Name: Bacon Cheddar Scallion Milk Buns Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons water (45 grams); 3 tablespoons milk (45 grams); 2 tablespoons bread flour (18 grams); 2 1/2 cups bread flour (370 grams); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25 grams); 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (7 grams); 1/2 cup warm milk, 100-110°F (125 ml); 1 large egg yolk; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup butter, softened (57 grams); 1 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (84 grams); 4 strips bacon; 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash); 1/2 heaping cup chopped scallions (20 grams); 2 tablespoons butter, melted (28 grams); 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (28 grams)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 186 reviews

There is something utterly delightful about sinking your teeth into soft, fluffy milk buns that carry the bold flavors of crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh scallions. This Bacon Cheddar Scallion Milk Buns Recipe is a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness wrapped in a pillowy bread that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re looking for a snack to impress guests or a comforting treat to make your day special, these buns are guaranteed to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A single round dough ball with a light beige color and small yellow bits mixed inside, sitting in a silver metal mixing bowl. The dough looks soft and slightly bumpy with some air bubbles visible on the surface. The bowl has a smooth, slightly scratched inner texture and a handle peeking out on the left side. The whole scene is placed on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind these buns lies in their carefully selected ingredients—each one plays a vital role in creating the ultimate balance of texture, flavor, and color. From the tender tangzhong base to the salty bacon bits, each component brings something unique to the party.

Water (3 tablespoons): Essential for hydrating the tangzhong paste, giving the buns incredible softness.
Milk (3 tablespoons and 1/2 cup warm): Adds richness and helps activate the yeast for a perfect rise.
Bread flour (2 tablespoons + 2 1/2 cups): Provides the strength and chewiness that makes these buns so satisfying.
Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon): Just enough sweetness to balance savory flavors and help caramelize the topping.
Instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): Powers the dough to rise beautifully and develop structure.
Egg yolk and egg: Enrich the dough, contributing to tenderness and golden color.
Butter (1/4 cup softened + 2 tablespoons melted): Adds moisture, softness, and that irresistible buttery aroma.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors in the dough for a well-rounded taste.
Sharp cheddar cheese (3/4 cup + 1/4 cup shredded): Bursts of cheesy goodness throughout and a melty crust topping.
Bacon (4 strips): Crispy, smoky, and savory, bringing a perfect contrast to the soft bread.
Chopped scallions (1/2 heaping cup): Fresh, slightly sharp notes that add brightness and color.
Egg wash (1 large egg + 1 tbsp water): Creates a beautiful shine and golden crust when baked.

How to Make Bacon Cheddar Scallion Milk Buns Recipe

Step 1: Make the Tangzhong Base

Start by creating the tangzhong, a simple mixture of water, milk, and bread flour cooked gently over low heat until it forms a thick paste. This little trick is what guarantees the buns’ legendary softness, soaking up moisture and keeping the crumb tender for days. Once thickened, let this cool completely before adding it to your dough.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

Combine your cooled tangzhong with the rest of the dough ingredients — except the cheddar cheese — in the bowl of a stand mixer or on a clean surface for hand kneading. Once the dough roughly comes together, fold in 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar. Knead for about 7-8 minutes until you achieve a soft, smooth dough that springs back when touched. Transfer to a clean bowl, cover, and allow it to rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about an hour. This slow rise develops flavor and structure, making each bite more enjoyable.

Step 3: Prepare the Bacon

While the dough rests, it’s time to crisp up the bacon. You can do this on the stovetop or in the oven. Baking is great for an even cook: lay bacon on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled. This smoky, crunchy bacon will be a showstopper addition to your buns.

Step 4: Shape the Buns and Second Rise

Deflate the risen dough gently and divide it into 15 equal pieces, each about 54 grams. Shape each piece into a smooth round ball and place them neatly in a 9×13 inch baking dish in three rows of five. Cover loosely and let the rolls rise again for 45 minutes. This step ensures your buns are airy and light, ready to bake into the perfect shape.

Step 5: Final Prep and Baking

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a bread lame or scissors, make a shallow diagonal slit about 1 centimeter deep across the top of each bun. Brush them generously with egg wash to promote that perfect golden sheen. Next, toss your chopped scallions with melted butter and a little sugar, then fill each slit with this savory-sweet mixture. Sprinkle crumbled bacon and the remaining shredded cheddar on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the buns turn golden brown and irresistible. Let them cool for 10 minutes—if you can wait that long!

How to Serve Bacon Cheddar Scallion Milk Buns Recipe

The image shows a tray of golden brown savory rolls, arranged closely in a grid with three rolls pulled out from the bottom row. Each roll has a soft, fluffy texture with swirled layers visible, topped with bright green chopped herbs and small bits of crispy browned pieces. The rolls are on white parchment paper on a dark wooden surface with a white marbled texture underneath. A rustic knife with a wooden handle rests on the tray's right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation, a final dusting of extra scallions or even a light drizzle of honey butter complements these buns beautifully, adding a little sparkle to each bite. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top can also enhance the flavor contrast and keep your guests coming back for more.

Side Dishes

These buns shine on their own but also play wonderfully alongside hearty soups like tomato bisque, creamy chowders, or even a fresh green salad. They’re perfect for brunch paired with scrambled eggs or a charcuterie board for a special gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving these buns warm in a basket lined with a cozy napkin for rustic charm or plated individually with little ramekins of honey mustard or ranch dip. You can even slice them open and fill with avocado spread or extra bacon for a delightful sandwich twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover buns are best kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Their soft texture remains intact, making them easy to enjoy as a snack or quick breakfast.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the buns individually wrapped in plastic wrap then placed into a freezer bag. They will keep beautifully for up to one month. This way, you can pull out a warm treat whenever you please, made fresh in minutes.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feeling, reheat the buns in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 8 minutes or microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 15-20 seconds. They’ll be just as soft and delicious as when freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, though the texture might be slightly less chewy and structured compared to bread flour. The buns will still turn out soft and tasty.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Milk buns traditionally require bread flour for elasticity. However, experimenting with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend combined with xanthan gum might yield a decent result but expect some textural differences.

Can I omit bacon for a vegetarian version?

Absolutely! You can skip the bacon or replace it with sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for a savory, vegetarian twist that still honors the recipe’s rich flavor profile.

How long do the buns stay fresh after baking?

When stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, these buns remain soft and fresh for about two days. Beyond that, you’ll want to freeze them or enjoy them quickly.

Can I make these buns vegan?

This recipe relies on eggs, milk, and butter for its signature texture and flavor, but you could experiment with plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg replacers. Just note the texture will differ significantly from the original.

Final Thoughts

There is such joy in creating something from scratch that not only tastes incredible but also fills your home with delicious warmth. This Bacon Cheddar Scallion Milk Buns Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a little sunshine to your kitchen and a whole lot of flavor to your table. Don’t hesitate to give these buns a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again, eager to share the love with friends and family.