Cheesy Zucchini & Basil Heart-Shaped Buns: A Savory Delight

2 hours 20 minutes

756 reads

4.20 from 5 votes

About Cheesy Zucchini & Basil Heart-Shaped Buns: A Savory Delight

Imagine sinking your teeth into warm, cheesy, heart-shaped buns bursting with fresh flavors. These adorable savory treats are not only visually stunning but also packed with wholesome goodness, making them the perfect snack or side dish for any occasion.
Filled with tender zucchini, fragrant basil, and sharp cheddar cheese, each bite offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Made with nutritious whole wheat spelt flour and tangy buttermilk, these buns are as satisfying as they are delicious.
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a delightful weeknight treat, these cheesy zucchini and basil heart-shaped buns are sure to impress your family and friends.
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Recipe Time & More

Prep2 hours
Cook20 minutes
Total2 hours 20 minutes
Calories301 kcal
Serves8
Served AsSnacks
Recipe TasteSalty

Ingredients
 

Produce

Dry Ingredients

Dairy & Cheese

Oil

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Instructions
 

  • Grate the zucchini. Place the grated zucchini in a colander and let it drain for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for preventing a soggy dough. Squeeze out any remaining liquid and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat spelt flour, salt, and instant yeast.
  • Add the chopped scallions, chopped white onion, drained zucchini, fresh basil, and shredded cheddar cheese to the dry ingredients.
  • Pour in the buttermilk. Mix with a stand mixer or electric hand mixer on medium-high speed for 8-10 minutes. The dough should become shiny and elastic. Kneading develops the gluten, resulting in a soft and chewy texture.
  • Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces, about 40 grams each.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece of dough into a circle. Brush each circle with olive oil and sprinkle with dried basil.
    Cheesy Zucchini & Basil Heart-Shaped Buns: A Savory Delight - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Starting at one end, tightly roll the dough into a log.
  • Fold the log in half, bringing one end over the other. Pinch the ends to seal.
    Cheesy Zucchini & Basil Heart-Shaped Buns: A Savory Delight - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Starting about 1 inch from the sealed end, cut lengthwise through the folded dough, stopping just before you reach the other end.
    Cheesy Zucchini & Basil Heart-Shaped Buns: A Savory Delight - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Open the cut sides outward, fanning them slightly to create a heart shape.
    Cheesy Zucchini & Basil Heart-Shaped Buns: A Savory Delight - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Place the heart-shaped buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
    Cheesy Zucchini & Basil Heart-Shaped Buns: A Savory Delight - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the tops of the buns with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
    Cheesy Zucchini & Basil Heart-Shaped Buns: A Savory Delight - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers

Recipe Notes

Good To Know

  • For extra moisture control, lightly salt the grated courgette and let it sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out excess liquid before adding to the dough. This helps prevent soggy buns and ensures a tender crumb.
  • Try substituting the cheddar with a smoked cheese or a strong, mature variety for a deeper flavor profile, or swap in crumbled feta for a tangier twist.
  • If you’d like a crispier crust, brush the buns with a little beaten egg or milk before baking, and sprinkle extra grated cheese or seeds (like poppy or sesame) on top for added texture.
  • To make these buns ahead, shape and proof them as directed, then freeze before the final rise. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise fully at room temperature before putting them in the oven.

Expert Tips

  • Don't overmix the dough. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, resulting in tough buns.
  • For even baking, ensure your oven is properly preheated and use an oven thermometer to verify the temperature.
  • Let the buns cool slightly on a wire rack before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy on the bottom.

Storage Instructions

  • Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

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4.20 from 5 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 301kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 4gFat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10.8gSodium: 285mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1g

divya jain
divya jain
Articles: 38
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4.20 from 5 votes

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