Ingredients:
- 1 package (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1 cup lukewarm water (about 110 degrees F)
- 2 tbsp oil (vegetable, canola, or olive) plus more for greasing bowl
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 6 oz sharp cheddar, shredded
- 3 large jalapenos, seeded and chopped
Instructions
- Add warm water to the bowl of your mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and sprinkle the yeast over top of the water. Let sit for 5 minutes until most of the yeast has dissolved. Stir in the, oil, 1 egg, and sugar into the yeast mixture. With the mixer on low speed, mix in the flour, salt, cheese, and peppers until the dough forms a shaggy mass then switch to the dough hook. Knead on medium-low for about 2 minutes. The dough should clear the sides of the bowl; if the dough sticks, knead in additional flour by the tablespoon until the dough no longer sticks to the sides of the bowl. Increase speed to medium and knead the dough for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the dough to a large bowl that has been lightly greased with oil. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Once the dough has risen, transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and divide it in half. Divide each half into 4 equal pieces (or 6 if you want 12 smaller buns). Roll each piece in to a boule (ball) with any loose ends tucked under the bottom of the boule. Place each boule on the baking sheet about 1 inch apart and flatten each a little bit with your hand. Cover with a damp paper towel or kitchen towel and let them rise for 20 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350. Allow the dough to continue to rise while the oven preheats. Whisk the remaining egg with 1 tbsp water in a small bowl and set aside.
- Once the oven has pre-heated, brush the tops of the buns with the egg wash and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until golden brown. Let the buns cool on a the baking sheet (on a wire rack) for 10 minutes before slicing. Leftover buns can be stored in a well-sealed bag for 1-2 days but I recommend freezing the leftover buns within one day of making them to preserve freshness.
Yields: 8 large or 12 small hamburger buns