These Cheese-Stuffed Buns are a delicious and satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With a soft, fluffy dough filled with gooey cheese and sweet red pepper, these buns are sure to be a hit. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they’ll be gone in no time!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 1/3 teaspoons warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup oil (80 ml)
- 17 – 17.6 oz flour (480 – 500 g)
For the Stuffing:
- 7 oz grated cheese (200 g)
- 3.5 oz mozzarella (100 g)
- 1 red pepper, diced
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 buns
- Calories per serving: Approximately 300 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 10g
Instructions
1. Dough Preparation
1. Mix the Yeast
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/3 teaspoons of warm water with 1 tablespoon of dry yeast. Stir in 1 tablespoon of sugar to activate the yeast, and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures that the yeast is active and ready to help the dough rise.
2. Add Oil
Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add 1/3 cup of oil (80 ml) and stir to combine. The oil adds richness to the dough, making it soft and tender.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix 17 – 17.6 oz of flour (480 – 500 g) with 1 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture, stirring continuously to form a dough. You may need to adjust the amount of flour slightly, depending on the humidity and the absorbency of your flour.
4. Knead the Dough
Once the dough comes together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a small amount of warm water.
5. Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. The rising time may vary depending on the room temperature.
2. Stuffing Assembly
1. Prepare the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 6 equal parts. Shape each part into a ball, then flatten each ball into a round crust about 1/2 inch thick.
2. Assemble the Buns
Place the flattened dough rounds on a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Brush each with a little melted butter to enhance the flavor and help the buns achieve a golden-brown crust.
3. Add the Filling
Sprinkle 7 oz of grated cheese (200 g) evenly over the dough rounds. Top with 3.5 oz of mozzarella (100 g) and diced red pepper. Make sure to distribute the cheese and red pepper evenly so that each bun is bursting with flavor.
3. Baking
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This moderate temperature ensures that the buns bake through without burning, allowing the cheese to melt perfectly.
2. Bake the Buns
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and melted. The buns should be slightly puffed up, with a crisp, golden crust and a gooey, cheesy center.
4. Serving
1. Serve Warm
Once baked to perfection, remove the buns from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These Cheese-Stuffed Buns are best enjoyed warm, while the cheese is still melted and gooey. The combination of the soft, fluffy dough with the rich, savory filling makes these buns an irresistible treat.
Tips for Success
- Dough Consistency: Ensure the dough is soft but not sticky. The right balance will give you a tender, fluffy bun.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack would be delicious alternatives.
- Extra Flavors: Add herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil to the dough or the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
Variations
- Herbed Dough: Add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough for an aromatic twist.
- Spicy Kick: Include some finely chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes in the filling for a bit of heat.
- Vegetarian Delight: Add more vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or onions to the filling for a hearty, vegetarian option.
These Cheese-Stuffed Buns with Red Pepper are the perfect combination of soft dough and gooey cheese, making them a comforting snack or a delicious addition to any meal. Serve them alongside a fresh salad, a warm bowl of soup, or enjoy them on their own as a tasty treat.
