Cheesy Baked Mantou with Bacon
Plain steamed buns get a savory upgrade in this easy oven-baked recipe. Diced mantou is tossed with egg and topped with a garlic-bacon butter blend before being finished with a generous layer of melted cheese.
Story
This dish transforms traditional plain steamed buns (mantou) into a crave-worthy snack. The combination of salty bacon, aromatic garlic, and rich melted cheese creates a perfect golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft, fluffy texture of the bun.
Ingredients
Mantou (steamed buns)
2 large or 4 small
Egg
1 large
Unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (30g), melted
Bacon
2 slices, finely diced
Garlic
2 cloves, minced
Green onions
1 stalk, chopped
Salt
1/4 teaspoon, divided
Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
1 cup
Instructions
1
Prepare the Steamed Buns
Cut the cooled mantou into bite-sized cubes and spread them evenly across the bottom of a baking dish. Alternatively, if you prefer to keep the buns whole, score the tops in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to slice all the way through the bottom.
2
Prepare the Savory Mixtures
Whisk the egg with half of the salt in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, the remaining salt, diced bacon, minced garlic, and chopped green onions. Stir the butter mixture thoroughly until well combined.
3
Assemble the Dish
Drizzle the beaten egg over the mantou cubes, turning them gently to coat if necessary. Spread the savory butter-bacon mixture evenly over the top, or press it into the crosshatch cuts if using whole buns. Finish by sprinkling a generous layer of shredded cheese over everything.
4
Bake Until Golden
Place the baking dish on the lower rack of a preheated oven. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and has turned a golden brown color.
