Pimiento Cheese Buns Recipe – Savory Homemade Delight
Soft rolls conceal a rich, creamy surprise that elevates every meal with Southern charm.
The Ultimate Guide to Making Pimiento Cheese Buns
There’s something truly magical about the combination of soft, pillowy bread and creamy pimiento cheese that makes these buns an irresistible treat. These savory buns represent the perfect marriage of Southern comfort food traditions with homemade baking expertise. The result is a delightful batch of golden, buttery rolls filled with a rich, cheesy mixture that’s both nostalgic and satisfying.
What sets these pimiento cheese buns apart from ordinary dinner rolls is their luxurious filling and the tender, slightly sweet dough that encases it. The savory bun dough serves as the perfect canvas for showcasing the tangy, creamy pimiento cheese mixture, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Understanding the Savory Bun Dough
The foundation of exceptional pimiento cheese buns lies in creating the perfect savory dough. This isn’t your typical sweet cinnamon roll dough – it’s specifically formulated to complement savory fillings while maintaining that characteristic soft, tender crumb that makes great buns so appealing.
Key Components of the Dough
The dough recipe incorporates whole milk, which contributes to both the tender texture and subtle richness of the finished buns. The addition of vegetable oil provides moisture and helps create that soft, pull-apart quality that makes these buns so enjoyable to eat. A small amount of sugar feeds the yeast and adds just enough sweetness to balance the savory elements without overwhelming them.
The combination of active dry yeast with the warm milk mixture creates the leavening power needed for these buns to rise properly. The yeast activation process is crucial – the mixture should bubble slightly after about a minute, indicating that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
The Science Behind the Dough Structure
What makes this dough special is the two-stage mixing process. Initially, only 2 cups of flour are added to the yeast mixture, creating a loose batter that’s allowed to rise and develop flavor. This preferment-style approach enhances the bread’s flavor complexity while ensuring a tender final product.
The remaining ingredients – baking powder, baking soda, salt, and additional flour – are incorporated after the initial rise. This technique prevents overworking the gluten while still developing enough structure to support the filling and maintain the buns’ shape during baking.
Crafting the Perfect Pimiento Cheese Filling
The pimiento cheese filling is where these buns truly shine. This isn’t just any cheese mixture – it’s a carefully balanced combination of sharp cheddar, creamy mayonnaise, and colorful pimientos that creates both flavor and visual appeal.
Ingredient Selection and Quality
Sharp cheddar cheese forms the backbone of this filling, providing that distinctive tangy bite that pimiento cheese is famous for. Using freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties will give you better melting properties and superior flavor. The mayonnaise acts as both a binding agent and adds richness, while the drained diced pimientos contribute sweetness and that characteristic red color.
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The optional adobo sauce from canned chipotles adds a subtle smoky heat that elevates the filling beyond traditional pimiento cheese. This ingredient is what transforms a simple cheese mixture into something truly special, adding depth and complexity that complements the mild sweetness of the bun dough.
Achieving the Right Consistency
The filling should be spreadable but not too wet, as excess moisture can make the dough soggy and difficult to work with. The balance between cheese, mayonnaise, and seasonings creates a mixture that’s creamy enough to spread evenly but firm enough to stay in place when the dough is rolled.
Step-by-Step Assembly Process
Preparing the Dough
The dough preparation begins with heating the milk, oil, and sugar mixture to the perfect temperature – warm enough to activate the yeast but not so hot as to kill it. The mixture should feel lukewarm to the touch, similar to body temperature. Once the yeast is activated and the initial flour mixture has doubled in size, the remaining dry ingredients are incorporated through gentle kneading.
The dough should be elastic and only slightly sticky after kneading. If it’s too sticky, a light dusting of flour can help, but avoid adding too much as this can result in tough, dense buns. The dough can be used immediately or refrigerated for up to three days, making this recipe perfect for advance preparation.
Rolling and Filling Technique
Rolling the dough into a 10-by-15-inch rectangle is crucial for achieving uniform buns. The rectangle should be positioned with the long side facing you, which ensures easier rolling and better distribution of the filling. Spreading the pimiento cheese mixture evenly across the surface is essential – any thick spots or gaps will result in uneven distribution in the finished buns.
