Fluffy Cheese and Herb Stuffed Buns

Fluffy Cheese and Herb Stuffed Buns

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. 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.

1. 1. 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.
   2. 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.
   3. 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.

1. 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. 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. 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.

1. 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. 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. 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.

1. 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.
2. 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.