Sourdough Ham and Cheese Buns
Sourdough Ham and Cheese Buns are soft pillowy sourdough buns with savory ham (or any other type of meat) and melted cheese creating a hearty and healthy breakfast, brunch, or even a snack. With the perfect balance of flavors, these savory treats are great for any occasion. Enjoy them warm, with a crispy crust on the outside and a soft, flavorful interior. They reheat easily.
Equipment
- Kitchen Aid Mixer
- Dough Hook
- Cooling rack
- Baking sheet
- Hand mixer
- Large bowl
- Bench scraper
Ingredients
- 60 g whole milk - room temperature
- 1 farm fresh eggs - room temperature
- 20 g organic cane sugar
- 5 g fine salt
- 75 g active mature starter
- 165 g bread flour
- 1/2 stick of unsalted butter - room temperature 4 tbsp
Instructions
Feed your starter:
- Make sure you have fed your sourdough starter at least 4-6 hours before using it.
- Mix 1 cup bread flour, 3/4 cup water, and 1/2 cup starter. Stir vigorously, making sure all of the flour has been hydrated.
- Leave the starter on top of your fridge until it has doubled (4-6 hours). This depends on how warm your house is. The warmer your house, the faster it will rise and double.
Make the dough:
- In a kitchen aid mixer bowl, combine milk, eggs, sugar, salt, starter, and flour. Knead on speed 3 with a dough hook attachment for about 3-5 mins, until well combined.
- Add the softened butter and knead for 5-7 mins on speed 3.
NOTE: **You might be tempted to add more flour, please don’t, it will make your dough tough and not soft and airy. The dough is supposed to be slightly sticky and wet.
- Cover the bowl with a plastic and leave on top of your fridge for 1 hour.
Strengthen the dough:
- In 1 hour, do a set of coil folds to strengthen the dough. Cover with plastic and leave on top of your fridge for another hour.
- After 1 hour, do one more set of coil foils. Leave the dough covered on top of your fridge for 6-8 hours (overnight)
Fridge proof (optional):
- In the morning: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for about 1 hour. This will help you handle the dough easier, it will be soft and pliable.
Shape the buns:
- In the morning: Take the dough out of the fridge and onto a floured counter. Your dough will be firm and easy to work with.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces using a sharp knife or a bench scraper.
- To shape each portion of dough, fold the edges into the center. Flip it over so that it is seam side down and roll it gently with your hands until it is smooth and round.
Second rise:
- Place the rolled balls of dough onto a parchment paper and let it rise for about 2 hours. (If you are in a time crunch, you can skip this step and start making a well in the dough ball and filling it).
Fill the buns:
- Using a floured bottom of a jar or a glass, press the middle of the dough ball to make a well.
- Add shredded cheese, then add some diced meat of your choice, and top with more cheese. Add a few more meat pieces on top.
Bake the buns:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F(180°C).
- Bake for 25-30 mins, until the edges are golden to your desired liking.
Notes
NOTE: **You might be tempted to add more flour, please don’t, it will make your dough tough and not soft and airy. The dough is supposed to be slightly sticky and wet.