Quick 4-Ingredient Gluten-Free Cheese Buns

23 Reviews

Published May 8, 2018 ∙ Kristina Stosek

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This 4-ingredient gluten-free cheese bun recipe requires 10 minutes of hands-on time. These buns have a tender crumb on the inside, golden on the outside, and hold their shape perfectly without crumbling with a cheesy flavor, making them suitable for breakfast sandwiches, burger buns, or a side for soups and stews, or pasta.

golden brown cheese buns with a sprinkling of sesame seeds, freshly baked with a soft, fluffy interior in a basket next to a bbq

Why This 4 Ingredient Gluten-Free Cheese Buns Recipe Works

Standard gluten-free baking often requires yeast, proofing time, and a long list of alternative starches. This recipe bypasses that complexity by using plain Greek yogurt as the moisture and fat base. The natural acidity in the yogurt reacts directly with the baking soda, creating an immediate rise in the oven without any resting time

Need a bun for your burger, no problem. Toss them on the grill or under a broiler for a perfect crisp. These cheesy buns are perfect for sliders, or try them with our homemade gluten-free turkey burgers.

Love garlic bread? Try them for your next Italian night. Simply slice the buns in half, slather them with garlic butter, and pop them under the broiler for about a minute. You’ll have delicious garlic bread with a hint of cheese, yum! They go especially well with our most popular Italian recipe the Gluten-Free Skillet Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups.

Choosing the Right Flour

For consistent results, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, I found it was easy and best for this recipe.

Check for Xanthan Gum: Ensure your blend lists xanthan gum or guar gum in the ingredients. This acts as the binder that replaces gluten. If your blend doesn’t have it, you will need to add 1/4 $\frac{1}{4}$ teaspoon of xanthan gum per cup of flour to keep the buns from crumbling.
Weigh for Accuracy: Whenever possible, use a kitchen scale to weigh your flour. Gluten-free flour packs down easily in measuring cups, which can result in adding too much flour and making the buns dry and heavy.

Ingredients and Quick Substitutions

flour, shredded cheddar, baking soda, salt and sesame seeds ingredients for the cheese buns in bowls

Gluten-Free Baking Flour: Look for blends containing rice flour and starches (like potato or tapioca).
Plain Greek Yogurt: Use full-fat or 2% Greek yogurt. Do not use regular, thin, fat-free yogurt, as the texture will be too dry.
- Note on Dairy-Free: Avoid using dairy-free or plant-based yogurts in this recipe. It requires the specific protein structure and dairy fats of real Greek yogurt to build structure and rise properly.
Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded block cheese works best.
- Variations: Swap cheddar for Pepper Jack for a spicy kick, or smoked Gouda for a smoky flavor. If avoiding dairy, use a high-quality plant-based shred that melts well.
Baking Soda: This is your leavening agent. Ensure it is fresh so the buns rise properly.
Optional Topping (Sesame Seeds): These buns can be topped with sesame seeds for extra flavor. Sprinkle a few on each bun if you have them on hand!

Easy Prep and Baking Steps

1. Mix the Base

Whisk your gluten-free flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Stir in the shredded cheese, making sure the pieces are coated in flour so they distribute evenly.

2. Form the Dough

Add the Greek yogurt and stir with a sturdy spoon until a sticky dough forms. If the mixture feels too dry or powdery, add an extra tablespoon of yogurt. The dough should feel very sticky.

3. Scoop and Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a large cookie scoop or ice cream scoop to drop even mounds of dough onto the sheet. If you like, gently press sesame seeds or poppy seeds onto the tops.

Critical Cooling

Let Them Rest: Do not cut into the buns immediately out of the oven. Gluten-free baked goods continue to set as they cool. Slicing them too early will make the texture gummy. Let them cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes.

Serving Ideas for Gluten-Free Cheese Buns

These sturdy buns hold up well to heavy fillings and liquids without crumbling. Use them as a base for breakfast sandwiches with bacon and eggs, or split them for eggs Benedict.

They work well as standard burger buns or slider rolls, especially paired with homemade gluten-free turkey burgers. To add texture, toss the split buns on the grill or under a broiler for a crisp edge.

They can also be served plain as a side for comforting soups, stews, or with my favorite Gluten-Free Skillet Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups. For an easy garlic bread variation, slice the buns in half, spread with garlic butter, and broil for about one minute until toasted.

If you are looking for similar easy roll recipes, you may enjoy Gluten-Free Parker House Rolls and my Easiest Gluten-Free Butter Rolls.

Hi, I’m Kristina I’m a professional gluten-free recipe developer, and every recipe on this site is created and personally tested in my kitchen. If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐ star rating and a quick review below, it helps other readers find my recipes!

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