Description
Make soft, flavorful homemade buns with a savory swirl filling of roasted garlic, fresh herbs, and melted cheese, perfect for elevating any sandwich or meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 head (approx. 50g) garlic
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 1/4 cups warm milk (105-115°F / 40-45°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup low-moisture mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup hard aged cheese (Parmesan-style), finely grated
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tsp water
Instructions
- Roast Garlic: Slice off the top of the garlic head, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 40-45 minutes until soft. Squeeze out pulp and mash into a paste.
- Activate Yeast: Whisk warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Prepare Dough: Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, then place in a lightly oiled bowl for the first rise (1-1.5 hours) until doubled in size.
- Mix Filling: Combine the mashed roasted garlic with the softened butter, remaining olive oil, mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped rosemary, and thyme.
- Shape Buns: Roll out the risen dough into a 16×12 inch (40×30 cm) rectangle. Spread filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border on one long edge. Roll tightly into a log, starting from the opposite edge, and pinch to seal.
- Second Rise: Cut the log into 8 equal pieces. Gently shape each piece into a round bun and place on a parchment-lined sheet. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush buns with egg wash and bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly on a rack before serving.
Notes
For make-ahead options, store the dough tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours after the first rise. To avoid dense buns, ensure your yeast is fresh and avoid over-kneading the dough. Prevent filling leakage by ensuring the dough seam is tightly sealed and not letting the buns overproof during the second rise.
- Prep Time: 105 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: hamburger bun, savory roll, garlic cheese bun, homemade bread, dinner rolls, yeast bread, swirl bun, baking