These soft and golden cheese-stuffed buns are the kind of comfort food that fills your kitchen with a warm, irresistible aroma. Featuring a tender yeast dough enriched with butter and oil, and a creamy, savory cheese filling made from cottage cheese, cheddar, and fresh parsley, these buns are a delightful addition to any table. Topped with sesame seeds and brushed with egg white for shine, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side for soups and stews. Whether served warm from the oven or packed in a lunchbox, these buns never fail to impress with their pillowy texture and cheesy core.
Cooking Time
-
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
-
Resting/Proofing Time: 1 hour
-
Baking Time: 25–30 minutes
-
Total Time: Approx. 1 hour 50 minutes
-
Servings: Makes about 12 medium-sized buns
Ingredients
For the Dough:
-
1 Tbsp (7g) active dry yeast
-
1 Tbsp (13g) sugar
-
250 ml lukewarm water
-
500 g all-purpose flour
-
1 tsp salt
-
½ cup melted butter
-
½ cup vegetable oil
For the Filling:
-
½ cup cottage cheese
-
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
-
2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
-
1 egg white (for sealing and brushing)
For Topping:
-
Sesame seeds (as desired)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
-
Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. -
Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture, melted butter, and vegetable oil. Mix with a spoon or dough hook until the dough begins to come together. -
Knead the Dough:
Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, mix on medium speed until the dough pulls away from the sides. -
First Rise:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size. -
Prepare the Filling:
In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, and parsley. Mix until evenly incorporated. -
Shape the Buns:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide into 12 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a circle, place a spoonful of filling in the center, and pinch the edges to seal. -
Final Rise:
Place the filled buns seam-side down on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely and let rise for another 20–30 minutes. -
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) while the buns are rising. -
Brush and Top:
Brush the tops of the buns with egg white. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for crunch and flavor. -
Bake:
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the buns are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. -
Cool and Serve:
Let the buns cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
Nutritional Information (per bun, approx.)
-
Calories: 240 kcal
-
Carbohydrates: 25g
-
Protein: 6g
-
Fat: 13g
-
Fiber: 1g
-
Sodium: 210 mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This recipe is inspired by a blend of Eastern European and Mediterranean baking traditions, where dairy-filled pastries and yeast-based breads are daily staples. In many Balkan and Middle Eastern cuisines, buns filled with cheese—whether salty feta or creamy cottage—are a beloved snack. The use of both cottage and cheddar brings together the textures of mild and sharp cheeses, while the sesame seed topping hints at Middle Eastern influences where sesame is commonly sprinkled on breads like simit and manakish.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
-
Soft, fluffy texture thanks to the butter-oil enriched dough
-
Creamy, cheesy filling that melts beautifully when baked
-
Customizable with different cheeses or herbs
-
Freezer-friendly – bake ahead and store
-
Great for any meal – from breakfast to light dinner
Health Benefits
-
Protein boost from cottage cheese, cheddar, and eggs
-
Calcium-rich from dairy content
-
Parsley adds antioxidants and vitamin C
-
Baking instead of frying keeps fat content moderate
-
Satisfying carbs make this a great energy-boosting snack
Serving Suggestions
-
Serve warm with a bowl of tomato or vegetable soup
-
Pair with a fresh cucumber-yogurt salad for a light meal
-
Add to brunch platters with boiled eggs, olives, and fruit
-
Enjoy with a cup of mint tea or coffee
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Using hot water for yeast – it will kill the yeast. Use lukewarm water.
-
Not letting dough rise enough – results in dense buns. Be patient.
-
Overstuffing with cheese – can cause leaks during baking
-
Underbaking – always check that the bottom is golden and the top is firm
-
Skipping egg white glaze – helps seeds stick and adds sheen
Pairing Recommendations
-
Drinks: Mint tea, Turkish coffee, or cold lemonade
-
Soups: Lentil soup, tomato basil, or creamy mushroom
-
Spreads: Serve with hummus, labneh, or tzatziki on the side
-
Salads: A chopped tomato-cucumber salad or green leaf salad works great
Cooking Tips
-
For extra softness, brush the buns with melted butter right out of the oven
-
Try using a mix of black and white sesame seeds for visual appeal
-
Add a pinch of chili flakes or cumin to the cheese filling for a spicier flavor
-
Make mini versions for parties or lunchboxes
-
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month
Similar Recipes to Try
-
Turkish Pogaca with Feta and Dill
-
Greek Cheese Pies (Tiropita)
-
Russian Pirozhki stuffed with potatoes and cheese
-
Soft garlic knots with herbed butter
-
Flaky spinach and cheese turnovers
Variations to Try
-
Add cooked spinach or kale to the filling for a nutrient boost
-
Use feta or mozzarella instead of cottage cheese
-
Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to the filling
-
Swap sesame with poppy seeds or nigella seeds
-
Use whole wheat flour for a fiber-rich dough variation
Ingredient Spotlight: Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is low in fat and high in protein, making it a great filling ingredient for savory pastries. It has a mild flavor that blends well with sharper cheeses like cheddar and absorbs herbs beautifully. Its slightly crumbly texture makes it perfect for mixing into both sweet and savory baked goods.
Conclusion Paragraph
These soft, golden buns are more than just a treat—they’re a celebration of home baking. With their fluffy texture, cheesy filling, and sesame-speckled crust, they deliver comfort in every bite. Easy to make and endlessly adaptable, this recipe is ideal for beginner and experienced bakers alike. Whether you’re preparing a weekend brunch, snack for kids, or something special for your guests, these buns are sure to satisfy. Warm, cheesy, and golden—what more could you ask for?
10 Comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the dough the night before?
Yes. Prepare the dough, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.
2. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
Yes. Use the same amount, but skip the activation step and mix directly into the flour.
3. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and add 1 tsp xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already contain it.
4. Can I substitute cottage cheese with ricotta?
Yes, ricotta is a great substitute and provides a smoother texture.
5. Why is my dough too sticky?
Add flour one tablespoon at a time during kneading until it becomes soft and elastic but not sticky.
6. Can I skip the sesame seeds?
Of course! The topping is optional. You can use poppy seeds or leave them out entirely.
7. What’s the best way to reheat the buns?
Wrap in foil and heat in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10 minutes. Or microwave for 30 seconds.
8. Can I freeze the shaped buns before baking?
Yes. Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw, proof, then bake as usual.
9. How do I keep the buns soft after baking?
Once cool, store them in an airtight container or wrap in a clean towel to maintain softness.
10. Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Double all ingredients, but be mindful that rising time may be slightly longer with a larger batch.