Cheese-filled pastries

Delicious Cheese-Stuffed Buns Recipe: A Delightful Culinary Experience

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Number of Servings: 12 buns

Cheese-stuffed buns are a perfect choice for a savory breakfast, a delicious snack, or even an appetizer for a festive meal. These wonderful treats are not only simple to make but also extremely versatile and full of flavor. The history of these buns is closely linked to the culinary traditions of many cultures, each having its own variant, but all sharing a love for cheese and soft, fluffy dough.

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 3 cups of flour (make sure it is of good quality to achieve a fluffy dough)
- 1 packet of dry yeast (about 7 g)
- 3 tablespoons of sugar (this will help activate the yeast and add a sweet note)
- 1 teaspoon of salt (to balance the flavors)
- 50 g of melted butter (adds a rich flavor to the dough)
- 1 egg (to enrich the dough)
- 1 cup of warm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)

*For the filling:*
- 250 g of telemea cheese (you can also use other types of cheese, such as cottage cheese or ricotta, depending on your preferences)
- 2 eggs (to bind the filling)

*Additionally:*
- 1 egg (to brush the buns)
- 2 tablespoons of thick yogurt or sour cream (added for extra creaminess)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour with the salt, making a well in the center. In another bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk, adding the sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential, as activated yeast ensures even rising of the dough.

2. Incorporating the ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture into the well of the flour. Add the beaten egg and melted butter. Start mixing the ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon. As you mix, gradually add milk until the dough begins to come together.

3. Kneading the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic. If it is too sticky, add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it; wet dough will produce fluffier buns.

4. First rise: Shape the dough into a ball, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

5. Preparing the filling: In a separate bowl, mix the grated telemea cheese with the two beaten eggs until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. This will be the delicious filling for the buns.

6. Shaping the buns: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece in your hands to form a ball, then flatten it slightly. In the center of each piece, place a spoonful of the cheese filling. Carefully gather the edges of the dough to seal the filling, forming a ball.

7. Second rise: Place the buns on the prepared baking tray (greased with butter or lined with parchment paper), leaving space between them. Let them rise for 20 minutes, covered with a towel.

8. Preparing for the oven: In a small bowl, beat an egg with the two tablespoons of yogurt or sour cream. Brush each bun with this mixture for a golden and shiny crust after baking.

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the buns for 30-40 minutes, or until they are golden and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

10. Cooling and serving: Let the buns cool on a rack before serving. They are delicious both warm and at room temperature. We recommend enjoying them with a cup of warm milk or a fragrant tea.

Practical tips:

- Choosing the cheese: Telemea cheese is ideal for the filling, but you can experiment with feta or mozzarella for a different texture and milder flavor.
- Vegetarian option: Add fresh herbs to the filling, such as dill or parsley, for an extra burst of flavor.
- Storage: These buns can be kept in the refrigerator for a few days and can be reheated in the oven to maintain their fluffy texture.

Nutritional benefits: These buns are a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, and whole wheat flour, if you choose it over white flour, will add essential fiber to your diet.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use fresh yeast? Yes, you can use fresh yeast, but you will need to adjust the amount (about 20 g of fresh yeast for the same recipe).
- What can I do with leftover dough? If you have leftover dough, you can use it to make bread or simple rolls.
- How can I make sweet buns? You can add a few tablespoons of sugar to the filling, along with a little cinnamon for a sweet and aromatic flavor.

Cooking these cheese-stuffed buns is not only a delightful activity but also an opportunity to bring family and friends to the table. Once you savor these golden treats with creamy filling, you will know that every bite was worth the effort. So don’t hesitate to unleash your creativity and adapt the recipe to your tastes! Enjoy your meal!