CHEESY HOT CROSS BUNS

MAKES 6

Combining the appetising sweetness of the bun with the saltiness of cheese and other optional ingredients makes a good brunch or snack.

1 tray of hot cross buns — you can use the fruit-free buns if desired

250ml (1 cup) grated cheddar cheese 30ml (2 tbsp) softened butter

Fresh thyme and basil

Optional

Tomato slices

Pitted olives, sliced

Chopped cooked bacon, salami or smoked chicken

Remove the buns from the foil tray or packet. Using a bread knife, cut the buns along the cross both ways without cutting right through.

Combine the cheese and butter and with your fingers open the slits and fill with the cheese mixture.

Add the tomato and olive slices and pieces of bacon, salami and chicken, if using.

Bake in a preheated oven of 160°C till cheese is bubbling and melted and the buns are golden brown, taking care it doesn’t burn.

Serve immediately.