This Totoro mozzarella stuffed bun is soft and fluffy, is the perfect fusion of fun and flavor
The best Totoro mozzarella stuffed buns. If you’re a fan of Studio Ghibli’s whimsical world and a lover of delicious homemade bread, then you’re in for a treat! This Totoro mozzarella-stuffed bread is soft and fluffy and the perfect fusion of fun and flavor. Inspired by the beloved character Totoro, this adorable recipe takes your baking game to the next level with its irresistible mozzarella filling and soft, pillowy texture. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion, a themed party, or just to bring a little magic into your kitchen, this Totoro-inspired bread will be a showstopper that both kids and adults will love. Ready to create a delightful and delicious masterpiece? Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe for Totoro mozzarella buns!
Why you should try this recipe
This Totoro mozzarella-stuffed bread is the perfect treat for Studio Ghibli fans and food lovers alike! Not only is it irresistibly cute, but it’s also incredibly delicious. Stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese, this soft and fluffy bread offers a delightful combination of savory flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re hosting a Totoro-themed party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging in fun and creative food, this Totoro-inspired bread is perfect for anyone who loves unique and yummy food. It’s the ideal snack to enjoy with your favorite meals or to share with friends and family!
Equipment you’ll need to make Totoro mozzarella stuffed buns
- Stand Mixer (or hand mixer) – Perfect for mixing and kneading your dough efficiently, ensuring a soft and fluffy texture for your cheese bread.
- Kitchen Scale or measuring cups and spoons – To achieve accurate measurements for the perfect Totoro-inspired food and consistency in your bread dough.
- Mixing Bowls – For mixing your dough and stuffing, ensuring that everything is well combined.
- Baking Sheet – A key tool for baking your cheese-stuffed bread to a golden, crispy finish.
- Pastry Brush – Ideal for brushing the dough with a glossy egg wash, adding a nice finish to your mozzarella stuffed bread.
- Totoro Iron Stamp – Bring your Totoro-inspired bread to life! Available on Etsy or AliExpress, this Totoro-shaped stamp adds a playful touch to your bread design.
- Parchment Paper – Helps keep your bread from sticking to the baking surface, ensuring easy clean-up.
- Sharp Knife or dough scraper – For cutting your Totoro mozzarella stuffed buns into perfect portions to serve.
These tools will help you create a visually stunning and incredibly delicious Totoro-inspired mozzarella bread that’s stuffed with cheesy goodness and fun!
More cute recipes:
Ingredients needed for your Totoro mozzarella stuffed buns
- All purpose flour: Essential for a fluffy and soft texture in your cheese bread or mozzarella stuffed bread.
- Water: Helps activate the yeast and create the dough’s desired consistency
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor, making your bread extra soft and flavorful.
- Milk powder (optional): Enhances the bread’s texture and flavor, contributing to a deliciously soft crumb.
- Yeast: The key ingredient for making the bread rise and become fluffy. You can use fresh yeast, instant yeast, or active dry yeast depending on your preference we will explain how to use each in this recipe.
- Mozzarella cheese: The star of the recipe! Stuffed inside the bread for that melt-in-your-mouth, gooey cheese experience.
- Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste of the bread.
- Egg (for egg wash): Provides a golden, glossy finish to your bread. If you’re looking for egg-free alternatives, you can use plant-based options like butter, milk, or honey.
Best tips to make Totoro mozzarella stuffed buns
- Ensure the Iron is Very Hot: For the perfect Totoro stamp, make sure the Totoro iron stamp is preheated and hot. A hot stamp helps create a clear, crisp impression of Totoro on your mozzarella buns.
- Stamp Immediately After Baking: Once your buns are out of the oven and still warm, use the hot Totoro iron stamp right away. The warmth of the bread allows the design to take shape more effectively, giving you that distinct Totoro-inspired food look.
- Generously Brush with Butter: After your buns are baked, brush them generously with melted butter. This adds a glossy, golden finish and makes the bread even more delicious, giving it a rich and indulgent flavor. Don’t skimp on the butter for that perfect soft and fluffy texture
- Allow the Dough to Rest Properly: Patience is key! Allow the dough to rest and rise for the right amount of time. This ensures your cheese-stuffed bread becomes soft and fluffy, with the right texture and flavor.
- Stuff with Plenty of Mozzarella Cheese: When preparing the buns, make sure to stuff them generously with mozzarella cheese. The cheese should melt perfectly inside the dough, creating a gooey, cheesy center that’s irresistible.
- Seal the Buns Properly: Be sure to seal each bun carefully after stuffing with cheese. This will prevent any cheese from leaking out during baking, and ensure that your Totoro buns stay intact and fluffy.
Recent Posts:
Alternatives to egg wash for your baked goods
If you’re looking for a substitute for egg wash, there are plenty of alternatives that can give your baked goods a beautiful golden finish, depending on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. These alternatives are great for adding shine, color, and flavor to your bread, pastries, or even Totoro-inspired mozzarella stuffed bread. Here are some options you can try:
1. Cornstarch and Water Mix
A simple and effective egg wash alternative is a mix of cornstarch and water. Just dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water, and use a pastry brush to apply it to your dough before baking. This mixture will create a subtle gloss and slightly crisp texture on your baked goods. It’s also a great option for vegan bread recipes or those avoiding eggs.
