavor.
5. Pesto Cheddar Rolls: Spread a thin layer of pesto before adding cheese.
6. Mozzarella & Cheddar Buns: Use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for stretchier cheese.
7. Honey Butter Cheddar Rolls: Brush with honey butter after baking for a sweet-savory twist.
8. Smoked Gouda Swirls: Replace cheddar with smoked gouda for a rich, smoky taste.
9. Buffalo Cheddar Rolls: Drizzle buffalo sauce over the cheese before rolling.
10. Everything Bagel Cheddar Buns: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top before baking.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing Unbaked Rolls: Assemble the rolls and freeze them before baking. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
• Storage: Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 30 seconds.

Special Equipment for Cheddar Swirl Buns

• Stand Mixer (optional, for kneading dough)
• Rolling Pin
• Baking Dish or Sheet Pan
• Pastry Brush (for egg wash)
• Sharp Knife (for slicing rolls)

FAQ for Cheddar Swirl Buns

1. Can I make these without yeast? Yes, you can use a quick biscuit dough, but they won’t be as fluffy.
2. Can I use pre-shredded cheese? Freshly grated cheese melts better, but pre-shredded works in a pinch.
3. How do I make them extra soft? Brush with melted butter after baking for a soft, rich texture.
4. Can I use a bread machine? Yes! Use the dough cycle, then roll, fill, and bake as instructed.
5. What’s the best way to get evenly sized rolls? Use a ruler to mark equal sections before slicing.

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Conclusion

Cheddar Swirl Buns are the ultimate combination of soft, fluffy dough and rich, melty cheese. With every bite, you get a perfect balance of buttery goodness and savory cheddar, making them an irresistible addition to any meal. Whether served warm from the oven, as a side dish, or enjoyed on their own as a satisfying snack, these buns deliver unbeatable flavor and texture.

Easy to customize with different cheeses, herbs, or spices, these buns are a versatile favorite for any occasion. Their golden, cheesy swirls make them as beautiful as they are delicious, ensuring they’ll be a hit with family and friends alike.

I can’t wait to see your take on these Cheddar Swirl Buns! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you make this recipe your own. Don’t forget to share your favorite variations in the comments. Happy baking!