If you love soft bread and gooey melted cheese, Cheesy Korean Buns are the perfect treat to try at home. Crispy and golden on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside, and filled with a generous amount of cheese, these buns make an excellent choice for breakfast, evening snacks, or special occasions. Follow this easy recipe to prepare bakery-style cheesy Korean buns in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg (optional)
- ¾ cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
For the Cheese Filling
- 1½ cups grated mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated processed cheese
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
For the Topping
- 1 egg yolk or 2 tablespoons milk
- White or black sesame seeds
- Melted butter
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Add the egg, warm milk, and softened butter. Knead the mixture until you get a smooth and soft dough. If needed, add a little more warm milk while kneading.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Lightly grease the dough with oil, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and leave it in a warm place for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a separate bowl, mix together the mozzarella cheese, processed cheese, oregano, and chili flakes until well combined.
Step 4: Shape the Buns
Punch down the risen dough to release the air and divide it into equal portions. Flatten each portion into a small circle, place a spoonful of the cheese filling in the center, and seal the edges tightly to form smooth, round buns.
Step 5: Second Proof
Arrange the buns on a lined baking tray, leaving enough space between them. Cover and let them rise again for 30 to 40 minutes.
Step 6: Bake
Brush the tops with egg yolk or milk and sprinkle sesame seeds over them. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the buns turn golden brown.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Remove the buns from the oven and immediately brush them with melted butter. This helps keep the crust soft and adds extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cheesy Korean Buns warm with tomato ketchup, chili sauce, garlic dip, or your favorite creamy sauce. They taste best when the cheese filling is still warm and stretchy.
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Korean Buns
- Use extra mozzarella cheese if you prefer a gooey, stretchy filling.
- You can add sweet corn, finely chopped bell peppers, or onions to the cheese mixture for additional flavor.
- If you don’t have an oven, the buns can also be baked in a heavy-bottomed pan over low heat.
- Cover the freshly baked buns with a clean kitchen towel for about 10 minutes to keep them extra soft.
Freshly baked Cheesy Korean Buns are soft, flavorful, and filled with rich, melted cheese. With their light texture and delicious filling, they are sure to become a family favorite and are perfect for any time of the day.
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