The First Day of Spring is here, and what better way to celebrate than with a warm, cheesy twist on a seasonal favorite? These Cheesy Hot Cross Buns are the ultimate savory bake—soft, golden buns filled with gooey, melty cheese and brushed with buttery goodness for that perfect finish. Whether you're baking for a cozy spring brunch, prepping for your Easter Sunday menu, or simply craving something comforting and delicious, this recipe is a must-try.
Created by food creator Franchesca of @breakthrukitchen , this recipe brings together the flavors of spring with a savory upgrade that’s impossible to resist. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing Easter baking idea that will leave your guests reaching for seconds.
Franchesca baked these cheesy buns using her go-to Bakeware Set from Larder & Vine—designed for even heating, easy cleanup, and a beautiful presentation straight from oven to table. The bakeware’s nonstick ceramic coating ensures every bun bakes up golden and releases effortlessly, making it ideal for all your spring baking recipes.
If you’re looking to switch up your Easter traditions or add a new favorite to your seasonal baking list, this Cheesy Hot Cross Buns recipe is the perfect place to start. Pair it with a fresh salad or serve alongside your holiday ham—it’s versatile, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress.
Ready to bake? Keep reading for Franchesca’s full cheesy hot cross buns recipe, and don’t forget to explore more of her springtime creations on her blog or follow along on Instagram for step-by-step inspiration.
Why use our Larder & Vine Ceramic Cake Pan?
When you decide to bake with our ceramic cake pan, it comes equipped with a total of 8 pieces of ceramic bakeware that not only match, but they easily stack into one piece for easy, compact storage:
2 baking sheets
2 muffin tins
1 round pan
1 square pan
1 loaf pan
1 deep roasting pan
Healthy baking is number 1 on our priority list here at Larder & Vine so you can have peace of mind when baking your delicious recipes knowing this Bakeware Set is free of all heavy metals, PFAS, PFOA, & PTFE.
Recipe Summary
1 hour 25 minutes
25 minutes
12
Appetizer
Recipe Ingredients
- 3½ cups bread flour
- 1½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1½ teaspoon instant yeast
- 1½ cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 egg
- ⅔ cup warm milk + 2 tablespoons
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- ¼ cup water
- Extra butter for brushing
Recipe Directions
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, yeast, salt, and herbs. Whisk together until evenly mixed.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the egg, warm milk, and butter to the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to mix until the dough starts to come together.
3. Combine with Eggs & Onions
To the bowl with the drained zucchini, add the chopped green onions and the beaten eggs. Mix gently to combine.
4. Prepare the Dry Mix
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, the remaining salt, and black pepper.
5. Prepare the Dry Mix
Add the flour mixture into the zucchini–egg mixture, stirring until everything is evenly combined.
6. Heat the Pan & Form Fritters
In your Larder & Vine Skillet or Braiser, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, scoop about ¼ cup of batter for each fritter, flattening it gently into a pancake shape.
7. Fry Until Golden
Cook the fritters for about 5 minutes on each side (or as needed), until golden brown. Adjust the heat to avoid burning or undercooking.
8. Serve with Dipping Sauce
Remove the cooked fritters to a plate (you can line it with paper towels). Serve warm with sour cream for dipping.
9. Make the Flour Paste
In a small bowl, combine all-purpose flour with a bit of water to create a thick paste.
10. Add the Cross Decoration
Using a spoon or a piping bag, pipe a cross shape on top of each risen bun with the flour paste.
11. Bake the Buns
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown.
12. Brush with Butter
Remove the cooked fritters to a plate (you can line it with paper towels). Serve warm with sour cream for dipping.
13. Cool and Serve
Remove the cooked fritters to a plate (you can line it with paper towels). Serve warm with sour cream for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
These cheesy hot cross buns are best served warm and fresh from the oven. They pair beautifully with a hearty soup or stew, making for a cozy, comforting meal. Whether you’re serving them at Easter brunch or a holiday gathering, they add a satisfying savory touch that complements a wide range of flavors.
For a lighter option, enjoy these buns with a simple spread of butter, garlic herb dip, or even a drizzle of olive oil. Their cheesy flavor is a perfect fit for brunch spreads or festive gatherings, adding a flavorful twist to the traditional hot cross bun that guests will love.
