Jalapeño cheddar buns are a delicious twist on classic bread rolls, featuring spicy jalapeños and sharp cheddar cheese. Here’s a recipe to make these flavorful buns at home:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2-3 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: additional shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the granulated sugar in the warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture, warm milk, and melted butter.
- Mix the ingredients until a soft dough forms. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Add Jalapeños and Cheddar:
- Punch down the risen dough and knead in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped jalapeños until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the Buns:
- Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each bun for rising.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the buns with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Egg Wash and Topping (Optional):
- Brush the tops of the risen buns with beaten egg for a shiny finish.
- Optionally, sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese over the tops of the buns for extra flavor and texture.
- Bake the Buns:
- Bake the jalapeño cheddar buns in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the buns should reach about 190°F (88°C).
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.
These jalapeño cheddar buns are perfect as a side dish for soups, stews, or salads, or as a delicious snack on their own. Enjoy the spicy kick and cheesy goodness of these homemade buns!