Hot Cross Bun Apple Butter Toasties

Hot cross buns, the spiced British rolls marked with a Good Friday cross, meet a sweet-savory twist here. Split and layered with apple butter and sharp white cheddar, they toast into gooey, fragrant toasties finished with flaky salt and thyme.

Serves 4 · 10 min prep · 10 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 340 cal
• 11g protein
• 42g carbs
• 15g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 4 hot cross buns
• 1/2 cup apple butter
• 4 oz sharp white cheddar
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 tsp flaky sea salt
• 4 fresh thyme sprigs

Instructions

1. 1Split the hot cross buns horizontally and lay the halves cut-side up on a clean board.
2. 2Spread a generous layer of apple butter over every cut face so the spiced fruit paste reaches the edges.
3. 3Thinly slice the cheddar and divide it evenly among the bottom halves, covering the apple butter completely.
4. 4Cap each sandwich with its matching top half and press lightly so the filling stays put.
5. 5Melt half the butter in a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat until it just begins to foam.
6. 6Place two toasties in the pan, cover with a lid or smaller skillet for gentle weight, and cook 3 to 4 minutes until the underside is deep golden and crisp.
7. 7Flip carefully, add the remaining butter, and cook the second side another 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese melts into gooey strands and the bun exterior is caramelized.
8. 8Transfer to a cutting board, sprinkle each toastie with flaky salt, and tuck a fresh thyme sprig on top for aroma.
9. 9Slice diagonally while hot so the melted cheese and apple butter stretch visibly, then serve at once on a shared board for easy grabbing.