Cheesy Tuna Bread Rolls with Coconut Crust

Cooking StepsHow to cook Cheesy Tuna Bread Rolls with Coconut Crust step by step

Cooking Process

1. 
   Step 1

   (In hot weather, chill the stand mixer bowl in the fridge for 10 minutes first to help control dough temperature.) Place all dough ingredients except butter into the stand mixer. Mix on low (speed 2) for 2 minutes, then medium (speed 5) for 4 minutes.

   🔍 View Fullscreen

2. 
   Step 2

   Add the softened butter. Mix on low (speed 2) for 2 minutes, then medium (speed 5) for 4-5 minutes.

   🔍 View Fullscreen

3. 
   Step 3

   The dough is ready when it passes the windowpane test — you should be able to stretch a thin, translucent membrane without it tearing.

   🔍 View Fullscreen

4. 
   Step 4

   Shape the dough and place it in a proofing container. Let it rise in the oven at 30°C for 60 minutes.

   🔍 View Fullscreen

5. 
   Step 5

   While the dough is rising, prepare the filling: drain the tuna well, squeeze excess water from the corn kernels, and finely dice the onion, carrot, and mushroom.

   🔍 View Fullscreen

6. 
   Step 6

   Add the mayonnaise and mix everything together evenly.

   🔍 View Fullscreen

7. 
   Step 7

   Stir in the mozzarella cheese, then divide the mixture into 8 equal portions, about 50g each. Set aside.

   🔍 View Fullscreen

8. 
   Step 8

   Once the dough has doubled in size, remove it and punch it down to release the gas.

   🔍 View Fullscreen

9. 
   Step 9

   Divide into 8 equal pieces, about 60g each. Cover and let them rest for 20 minutes.

   🔍 View Fullscreen

10. 
    Step 10

    Flatten each dough piece with your hands or a rolling pin — thicker in the center, thinner around the edges.

    🔍 View Fullscreen

11. 
    Step 11

    Cut each cheese slice into quarters. Place 2 quarters in the center of each dough round.

    🔍 View Fullscreen

12. 
    Step 12

    Add a portion of the tuna filling on top of the cheese.

    🔍 View Fullscreen

13. 
    Step 13

    Pinch the dough together to seal the filling inside.

    🔍 View Fullscreen

14. 
    Step 14

    Lightly spray the surface with water.

    🔍 View Fullscreen

15. 
    Step 15

    Roll the buns in desiccated coconut to coat evenly.

    🔍 View Fullscreen

16. 
    Step 16

    The coconut coating gives the bread a deliciously crispy crust.

    🔍 View Fullscreen

17. 
    Step 17

    Place a pan of warm water at the bottom of the oven. Let the buns proof a second time at 30°C for 40 minutes.

    🔍 View Fullscreen

18. 
    Step 18

    Use scissors to cut a cross on top of each bun. Lightly spray with water.

    🔍 View Fullscreen

19. 
    Step 19

    Cut deep enough so the cheese filling is just visible through the opening.

    🔍 View Fullscreen

20. 
    Step 20

    Preheat the oven to 180°C top heat, 170°C bottom heat.

    🔍 View Fullscreen

21. 
    Step 21

    Bake on the lower rack for 18 minutes. Keep an eye on the browning — if the tops are browning too quickly, cover loosely with aluminium foil for the last 5 minutes.

    🔍 View Fullscreen

22. 
    Step 22

    The bread is done when the surface is a beautiful golden brown.

    🔍 View Fullscreen

23. 
    Step 23

    Crispy on the outside, packed with rich filling inside — one of these is a meal in itself!

    🔍 View Fullscreen