These soft and fluffy Pepperoni Cheese Scallion Buns are a variation of my Mom's pepperoni buns, with the added flavors of green onions and cheese.
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Why you'll love this recipe
This recipe for Pepperoni Cheese Scallion Buns is adapted from my Mom's pepperoni buns, with the addition of melty cheese and fragrant scallions.
Unique shaping: instead of coiling the dough around the pepperoni, the dough is slit, in the same way of making wool yam bread buns.
Soft and pillowy texture: as with my breads and buns, the dough is light and fluffy, which makes it the perfect vessel for tucking in pepperoni and cheese (similar to making stuffed breadsticks).
Savory & satisfying: the balance of flavors come from the pepperoni, melty cheese (especially when warm!), and slight sharpness from the green onions.
Portable: these pepperoni cheese green onion buns are great for lunches, a snack or light meal, or on-the-go.
Ingredients you'll need
- 1 batch of hamburger bun dough
- pepperoni sticks: cut into 4.5" lengths; you could use sliced pepperoni too, or regular hot dogs
- shredded cheese: your choice; I like cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey jack
- green onion/scallions: chopped
- egg: beaten, for egg wash
How to make the pepperoni cheese scallion buns
Make the hamburger bun dough:
Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast, letting it activate for about 5 minutes.
Mix with flour, egg, salt, and oil, then knead until smooth.
Let the dough rise in a warm location until doubled, anywhere from 1-1.5 hours.
Assemble:
Divide the dough into 10 portions and roll each into an oblong square, about 4.5" by 4".
Place a pepperoni stick at one end, slit the dough, add cheese and scallions, then roll up.
Let it proof until slightly puffy.
Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with sesame seeds (optional).
Bake at 375°F/191°C for 18-20 minutes until golden. Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Variations
Change it up: use different ingredients, such as parmesan, prosciutto, hotdog, or ham. I don't suggest using any overly wet ingredients for this recipe.
More cheese: sprinkle extra cheese on the top before baking for even more texture and flavor.
Make it mini: cut the pepperoni into smaller lengths, and use Taiwanese or Chinese sausage for an Asian spin.
How to serve
Serve the baked pepperoni cheese scallion buns at room temperature or slightly warmed.
Pair with a bubble tea, jasmine milk tea, or sparkling strawberry lychee tea.
How to store & reheat
Store the buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.
Transfer to the fridge and store for up to 1 week, or place into the freezer for up to 1 month.
Reheat the buns in the microwave from frozen (cover with a damp paper towel), for about 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through.
Expert tips
How to tell if the dough is properly kneaded?
When the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
It should pass the "windowpane test" -- gently stretch a small piece between your fingers; if it forms a thin, translucent sheet without tearing, it's ready.
How to tell if the dough is properly proofed:
Use the poke test -- if the dough:
- the bounces back right away when you poke the dough, it's not ready yet; give it some more time.
- leaves an indentation and bounces back slowly, it's ready to go.
- leaves an indentation and doesn't bounce back, it may be overproofed -- time to get it in the oven ASAP.
Other delicious bun recipes you may like
Did you make this recipe?
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Pepperoni Cheese Scallion Buns
For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 250 ml whole milk lukewarm
- 15 g granulated sugar
- 8 g active dry yeast
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- pinch of sea salt
- 60 ml avocado oil
Filling:
- 1 C shredded cheese your choice
- 10 pepperoni sticks about 4.5" in length
- 2 stalks green onions/scallions chopped
Egg wash:
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds optional
Instructions
Make the dough:
- In a bowl, add the warmed milk, granulated sugar and yeast. Give it a stir and let the yeast activate and become bubbly, about 5 minutes.
- To a stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook attachment, add the flour, egg, salt, and oil.
- Add in the activated yeast mixture and knead until the dough becomes smooth and shiny, about 8-10 minutes.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover with a tea towel.
- Let the dough rise in a warm location until doubled in size, about 1-1.5 hours, depending on how warm it is.
Shape and assemble:
- Once the dough has proofed, divide into 10 equal portions.
- Preheat oven to 375°F/191°C.
- Roll each portion into a oblong square, about 4.5" by 4".
- Place a pepperoni stick at one end (the wider end) and cut a few slits perpendicular to the pepperoni.
- Add cheese and scallions to the pepperoni.
- Working from the end with the pepperoni, roll the dough up and place seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Repeat with the remainder.
- Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a tea towel and let it rise in a warm location, until slightly puffy, about 20 minutes.
- Lightly brush the tops of the buns with beaten egg.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds (optional).
Bake:
- Bake the buns at 375°F/191°C for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.
Ben | Havocinthekitchen
Such delicious looking buns. The dough is so light, airy, flakey, and with an amazing colour on the outside. Inviting!
Michelle
Thanks Ben! The buns have so much flavor 🙂
Neil
Michelle, your pepperoni cheese scallion buns look absolutely incredible! I love that they’re inspired by your mom’s recipe. Family recipes are always the best! The combination of melty cheese, savoury pepperoni, and fresh scallions sounds amazing!
Michelle
Hi Neil, thanks so much! Indeed, the combination of flavors in this bun is divine! 😀
David @ Spiced
Woah - these buns would not last long around here! You had me at pepperoni + cheese, but then I saw the cool coiled design. I need to make these!!
Michelle
Thanks David! This recipe is definitely up your alley! 🙂 Can't wait to see your version!
Healthy World Cuisine
You have done it again! Now we can make delicious pepperoni and scallion buns at home with your easy to follow step by step directions. Lunch or breakfast on the go is super delicious.
Michelle
Thank you Bobbi! It's such a fun and whimsical way to showcase the filling in the buns!
Raymund | angsarap.net
Pepperoni, cheese, and scallions all stuffed into pillowy buns? You’ve basically invented the ultimate savory snack! Love the wool bread-inspired shaping, so clever for keeping all that melty goodness tucked inside. Now I’m tempted to swap in some spicy sausage or extra cheese (because why not?). Perfect for lunchboxes or emergency carb cravings!
Michelle
Spicy sausage and extra cheese sounds like such a great idea! Definitely a fun lunch for sure! 🙂 Thanks Raymund!