The rolling technique requires patience and gentle pressure. Starting from the far long side, the dough should be rolled toward you using both hands to maintain even tension. It’s perfectly normal for some filling to ooze out during this process – this actually indicates that you’ve used the right amount of filling.
Cutting and Shaping
Using a sharp knife to cut the rolled dough into 12 equal slices ensures uniform baking. Dental floss can also be used for cleaner cuts that don’t compress the dough. Each slice should be placed cut-side up in the buttered pan, allowing room for the final rise.
Baking Techniques for Perfect Results
The Final Rise
The second rise is crucial for achieving light, fluffy buns. Covering the pan with a kitchen towel and allowing the buns to rise until puffy and nearly doubled takes at least 20 minutes. This final rise allows the shaped buns to relax and expand, creating the tender texture that makes these buns so appealing.
Oven Settings and Timing
Baking at 375°F provides the ideal balance between cooking the interior and achieving a golden brown exterior. The baking time of 20 to 25 minutes should result in buns that are golden brown but not overly dark. Overbaking will result in tough, dry buns that lose their soft, tender appeal.
The final butter drizzle while the buns are still hot is essential for both flavor and texture. The hot buns absorb the butter, creating a rich, moist finish that enhances both taste and keeping quality.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Serving Ideas
These pimiento cheese buns are incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways. They make an excellent side dish for soups, stews, or barbecue meals. They’re also perfect as a brunch item, served warm with butter or as part of a larger spread. For casual entertaining, they can be served as appetizers or party snacks.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover buns can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days at room temperature. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to one month. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual buns for 20-30 seconds.
Filling Variations
While pimiento cheese is exceptional, this savory bun dough can accommodate numerous other fillings. Consider herb and garlic butter, caramelized onions with cheese, bacon and cheddar, or even pizza-inspired combinations with pepperoni and mozzarella.
Tips for Success
Temperature Control
Maintaining proper temperatures throughout the process is crucial. The initial milk mixture should be lukewarm for proper yeast activation, and the rising environment should be comfortably warm but not hot. Cold kitchens may require longer rising times, while very warm environments can cause the dough to over-rise.
Ingredient Quality
Using high-quality ingredients makes a noticeable difference in the final product. Fresh, sharp cheddar cheese, good mayonnaise, and properly drained pimientos all contribute to superior flavor and texture. Don’t skimp on the butter – it’s essential for both the dough’s richness and the final glazing step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days after the initial rise. Simply punch it down if it rises to the top of the bowl during storage.
Q: What if I don’t have adobo sauce?
A: The adobo sauce is optional but adds great flavor. You can substitute with a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder, or simply omit it entirely.
Q: Can I freeze the assembled unbaked buns?
A: Yes, you can freeze the shaped buns before the final rise. Thaw completely and allow to rise before baking, which may take longer than the standard 20 minutes.
Q: How do I know when the buns are done baking?
A: The buns should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when gently tapped. An internal temperature of 190°F indicates they’re fully baked.
Q: Can I use different types of cheese in the filling?
A: While sharp cheddar is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like smoked cheddar, pepper jack, or even cream cheese for different flavor profiles.
Conclusion
These pimiento cheese buns represent the perfect combination of homemade bread baking and beloved Southern flavors. The tender, slightly sweet dough provides the ideal complement to the rich, tangy pimiento cheese filling, creating a treat that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether served as a side dish, snack, or the star of a casual meal, these buns are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its delicious results but also in its flexibility and forgiving nature. With proper technique and quality ingredients, you’ll achieve bakery-quality buns that showcase the timeless appeal of pimiento cheese in a new and exciting format. The process itself is rewarding, filling your kitchen with wonderful aromas and providing the satisfaction that comes from creating something truly special from scratch.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a35916135/pimiento-cheese-buns-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a63854056/fried-chicken-pimento-sandwich-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11938/pimento-cheese/
- https://www.sumptuousspoonfuls.com/all-things-pimento-cheese-the-caviar-of-the-south-with-over-29-fabulous-recipes/
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