In this article:

• Discover whether hot cross buns work better for sweet or savoury creations.

• Get six delicious recipes that transform your buns into everything from puddings to toasties.

• Find expert tips for using up leftover hot cross buns (because there's always a few!).

Sweet vs Savoury: The Hot Cross Bun Debate!

For generations, Australians have enjoyed hot cross buns the traditional way - lightly toasted, slathered with butter, and savoured with a cuppa. That sweet, spiced dough studded with fruit is as much a part of Easter as chocolate eggs and family gatherings.

But lately, a delicious rebellion has been brewing in kitchens across the country with savoury hot cross bun recipes popping up everywhere, sparking a heated debate: are we taking things too far, or have we unlocked a hot cross bun's true potential?

Whether you're a purist who believes fruit and spice should only meet sweetness, or a flavour adventurer ready to pile on the ham and cheese, we've got recipes to help you pick a side, or play both fields.

The real question is: which team are you on?

Are hot cross buns savoury?

Here's the thing: hot cross buns were never strictly sweet in the first place. Yes, the traditional version comes packed with dried fruit and topped with that iconic cross, but the dough itself? It's gently spiced, subtly sweet, and incredibly versatile.

That soft, pillowy texture and hint of cinnamon and mixed spice make it a surprisingly perfect canvas for both camps. Slather it with Nutella or pile on scrambled eggs; either way, the bun holds its own. The slight sweetness plays beautifully against salty bacon, while those warm spices complement sharp cheddar or creamy bries.

So while hot cross buns aren't traditionally savoury, they're more than able to swing that way. Think of them as the ultimate culinary chameleon, ready to adapt to whatever mood (or craving) strikes.

Team Sweet: The Traditionalists' Favourites

If you believe hot cross buns should stay in their lane (and by that we mean the deliciously sweet, indulgent lane), then these recipes are for you. Both transform your sweet hot cross buns into proper desserts that'll have everyone reaching for seconds.

Got a few buns sitting on the counter from yesterday? This is hands-down the best way to use leftover hot cross buns. Tear them into chunks, soak them in a rich chocolatey custard mixture and bake until golden. The result is a warm, Mini Egg Hot Cross Bun Pudding with pockets of melted chocolate and that signature spiced flavour throughout. Serve it with cream or ice cream for maximum points at the Easter table.

Another option for when you want to pull out all the stops without turning on the oven is an Apple & Cinnamon Hot Cross Bun, No-bake Cheesecake. Crushed Apple & Cinnamon Hot Cross Buns form the base, topped with a creamy, spiced cheesecake filling and finished with caramelised apples and cinnamon. It's elegant, it's gourmet, and it tastes like autumn in dessert form. Plus, it's a proper show-stopper for Easter Sunday lunch when you've already got enough in the oven.

Team Savoury: The New Contenders

Ready to ruffle some feathers? These savoury hot cross bun recipes prove that a little fruit never hurt a good toastie, and that melted cheese belongs on everything, including spiced Easter treats.

Swap your usual bread roll for a hot cross bun and prepare for flavour fireworks. The sweet-salty combo of soft, fruity dough against crispy bacon and melted cheese is genuinely life-changing. It's the kind of brekky that makes you wonder why you've been using boring bread all these years. Crisp up this Hot Cross Bun Breakfast Toastie in a sandwich press or fry it in butter for extra golden edges.

Alternatively, try using a few Fruitless Hot Cross Buns as the base of a salty, Cheesy Hot Cross Bun Bake. Slice your buns, layer them in a baking dish with plenty of grated cheese, pour over a creamy egg mixture, and bake until bubbling. The spices in the bun add unexpected warmth to the savoury richness, making this ideal for a cosy autumn brunch. You can even add bacon, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes if you're feeling extra.

Can't decide? Why not try the best of both worlds?

Why pick a side when you can have it all? These recipes let you explore different hot cross bun flavours without committing to Team Sweet or Team Savoury.

Sometimes you want options, and that's exactly what this ‘Hot Cross Bun 3 Ways’ recipe delivers. Three quick topping ideas, one sweet, one savoury, one somewhere in between; all ready in minutes. Think the gooey sweetness of s'mores, the savoury elegance of a cheeseboard, or the timeless elegance of jam and cream. It's perfect for when everyone around the table has different cravings. 

This is how you settle the debate without anyone losing. Build a stunning Hot Cross Bun Grazing Board featuring toasted bun halves surrounded by sweet treats (chocolate spread, fresh berries, honeycomb) and savoury accompaniments (cheese, cured meats, pickles, hummus). Let everyone build their own perfect bite. It's interactive, it's fun, and it means you don't have to pick a side.

Expert tips for the perfect bun

Whether you're making sweet treats or savoury showstoppers, a few simple tricks will help you get the most from your buns:

Storage: Keep fresh buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze them for up to three months. They defrost beautifully and taste just-baked after a quick warm-up.

Reheating: Pop them in a 160°C oven for 5-7 minutes, or microwave for 10-15 seconds. For toasting, slice them first and use a generous smear of butter to prevent drying out.

Leftover magic: Stale buns are actually ideal for recipes like bread pudding or the cheesy bake, they soak up custard and egg mixtures without falling apart. Don't toss them; transform them.

Flavour boosting: When going savoury, consider adding fresh herbs, garlic butter, or a sprinkle of chilli flakes. For sweet recipes, a pinch of extra cinnamon or a splash of vanilla never goes astray.

Deciding between sweet and savoury

So, what's the verdict? Honestly, there isn't one, and that's the beauty of it. Hot cross buns are far too versatile to be boxed into one category. Whether you're Team Sweet, Team Savoury, or happily playing both sides, these recipes prove there's no wrong way to enjoy a bun.

The real winner? Anyone with a fresh batch ready to experiment with.

Ready to decide for yourself? Head into your local Bakers Delight today and grab a fresh 6 Pack to start your own taste test. Your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you.