Garden Bunnies

Bring playful charm to your table with these delightful **Garden Bunnies**, soft and fluffy bread rolls filled with gooey mozzarella and infused with fresh herbs like parsley and chives. Perfectly golden with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, these whimsical, bunny-shaped buns are as delicious as they are adorable. Made from scratch using simple pantry staples, the yeast dough rises to pillowy perfection, while the optional black sesame seed eyes bring each bunny to life. They're an irresistible choice for spring gatherings, Easter celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a touch of creativity. Serve warm with soups, salads, or as a standalone snack and watch these herb-infused buns hop their way into everyone's hearts!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 egg
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 2 teaspoons black sesame seeds (optional, for eyes)

Directions

Step 1

In a small saucepan, heat milk and butter over low heat until the butter is melted. Remove from heat and let cool to about 110°F (warm, but not hot to the touch).

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk mixture, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until frothy to activate the yeast.

Step 3

Gradually mix in the egg, salt, and flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.

Step 4

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Incorporate the chopped parsley and chives during kneading for an herby flavor throughout.

Step 5

Form the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 6

Punch the dough down and divide it into 12 equal portions. Flatten each portion slightly and place about 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella in the center. Seal the edges and shape into an oval, creating a bunny body.

Step 7

To make ears, pinch and stretch two small sections of dough at one end of the oval to form pointed ear shapes. Use a toothpick to add texture to the ears if desired.

Step 8

Optionally, press two black sesame seeds into each bun to create 'eyes' for the bunnies.

Step 9

Place the shaped bunnies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 20 minutes.

Step 10

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the bunnies lightly with milk and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Step 11

Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Step 12

Serve warm or at room temperature as a whimsical centerpiece for your table, or pair with a garden-fresh soup for a themed meal!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	876 grams (876.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2429

Total Fat 94.50g	121%
Saturated Fat 46.00g	230%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.00g
Cholesterol 410mg	137%
Sodium 3143mg	137%
Total Carbohydrate 321.90g	117%
Dietary Fiber 14.30g	51%
Total Sugars 38.20g
Protein 80.50g	161%

Vitamin D 155IU	777%
Calcium 1168mg	90%
Iron 21mg	115%
Potassium 1309mg	28%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.6%

Protein: 13.1%

Carbs: 52.3%