Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• Flour – 350 g
• Dry yeast – 6 g
• Sugar – 25 g
• Salt – ½ teaspoon
• Milk – 250 ml (warm)
• Vegetable oil – 30 ml

For the Filling:

• Sausage slices – 22 pieces (choose your favorite sausage, sliced thinly)

For the Topping:

• Egg yolk – 1 (for brushing)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 350 g of flour, 6 g of dry yeast, 25 g of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure the yeast and salt are evenly distributed.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Slowly pour in 250 ml of warm milk into the dry mixture, stirring as you go. Continue mixing until the dough starts to come together.
3. Add Oil and Knead: Add 30 ml of vegetable oil to the dough and knead it by hand or with a stand mixer for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. It should be soft but not sticky.
4. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and leave it in a warm place to rise for about 45 minutes. The dough should double in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling and Form the Buns

1. Divide the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 4 equal parts for easier handling.
2. Roll Out the Dough: Roll out each section of dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about ½ cm thick. Use a round cutter or a cup to cut out circles slightly larger than the diameter of your sausage slices.
3. Assemble the Buns:
   • Take one dough circle, place a slice of sausage on top, then cover it with another dough circle.
   • Repeat this layering process (dough, sausage, dough) until you have about 3 layers.
   • You should have multiple layers of sausage and dough, creating a delicious layered effect in each bun.
4. Shape the Buns: Gently press the edges of the dough layers together to seal them. Depending on your creativity, you can slightly twist or pinch the sides to give the buns a more artistic shape. For visual clarity, it’s helpful to watch a video demonstration of how to shape the buns.

Step 3: Proof the Buns

1. Brush with Egg Yolk: Lightly brush each bun with a beaten egg yolk to give them a beautiful golden-brown color when baked.
2. Rest the Buns: Let the buns rest for 20 minutes to rise a bit more before baking.

Step 4: Bake the Buns

1. Preheat the Oven: While the buns are resting, preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
2. Bake: Place the buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the dough is fully cooked.
3. Cool and Serve: Once done, remove the buns from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Cooking Tips:

• Using Active Dry Yeast: If you are using active dry yeast instead of instant yeast, dissolve it in the warm milk with the sugar for 5-10 minutes before adding it to the dry ingredients. This activates the yeast and ensures the dough rises properly.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. This makes it easier to bake the buns fresh in the morning or for a special event.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different sausage varieties. You can use smoked sausages, ham, or even cheese-filled sausages for an added twist. Add your favorite herbs or spices to the dough to give it more flavor, such as garlic powder or Italian herbs.
• Perfect Texture: To get a soft and tender texture for the buns, make sure not to overbake them. They should be golden on the outside and soft on the inside.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.
• Freezing: These buns freeze well. After baking, allow the buns to cool completely before wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen by baking them in a preheated oven for 10-12 minutes at 180°C (350°F).

Nutritional Facts (Per Bun, Based on 10 Buns):

• Calories: 220-250 kcal
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 350mg

These sausage buns provide a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat, making them a filling snack or meal. Adjust the amount of sausage and cheese to meet your dietary preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I make the dough without yeast? Yeast is essential for this recipe to give the buns their light and fluffy texture. If you prefer a no-yeast option, you could use baking powder, but the texture will be more like a biscuit or scone.

2. Can I add other ingredients to the filling? Absolutely! You can add grated cheese, sautéed onions, or even some herbs to the sausage layers to give the buns extra flavor.

3. How can I make the buns more flavorful? For added flavor, brush the tops with garlic butter after baking, or sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on the egg wash before baking.

4. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can replace part or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version. However, whole wheat flour can make the dough denser, so you may need to add a bit more milk or water to achieve the desired dough consistency.

5. How do I know when the buns are fully baked? The buns are done when they are golden brown on the outside and sound hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom. You can also use a food thermometer to check if the internal temperature of the buns reaches 90°C (195°F).

Conclusion:

These Sausage Buns are the perfect combination of soft, flavorful bread and savory sausage, making them an irresistible treat for any meal. The simplicity of the ingredients and the flexibility of the recipe make it easy to customize the buns to suit your taste. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or even as a snack for a gathering, these buns are sure to be a hit. The golden, crispy outside and soft, fluffy inside with the savory taste of sausage make this dish an instant favorite. Enjoy the process of making these delicious buns and the joy of sharing them with family and friends!