Cheesy Hot Cross Buns: A Savoury Easter Twist That Outshops Supermarket Versions

Cheesy Hot Cross Buns: A Savoury Easter Twist That Outshops Supermarket Versions

As Easter approaches with surprising swiftness, seasonal treats have long dominated supermarket aisles, yet one innovative recipe offers a delightful departure from tradition. Hot cross buns, a classic Easter staple, receive a savoury makeover in this triple cheese version that promises to surpass any shop-bought alternative.

Breaking with Tradition

Growing up in a household where traditional hot cross buns were conspicuously absent, likely due to parental aversion to mixed spice, this recipe represents a welcome rebellion against convention. With supermarkets increasingly experimenting with unusual flavours, this savoury adaptation swaps sweet elements for a cheese-forward profile that caters to evolving palates.

The recipe transforms the familiar hot cross bun into a cheese-laden delight, combining grated cheeses with cubes of mature cheddar for maximum flavour impact. Originally featured in Good Food magazine, this approachable recipe requires minimal baking experience but rewards patience during the proving process.

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Mastering the Dough

Successful execution hinges on achieving the perfect dough consistency—soft and stretchy during kneading, whether by hand or stand mixer. The dough demands approximately two hours and fifteen minutes of proving time to double in volume, a crucial step that prevents heaviness in the final baked product.

For cheese selection, a combination of mozzarella, cheddar, Double Gloucester, and Red Leicester works beautifully alongside diced mature cheddar. The generous cheese incorporation ensures these buns live up to their triple cheese designation.

Baking and Serving Perfection

Once baked, these buns fill the kitchen with an irresistible bakery aroma. A simple glaze of milk and caster sugar brushed onto warm buns creates an appealing shine. Serving suggestions include enjoying them warm or toasted with ample butter, essentially offering a thicker, softer interpretation of cheese on toast.

These cheesy hot cross buns present an ideal alternative for those seeking respite from chocolate Easter eggs and sugary snacks. They might just convince sceptics that savoury versions can outperform traditional recipes and supermarket offerings.

Triple Cheese Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Ingredients:

• 500g strong white bread flour, plus extra for dusting
• 7g fast action dried yeast
• 1 tbsp caster sugar
• 75g salted butter, cubed
• 300ml whole milk, warmed
• 1 egg
• 200g mixed grated cheeses (cheddar, Red Leicester, parmesan)
• 100g mature cheddar, cubed
• 1 tsp dried mustard powder (optional)
• 8 thyme sprigs, leaves picked (optional)

For the cross:

• 75g plain flour

For the glaze:

• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tbsp caster sugar

Method:

1. Combine bread flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Rub in butter until mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
2. Add warm milk and egg, mixing to form a soft dough.
3. Knead on floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic (or 5 minutes with stand mixer).
4. Fold in grated cheeses, cubed cheddar, and optional mustard powder and thyme until evenly distributed.
5. Shape dough into a ball, place in oiled bowl, cover, and leave to rise for 1-1.5 hours until doubled.
6. Knock back dough, divide into 12 pieces, shape into buns, and place on baking tray with gaps.
7. Cover and prove for 45 minutes until puffed up.
8. Preheat oven to 190°C/170°C fan/gas 5. Mix plain flour with water to create thick paste for crosses.
9. Pipe crosses onto buns, bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
10. Warm milk and sugar for glaze until dissolved, brush onto hot buns, then cool on wire rack.