Check out our latest magazine... Read Online

Cheese & Chilli Hot Cross Buns

Put a little zing in your hot cross buns this Easter with Adele Trathan’s twist on an age-old recipe

Makes: 12

INGREDIENTS

  • 700g (1lb 8oz) strong white bread flour, plus 5 tbsp for crosses
  • 400ml (13½fl oz) milk, warm (not hot)
  • 2 x 7g (¼ oz) sachets fast-action dried yeast
  • 1 tsp mustard powder
  • ½ tsp chilli powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 150g (5oz) mature cheddar, grated
  • 5 tbsp grated parmesan
  • 5 tbsp water

METHOD

  1. Put the flour, yeast, paprika, mustard and chilli powder and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the centre and pour in the milk. Mix with a wooden spoon, then use your hands to form a soft dough.
  2. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until smooth. Put back into the bowl and lightly cover with oiled cling film and leave in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
  3. Tip the dough back out onto a floured surface and knead in the cheddar cheese evenly (keep some aside for sprinkling over before cooking). Cut the dough into 12 evenly sized pieces and shape into round buns.
  4. Dust a large flat baking sheet with flour and place the buns on the sheet allowing a 2-3cm gap between each one. Cover with a clean tea towel and leave to prove at room temperature for one hour or until nearly doubled in size.
  5. Heat the oven to 200°C (180°C Fan, 390°F, Gas 6). Mix the parmesan, 5 tbsp of flour with 5 tbsp water to make a thin paste. Spoon the paste into a piping bag or a zip-lock bag and make a small cut in one corner. Pipe a line across each row of buns, then again in a perpendicular direction to make a cross on each bun.
  6. Scatter the tops with the remaining cheddar cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden. Cool on a wire rack, serve warm with butter, delicious with soup for lunch.

More from Food and Drink

  • Recipe: William Shatner’s Cappuccino Muffins!

    Even in outer space, there’s nothing quite like a cappuccino muffin. Star Trek legend William Shatner goes boldly into the kitchen and delivers the goods...

  • Kids Zone: Apples, Apples and more Apples

    This month Sara Whatley and her family have gone mad for apples

  • Recipe: Red Velvet Cupcakes

    Deliciously light and fluffy, these red velvet cupcakes with a gorgeous soft cheese frosting are ideal for an afternoon tea – they are sure to impress your guests

  • Recipe: Saffron & Lemon Chicken Joojeh Kebabs

    This probably features on the menu of every Persian restaurant in the world, the marinade of yogurt and lemon juice tenderises the meat beautifully. This simplified version can be made at home in a conventional oven or grill if you don’t have a barbecue

  • South Carolina BBQ Chicken Thighs

    Try this winning BBQ chicken recipe from Grillstock founders Jon Finch and Ben Merrington and learn how to make both an authentic South Carolina BBQ sauce, and their secret BBQ rub.

  • Weddings: The Food of Love

    From a vegan feast to sausage, mash and gravy, what will you serve at your wedding? Sara Whatley explores the world of wedding catering

  • Vino, Vidi, Vici: The Vineyards, Breweries & Distilleries of Sussex

    James Forryan investigates the history of producing wine, beer and spirits in Sussex, and how we should all say 'Cheers!' to its great success...

  • Recipe: Raspberry Blancmange

    Based on a retro classic, this blancmange is a far cry from its wobbly 1970s reputation – instead, this is a light and creamy raspberry and almond dessert

  • Recipe: Sizzling Spare Ribs with BBQ Sauce

    The perfect spare ribs for your summer barbeque!

  • Highweald Estate: Wines of Outstanding Natural Beauty

    One of the wonders of Sussex is the capacity to create food and drink of outstanding quality and Highweald Wine is one such example, producing English Sparking Wines of exceptional standard – Robert Veitch went to find out more, and enjoy a glass or two

  • Recipe: Salted Caramel Praline Brownie

    Baker and author of Postal Bakes, Lucy Burton, will have you drooling at these divine brownies.

  • Recipe: Olive Oil, Pistachio & Lemon Cake

    This simple but delicious cake is made in a food processor, so it takes just minutes to prepare. Serve it with a simple lemon and sugar glaze and sprinkle with a few roughly chopped pistachios and dried rose petals

  • Recipe: Pappardelle with Rose Harissa, Black Olives & Capers

    Pasta is perfect for an easy spring supper and ‘Pappare’ means ‘to gobble up’ in Italian, which is the destiny of this dish! If you prefer a little less spice, then simply reduce the quantity of harissa

  • Mary Berry's Mediterranean All-in-One Chicken

    This is a great way to feed the family as the chicken and veg are all cooked in one very large tray in the oven. It takes only minutes to put everything together then it sits in the oven for under an hour with no fussy finishing off to do and only one pan to wash up.

  • Recipe: Simple Fish Curry

    Cooking a curry from scratch can feel a little daunting but this traditional Burmese recipe is really easy. Lightly spiced, warming and stunningly simple, this curry is one you’ll return to again and again

  • Recipe: Easter Leg of Lamb

    When it comes to Easter feasts, you can always look to Italy for a sublime celebration of food, family and faith. This Easter leg of lamb with an Italian twist is the perfect dish to serve to your brood over the bank holiday

  • Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Buttercups

    The dreamy combination of chocolate and peanut butter is indulgent and decadent so the perfect treat for Easter. These little beauties contain only a few ingredients (with a vegan option) and are quick and super easy to make

  • Recipe: Prune and Orange Hot Cross Buns

    As a master baker and judge of ITV’s Britain’s Best Bakery, Peter Sidwell knows a thing or two about hot cross buns, as this fragrant and delicious recipe testifies.

  • Kids Zone: Giant Pancakes

    Batter up! It’s time for some pancakes fun and flips with Sara Whatley’s easy-peasy giant pancakes!

  • Recipe: Choux Hearts with Berries

    Celebrity MasterChef contestant Lisa Faulkner knows full well that food is the language of love. So, what better way to woo your beloved on Valentine’s Day than with these stunning choux hearts?