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Baked goods, particularly savory ones, have an uncanny ability to evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, and nostalgia. The Cheddar Ham Buns with Creamy Sauce are the perfect example of such a dish — soft, pillowy, and stuffed with a delicious blend of ham, cheddar cheese, and creamy filling. These buns are a wonderful blend of flavors and textures, making them ideal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether served on a festive occasion or as a comforting family meal, these buns bring together the best of bakery-style indulgence and homemade goodness.

The dough itself is light and fluffy, thanks to the combination of yeast and baking powder, making it a perfect vehicle for the savory filling. The ham and cheddar cheese melt into one another inside the soft dough, while the cream cheese adds an extra layer of richness. Once baked, the buns are topped with an egg wash and a sprinkling of sesame seeds, giving them a golden, shiny appearance and a mild nutty flavor that enhances every bite. But what truly makes these buns unforgettable is the sauce. A tangy and creamy combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, and a touch of chili sauce creates a dipping sauce that perfectly complements the savory richness of the buns.

These Cheddar Ham Buns with Creamy Sauce are perfect for gatherings, picnics, or as a snack to enjoy during a movie night. They’re versatile, too: you can prepare them ahead of time, bake them fresh when needed, and enjoy them at their best — warm from the oven with the cheese still gooey inside. The balance of savory, creamy, and tangy flavors makes these buns a timeless choice, and the combination of ingredients will likely make them a new family favorite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

2 large eggs
25 g sugar (about 2 tablespoons)

3 g salt (about 1/2 teaspoon)
8 g baking powder (about 2 teaspoons)
8 g dried yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)

80 g melted butter (about 1/3 cup)
450 ml milk (about 2 cups)
800 g all-purpose flour (about 6 1/2 cups)

For the Filling:

150 g cheddar cheese, grated (about 1 1/2 cups)
150 g ham, diced (about 1 cup)

80 g cream cheese (about 1/3 cup)

For the Topping:

1 large egg (for egg wash)

8 g white sesame seeds (about 1 tablespoon)

For the Sauce:

100 g mayonnaise (about 1/2 cup)

60 g ketchup (about 1/4 cup)
40 g mustard (about 2 tablespoons)
20 ml soy sauce (about 1 tablespoon)

40 g chili sauce (about 2 tablespoons)
15 ml lemon juice (about 1 tablespoon)
5 ml vinegar (about 1 teaspoon)

Steps How to Make It:

Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk (about 110°F/45°C), sugar, and dried yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until the yeast activates and becomes foamy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, salt, and melted butter together. Add this mixture to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- Gradually add the flour and baking powder to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough begins to form. Once the dough starts coming together, transfer it to a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling:
- While the dough is rising, mix the grated cheddar cheese, diced ham, and cream cheese in a bowl. Set aside.
Shape the Buns:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to remove any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle (about 1/2-inch thick).
- Spread the cheese and ham mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border on all sides. Roll the dough up tightly from one end, then slice it into 12-15 equal pieces.
- Arrange the dough rolls in a greased baking dish or on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Egg Wash & Topping:
- Beat the egg and brush it over the top of each dough roll to give them a golden finish. Sprinkle the sesame seeds on top.
Bake the Buns:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the buns for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Check with a toothpick to make sure the buns are cooked through.

Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, chili sauce, lemon juice, and vinegar. Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more chili sauce or mustard to suit your preference.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the buns are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with the creamy dipping sauce on the side.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

KCAL (Per Serving – Approx.): 350-400 kcal

Servings: 12-15 buns

Explanation of the Recipe and Why It’s Timeless:

This recipe for Cheddar Ham Buns with Creamy Sauce combines the best of savory baking with a hint of indulgence, making it a timeless treat. The combination of light, fluffy dough with a savory cheese and ham filling gives you the comfort of a homemade pastry that’s warm, satisfying, and full of flavor. The egg wash and sesame seeds add a beautiful golden finish, making the buns as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate. The creamy dipping sauce brings an added dimension of tanginess and sweetness, complementing the richness of the buns and enhancing the flavor experience.

These buns are perfect for any occasion — from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. The sauce provides an exciting twist, offering a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory filling, while the pillowy texture of the buns makes them feel indulgent without being overly heavy. With ingredients that are easy to find and a method that’s straightforward to follow, these buns are the perfect introduction to savory baked goods for beginners while still impressing more experienced cooks.

Nutrition Facts (Approx.):

Calories: 350-400 kcal per bun
Fat: 18-22 g
Carbohydrates: 30-35 g

Protein: 12-15 g
Fiber: 2-3 g
Sodium: 450-550 mg

FAQs:

Q: Can I substitute the ham with another filling?
A: Absolutely! You can swap out the ham for other fillings like cooked chicken, bacon, or even vegetables like spinach and mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

Q: Can I make the dough in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After kneading, place it in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

Tips How to Make:

For a crispier texture, bake the buns on a preheated baking sheet.

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or gouda, for a different flavor profile.
If you don’t have sesame seeds, you can skip them or substitute with poppy seeds or even grated parmesan for extra flavor.

Storage Tips:

For leftovers: Store any leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain their crispiness.

To freeze: Allow the buns to cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

Conclusion:

The Cheddar Ham Buns with Creamy Sauce are a perfect balance of savory flavors and comforting textures. These buns are not just a dish; they’re an experience — from the moment you roll out the dough to the first bite of that cheesy, savory goodness. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, they are sure to be a hit. The addition of the creamy, tangy dipping sauce takes these buns to the next level, making them the perfect crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Simple ingredients, a straightforward process, and a whole lot of flavor — these buns truly embody what makes food so comforting and timeless.