Why You’ll Love These Mini Buns
These buns are:
- Soft and airy
- Slightly cheesy
- Lightly herby
- Beautiful golden crust
- Perfect size portions
- Freezer friendly
- Smell AMAZING while baking
They’re soft like dinner rolls but topped like mini cheese breads.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons butter (soft)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or green onion
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
Optional add-ins:
- garlic powder
- chili flakes
- feta cheese
- olives
## Step 1 – Activate Yeast
In a bowl mix:
- warm milk (not hot)
- sugar
- yeast
Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
If no foam → yeast is old.
## Step 2 – Make the Dough
Add to yeast mixture:
- egg
- butter
- flour
- salt
Mix and knead 8–10 minutes.
Dough should be:
soft
smooth
slightly elastic
If sticky → add little flour
If dry → add spoon milk
## Step 3 – First Rise
Cover bowl.
Let rise in warm place:
1 hour
It should double in size.
This step makes buns fluffy.
## Step 4 – Shape Mini Buns
Punch down dough.
Divide into small balls (about golf ball size).
Place on baking tray.
Flatten slightly with fingers.
Let rest 20–30 minutes.
Second rise makes them airy.
## Step 5 – Add Topping
Brush tops with egg yolk.
Sprinkle:
- shredded cheese
- chopped herbs
Press lightly so topping sticks.
Optional: sprinkle pinch salt or garlic powder.
## Step 6 – Bake
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Bake:
15–18 minutes
Until:
- golden brown
- cheese melted
- bottoms lightly golden
Your kitchen will smell like a bakery 😍
## Texture & Taste (What to Expect)
Outside:
light golden crust
slightly crispy cheese top
Inside:
super soft
fluffy
airy
Taste:
mild cheese
buttery
slight sweetness from dough
fresh herbs
Perfect balance.
## Pro Tips for Super Soft Buns
Don’t add too much flour
Keeps them soft
Let them rise fully
Fluffy texture depends on this
Brush with butter after baking
Extra softness & shine
Don’t overbake
Makes them dry
Use good melting cheese
Mozzarella gives stretch
## Flavor Variations
Garlic cheese buns
Add garlic butter after baking
Spicy version
Add chili flakes
Feta & olive
Mediterranean style
Stuffed version
Add cheese cube inside dough
Sweet & savory
Add little honey drizzle
So many possibilities!
## Storage & Reheating
Room temp
2 days airtight
Fridge
5 days
Freezer
2 months
Reheat
Oven or microwave 10–15 seconds
Still soft and delicious.
## Serving Ideas
Perfect with:
- soup
- salad
- scrambled eggs
- tea or coffee
- sandwiches
Or just eat warm straight from tray 😄
## Final Thoughts
These mini cheese herb buns are one of those simple homemade breads that make you feel proud.