Celebrating Easter is such a special time. This is also the time to reinvent a classic Easter treat, this Hot Cross Bun Breakfast Bake, the perfect twist. It’s warm, cheesy, comforting, and just a little bit indulgent — everything a family breakfast or holiday brunch should be.
Forget saving hot cross buns just for tea time. This savoury version of Hot Cross Bun Breakfast Bake takes the familiar sweetness of the buns and transforms them into something new and exciting. Each layer is filled with smoky ham and creamy melted cheese, then baked until the tops turn golden and crisp, while the inside stays soft and buttery. The subtle spices from the buns — cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove — blend beautifully with the salty, savoury notes of the filling, creating a flavour combination that’s pure magic.
One of the best things about this Hot Cross Bun Breakfast Bake is how easy it is to prepare. You can assemble it the night before, pop it into the fridge, and simply bake it in the morning — making it perfect for a relaxed Easter morning or a lazy Sunday brunch. The aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes is enough to get everyone out of bed.
Serve it straight from the oven with a side of scrambled eggs or a crisp green salad, and you’ve got a complete meal that feels both homely and special. It’s a wonderful way to use up leftover hot cross buns while turning them into something new and unforgettable.
This Hot Cross Bun Breakfast Bake isn’t just about tradition — it’s about creativity, comfort, and sharing good food with the people you love. Simple, satisfying, and perfectly balanced, it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together around the table, fork in hand, ready for seconds.
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Ingredients
- 6 hot cross buns cubed
- 200 g gypsy ham cubed or ribboned
- 300 g cheddar cheese grated
- 4-6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- Finish off with Honey or Maple syrup drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180℃/356℉. Line a 20cm x20cm dish with butter and set aside.
- Cut the hot cross buns into 3cm cubes and evenly spread in your baking dish. Insert cubed gypsy ham or fold the ham and insert in the gaps.
- In a large bowl, add the eggs, milk, grated cheese and salt. Evenly pour the mixture over the hot cross buns.
- Bake for around 45mins or until beautifully crispy on top, about 30- 35 minutes. Once removed from the oven allow the bake to rest for 15mins.
- Drizzle over some honey or maple syrup before serving. Enjoy!
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