Prepare to delight both kids and adults alike with these scrumptious cheesy meat-filled buns. Perfect for school lunches, picnics, or as a hearty snack, these buns combine a soft, fluffy dough with a savory meat filling. No wonder the entire class is asking for the recipe!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• Milk: 200 ml (warm)
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Dry Yeast: 7 grams
• Sugar: 1 tablespoon
• Egg: 1 (reserve the yolk for egg wash)
• Vegetable Oil: 3 tablespoons
• All-Purpose Flour: 350-400 grams

For the Filling:

• Minced Meat (beef, pork, or a mix): 350 grams
• Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
• Bell Pepper: 1 medium (any color), finely chopped
• Salt and Black Pepper: to taste
• Cheddar or Mozzarella Cheese: 100 grams, grated

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk (about 37°C or 98.6°F) with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 7 grams of dry yeast. Stir well and let it sit for about 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
   • Add the egg white (reserve the yolk for later) and 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
3. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add 350 grams of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt to the wet mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough:
   • Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, up to an additional 50 grams.
5. First Rise:
   • Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the finely chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
2. Cook the Minced Meat:
   • Add the minced meat to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Season the Filling:
   • Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
4. Cool and Add Cheese:
   • Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool slightly. Once cooled, mix in the grated cheese. This prevents the cheese from melting prematurely.

3. Assemble the Buns

1. Divide the Dough:
   • After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into equal portions, each about the size of a small apple (approximately 50-60 grams per piece), yielding about 10-12 buns.
2. Shape the Buns:
   • Flatten each dough piece into a circle about 10 cm (4 inches) in diameter. Place a spoonful of the meat and cheese filling in the center.
3. Seal the Buns:
   • Gather the edges of the dough circle over the filling, pinching them together to seal. Ensure there are no gaps to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
4. Second Rise:
   • Place the filled buns seam-side down on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes.

4. Bake the Buns

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
2. Prepare the Egg Wash:
   • Mix the reserved egg yolk with a tablespoon of milk or water. Brush this mixture over the tops of the risen buns to give them a glossy, golden finish.
3. Bake:
   • Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown.
4. Cool and Serve:
   • Once baked, remove the buns from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Additional Information

Storage:

• Store any leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to a month. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Bun):

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

Tips:

1. Meat Variations:
   • Feel free to use your preferred type of minced meat, such as beef, chicken, turkey, or a mix. For a vegetarian option, consider using sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute.
2. Cheese Choices:
   • While cheddar or mozzarella works well, you can experiment with other cheeses like feta, gouda, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
3. Vegetable Add-Ins:
   • Incorporate other vegetables like corn, peas, or spinach into the filling for added nutrition and flavor.
4. Spice It Up:
   • For an extra kick, add spices like cumin, paprika, or chili flakes to the meat mixture.
5. Dough Consistency:
   • The amount of flour needed can vary based on factors like humidity and flour brand. Add flour gradually and adjust as necessary to achieve a soft, non-sticky dough.
6. Serving Suggestions:
   • These buns pair wonderfully with a side of fresh salad, pickles, or a warm bowl of soup.

Conclusion

These cheesy meat-filled buns are not just a hit among school kids but are sure to become a favorite in your household too. Their portability makes them perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or as a satisfying snack on the go. With a soft, fluffy exterior and a flavorful, juicy filling, it’s no wonder everyone is asking for the recipe. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful treat!