These Fluffy Cheese and Herb Stuffed Buns are a delightful and versatile baked treat, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack. The soft dough, enriched with butter and milk, is filled with a delicious combination of cheese and fresh parsley. The buns are then brushed with a golden egg yolk glaze and baked to perfection, resulting in a fluffy, light, and slightly crisp exterior with a savory, cheesy filling. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or pack them for later, these buns are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. They’re ideal for gatherings, picnics, or even served alongside a hearty soup or salad.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• Dry yeast – 10g (1 pack)
• Sugar – 1 tablespoon (20g)
• Milk – 1.5 cups (300ml), warm
• Water – ½ cup (100ml), warm
• Oil – 100ml (about ½ cup or 1 tea glass)
• Egg white – 1 (reserve the yolk for later)
• Vinegar – 1 tablespoon (10ml)
• Flour – 5.5 cups (660g), all-purpose
• Salt – 1 teaspoon (8g)

To Grease the Dough:

• Butter – 150g, melted

For the Filling:

• Cheese – Crumbled or grated (use your favorite type like feta, mozzarella, or a mixture)
• Fresh parsley – Chopped

For the Topping:

• Egg yolk – 1 (reserved from earlier)
• Milk – 1 teaspoon

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine 10g of dry yeast, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 100ml of warm water. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy. This means the yeast is activated and ready to use.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1.5 cups of warm milk, 100ml of oil, 1 egg white (reserve the yolk for later), 1 tablespoon of vinegar, and the activated yeast mixture. Stir well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add 5.5 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt into the wet mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon or using your hands. Mix until a soft dough begins to form.
4. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, soft, and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable but still soft.
5. Let the Dough Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Mix the Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by combining your favorite cheese (crumbled or grated) with fresh chopped parsley in a small bowl. Set aside. You can adjust the amount of filling based on how cheesy you want the buns to be.

Step 3: Shape the Buns

1. Divide the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and divide it into equal portions, depending on the size of the buns you want. For medium-sized buns, divide the dough into 10-12 portions.
2. Shape and Fill the Buns: Take each portion and roll it into a ball. Flatten the ball slightly and place a spoonful of the cheese and parsley mixture in the center. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch them together to seal, forming a bun. Place the filled buns, seam side down, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Grease the Buns: Once all the buns are shaped, brush each one generously with melted butter to give them extra softness and flavor.

Step 4: Let the Buns Rise Again

1. Second Rise: Cover the baking sheet with a clean towel and let the buns rise again for about 20-30 minutes in a warm place. This second rise ensures the buns will be fluffy and light when baked.

Step 5: Bake the Buns

1. Preheat the Oven: While the buns are rising, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Brush with Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved egg yolk with 1 teaspoon of milk. Brush the tops of the buns with the egg wash to give them a golden, glossy finish.
3. Bake: Place the buns in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the buns are cooked through.
4. Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the buns from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Step 6: Serve

1. Enjoy Warm: Serve the fluffy cheese and herb stuffed buns warm. They’re perfect on their own or alongside a bowl of soup, a fresh salad, or as part of a breakfast spread.

Cooking Tips:

• Type of Cheese: You can use a variety of cheeses for the filling, depending on your preference. Feta, mozzarella, cheddar, or a mixture of soft and hard cheeses work well.
• Vinegar in the Dough: The addition of vinegar helps to tenderize the dough and gives the buns a slight tang, which complements the savory cheese filling.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just bring it to room temperature and allow it to rise before shaping the buns.
• Additional Fillings: Feel free to add other ingredients to the filling, such as chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed spinach, to enhance the flavor.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 5-10 minutes to refresh them.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked buns after shaping them. Place them on a tray to freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, thaw the buns in the refrigerator and let them rise before baking as directed.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 12 Buns):

• Calories: 250-280 kcal
• Protein: 8-10g
• Fat: 12-15g
• Carbohydrates: 25-30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2-3g
• Sodium: 250-300mg

These buns are a good source of protein from the cheese and egg and offer a balance of carbohydrates and fats, making them a filling and satisfying snack or meal component.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I make the dough without yeast? While yeast is crucial for giving the buns their fluffy texture, you can experiment with a quick dough using baking powder or baking soda, but the texture will be different.

2. Can I add different herbs? Yes, you can customize the filling by adding herbs like basil, thyme, or dill, depending on your preference.

3. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version. However, the texture may be denser, so it’s recommended to use a combination of both flours.

4. How do I prevent the buns from becoming too dry? Make sure to brush the buns with butter before baking and not overbake them. You can also cover the buns with a damp cloth after baking to retain moisture.

Conclusion:

These Fluffy Cheese and Herb Stuffed Buns are a delicious, versatile recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. The soft, buttery dough filled with savory cheese and fresh herbs makes these buns a delightful snack, side, or even a main dish. With a golden, shiny crust and a warm, cheesy center, these buns will become a family favorite. Easy to make and customize, they are perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is simple yet delivers fantastic results. Enjoy these buns warm and fresh from the oven for the best experience!