Cheese-stuffed hot cross buns are a brilliant side dish for an Easter braai

Makes: 6

Ingredients:

1 tray of hot cross buns (you can use the fruit-free buns if desired)

250ml (1 cup) grated cheddar cheese

30ml (2 tbsp) softened butter

Fresh thyme and basil

Optional:

Tomato slices

Pitted olives, sliced

Chopped cooked bacon, salami or smoked chicken

Method: 

1. Remove the buns from the foil tray or packet. Using a bread knife, cut the buns along the cross both ways without cutting right through.
2. Combine the cheese and butter and with your fingers open the slits and fill with the cheese mixture.
3. Add the tomato and olive slices and pieces of bacon, salami and chicken, if using.
4. Bake in a preheated oven of 160°C till the cheese is bubbling and melted and the buns are golden brown, taking care they don't burn.
5. Serve immediately.