Everything Cheddar Buns

Everything But the Bagel spice from Trader Joe’s has quickly become one of my favorite things to add to, well, everything. These buns included.

INGREDIENTS

 1 cup warm whole milk
1 packet instant dry yeast
1 Tbsp honey
2 eggs, beaten
2 Tbsp butter, melted
3 ½ - 4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp kosher salt
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves
2 Tbsp everything bagel spice
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought

DIRECTIONS

• In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the milk, yeast, honey, eggs, butter, 3 ½ cups flour, and salt. Using the dough hook, mix until the flour is completely incorporated, about 4-5 minutes. If the dough seems sticky, add the remaining ½ cup of flour.

• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

• Meanwhile, make the filling. In a small bowl, combine the cheddar, thyme, everything bagel spice, and crushed red pepper flakes. 

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment. 

• Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Turn out the dough, punch it down, and roll it into a rectangle about 10 x 16 inches. Spread the pesto evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the cheddar mix evenly over the pesto, lightly pushing it into the pesto. Starting with the long edge closest to you, carefully roll the dough into a log, keeping it fairly tight as you go. When you reach the edge, pinch along the edge to seal. Using a sharp knife, cut into 12 rolls. Place the rolls in the prepared baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise 20-30 minutes. Alternately, you can let the rolls sit in the fridge overnight. 

• Bake the rolls for 20-25minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling.