Fluffy Buns with Ham and Cheese
Introduction
The joy of cooking lies in every enticing aroma and every delicious bite. Today, I invite you to discover the recipe for fluffy buns filled with ham and cheese, perfect for both a festive appetizer and a quick snack during the day. This recipe combines tradition with a passion for cooking, offering you a spectacular result that will delight family and friends. Whether served warm or cold, these buns are an excellent choice for any occasion.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1-2 hours
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total: 1-2 hours 55 minutes
Number of servings: 12 buns
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 packet (7 g) of dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 400 g of flour (ideally type 650)
- 120 ml of warm sparkling water
- 200 g of ham, diced small
- 200 g of cheese, diced small
History of the recipe
Over time, bread has been a staple food in many cultures, symbolizing prosperity and hospitality. Stuffed breads, like the ones we will prepare today, were created to provide a hearty and tasty meal. These buns with ham and cheese are a perfect example of comfort food, being easy to make and extremely satisfying.
Step-by-step preparation
1. Preparing the yeast
In a small bowl, add the dry yeast along with the teaspoon of sugar. Add warm sparkling water (not hot, so as not to kill the yeast) and set the mixture aside for 5-10 minutes. You will notice the yeast starting to bubble, a sign that it is active and ready for use.
2. Mixing the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, put the flour and salt. It is important to mix the dry ingredients well to ensure an even distribution of salt. This step helps achieve a better texture of the bun.
3. Adding the wet ingredients
Once the yeast has activated, add it to the bowl with flour, along with the beaten eggs and the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Start mixing with a spatula or with your hands, gradually integrating the flour with the liquids.
4. Kneading the dough
Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to the bowl or your hands. If necessary, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
5. Letting the dough rise
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in volume. This step is crucial for achieving fluffy buns.
6. Shaping the buns
After the dough has risen, take half of it and place it on a floured work surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece with your hand and add a tablespoon of the ham and cheese mixture in the center. Fold the dough around the filling and form balls.
7. Preparing for baking
Grease the muffin tins with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the balls of dough in the tins, leaving a little space between them to expand. Then brush them with a little oil for a golden crust.
8. Baking
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place the tins in the oven and bake the buns for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden and fluffy. You can check if they are baked by lightly tapping the bottom – a hollow sound indicates they are ready.
9. Cooling and serving
Let the buns cool slightly before removing them from the tins. Serve them warm or at room temperature, alongside a fresh salad or a yogurt dip for a delicious contrast.
Useful tips
- Water temperature: It is essential that the sparkling water is warm, not hot. A temperature that is too high can destroy the yeast, while one that is too low will not activate it properly.
- Filling: Make sure the ham and cheese filling is cut into small cubes for easy sealing in the dough.
- Variations: You can experiment with different fillings, such as mushrooms, olives, or feta cheese. You can also add herbs to the dough for extra flavor.
Nutritional benefits
These buns are a good source of protein due to the eggs, ham, and cheese. The flour used can be whole grain for added fiber. Additionally, olive oil brings healthy fats into the diet.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use fresh yeast?
Yes, you can replace dry yeast with fresh yeast, using about 25 g. Dissolve the fresh yeast in warm water, just like the dry one.
2. How can I store the buns?
The buns can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can freeze them, and in that case, let them thaw at room temperature before consuming.
3. What can these buns be paired with?
They pair wonderfully with a tomato and cucumber salad, garlic yogurt sauce, or even a warm soup.
Completion
Now that you have discovered the recipe for these delicious buns with ham and cheese, all that’s left is to start cooking. Whether you enjoy them with family or serve them as an appetizer at a party, I’m sure they will become a favorite. Enjoy your meal!
Introduction
The joy of cooking lies in every enticing aroma and every delicious bite. Today, I invite you to discover the recipe for fluffy buns filled with ham and cheese, perfect for both a festive appetizer and a quick snack during the day. This recipe combines tradition with a passion for cooking, offering you a spectacular result that will delight family and friends. Whether served warm or cold, these buns are an excellent choice for any occasion.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1-2 hours
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total: 1-2 hours 55 minutes
Number of servings: 12 buns
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 packet (7 g) of dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 400 g of flour (ideally type 650)
- 120 ml of warm sparkling water
- 200 g of ham, diced small
- 200 g of cheese, diced small
History of the recipe
Over time, bread has been a staple food in many cultures, symbolizing prosperity and hospitality. Stuffed breads, like the ones we will prepare today, were created to provide a hearty and tasty meal. These buns with ham and cheese are a perfect example of comfort food, being easy to make and extremely satisfying.
Step-by-step preparation
1. Preparing the yeast
In a small bowl, add the dry yeast along with the teaspoon of sugar. Add warm sparkling water (not hot, so as not to kill the yeast) and set the mixture aside for 5-10 minutes. You will notice the yeast starting to bubble, a sign that it is active and ready for use.
2. Mixing the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, put the flour and salt. It is important to mix the dry ingredients well to ensure an even distribution of salt. This step helps achieve a better texture of the bun.
3. Adding the wet ingredients
Once the yeast has activated, add it to the bowl with flour, along with the beaten eggs and the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Start mixing with a spatula or with your hands, gradually integrating the flour with the liquids.
4. Kneading the dough
Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to the bowl or your hands. If necessary, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
5. Letting the dough rise
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in volume. This step is crucial for achieving fluffy buns.
6. Shaping the buns
After the dough has risen, take half of it and place it on a floured work surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece with your hand and add a tablespoon of the ham and cheese mixture in the center. Fold the dough around the filling and form balls.
7. Preparing for baking
Grease the muffin tins with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the balls of dough in the tins, leaving a little space between them to expand. Then brush them with a little oil for a golden crust.
8. Baking
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place the tins in the oven and bake the buns for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden and fluffy. You can check if they are baked by lightly tapping the bottom – a hollow sound indicates they are ready.
9. Cooling and serving
Let the buns cool slightly before removing them from the tins. Serve them warm or at room temperature, alongside a fresh salad or a yogurt dip for a delicious contrast.
Useful tips
- Water temperature: It is essential that the sparkling water is warm, not hot. A temperature that is too high can destroy the yeast, while one that is too low will not activate it properly.
- Filling: Make sure the ham and cheese filling is cut into small cubes for easy sealing in the dough.
- Variations: You can experiment with different fillings, such as mushrooms, olives, or feta cheese. You can also add herbs to the dough for extra flavor.
Nutritional benefits
These buns are a good source of protein due to the eggs, ham, and cheese. The flour used can be whole grain for added fiber. Additionally, olive oil brings healthy fats into the diet.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use fresh yeast?
Yes, you can replace dry yeast with fresh yeast, using about 25 g. Dissolve the fresh yeast in warm water, just like the dry one.
2. How can I store the buns?
The buns can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can freeze them, and in that case, let them thaw at room temperature before consuming.
3. What can these buns be paired with?
They pair wonderfully with a tomato and cucumber salad, garlic yogurt sauce, or even a warm soup.
Completion
Now that you have discovered the recipe for these delicious buns with ham and cheese, all that’s left is to start cooking. Whether you enjoy them with family or serve them as an appetizer at a party, I’m sure they will become a favorite. Enjoy your meal!