2. Butter
For a rich, golden finish, melted butter is an excellent choice. It adds a slightly buttery flavor and a glossy sheen to your bread or pastries. Brush it onto the dough before baking for a beautiful finish, and the result is a delicious, soft texture, perfect for dishes like cheese bread or Totoro mozzarella buns.
3. Milk
If you’re looking for a more traditional option but without the use of eggs, milk works wonderfully. It will give your bread a nice golden-brown crust and is an ideal option for soft, fluffy bread recipes. Simply brush the dough with milk before baking for a delicious, slightly tender crust.
4. Plant-Based Milk
For a dairy-free or vegan option, plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk) can be used in place of regular milk. It helps create a nice, subtle shine while keeping your recipe plant-based. This is perfect for those who are making vegan mozzarella buns or Totoro-inspired food.
5. Honey
If you’re looking to add a bit of sweetness to your recipe, honey is a fantastic egg wash alternative. Simply warm up a tablespoon of honey and mix it with a bit of water for a smooth glaze. This will create a golden, slightly sweet finish, which is ideal for sweet bread recipes or those wanting an extra layer of flavor. Just be mindful that honey might add a hint of sweetness, so it pairs well with savory dishes like cheese bread.
Common questions on how to make Totoro mozzarella buns:
How do I make the Totoro stamp for the buns?
To create the Totoro design on your buns, use a Totoro iron stamp or a Totoro-themed cookie press. Make sure the stamp is preheated before pressing it gently on the bread after baking. Stamp the buns when they are still warm to ensure a clear design.
If you don’t have Totoro stamp you can also draw it using melted chocolate.
Can I make these buns without egg wash?
Yes! You can substitute egg wash with options like a mix of cornstarch and water, butter, milk, plant-based milk, or even honey for a different finish. Each alternative provides a unique texture and color, but all will give your Totoro buns a beautiful, glossy look.
What kind of cheese is best for Totoro mozzarella stuffed buns?
For the best results, use mozzarella cheese, which melts beautifully and creates that gooey, cheesy center. You can also experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or parmesan for a different flavor, but mozzarella is the traditional choice for these buns.
More bread recipes:
Can I use a different flavor or filling for Totoro mozzarella stuffed buns?
Yes! While mozzarella cheese is a classic filling, you can add other ingredients to suit your taste. Try adding herbs like basil or thyme, or experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or cream cheese. For a savory twist, you could add ham or mushrooms inside the bread as well.
How can I make cheese-stuffed bread?
To make cheese-stuffed bread, you’ll need a soft dough (like the one used for mozzarella buns), mozzarella cheese, and optional seasonings. The dough is rolled out, filled with cheese, and then sealed to create a stuffed bun. You can bake these buns in a hot oven until golden and gooey.
Where can I buy a Totoro iron stamp?
You can find Totoro iron stamps on websites like Etsy or AliExpress. These stamps are perfect for creating the signature Totoro shape on your bread, and they work best when applied to the buns while they are still warm from the oven.
Are Totoro mozzarella buns easy to make?
Yes! Totoro mozzarella buns are relatively easy to make, especially if you’re familiar with basic bread-making techniques. The hardest part is shaping the buns and stamping them with the Totoro design, but with a bit of practice, anyone can create these fun and delicious treats at home.
How to substitute yeast in the recipe:
fresh yeast
Use 15 grams (1 tablespoon) of fresh yeast. Crumble it directly into your dough without needing to activate it first. For an even mix, knead the yeast thoroughly into the dough early in the process. Fresh yeast provides a subtle flavor.
active dry yeast
Use 7 grams (approximately 2 ¼ teaspoons) of active dry yeast. Activate it by mixing it with warm water (100–110°F) and a pinch of sugar. Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and let it rest for about 10 minutes until it becomes bubbly and foamy. Once activated, add it to the rest of your dough ingredients. This step ensures the yeast is alive and ready to give your dough the perfect rise.
Instant yeast
Use 7 grams (approximately 1 ½ teaspoons) of instant yeast. Add it directly to your dry ingredients, such as flour and salt, without activating it separately. Instant yeast is perfect for quick recipes as it starts working immediately when combined with the wet ingredients.
Watch here the Youtube recipe:
Recipe for Totoro mozzarella stuffed bun
Recipe in cups and grams. You can find the cup measurements in the printable recipe scrolling down at the end.
ingredients
dough
- 450 grams all purpose flour
- 170 grams warm milk
- 100 grams water
- 60 grams butter
- 1 tablespoon milk powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh yeast or (7 grams active dry yeast / instant yeast)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
filling
- 60 grams mozzarella cheese
egg wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
step by step to make mozzarella stuffed Totoro bread
1) step one, prepare the dough ingredients
If you are using Fresh yeast or instant yeast
Add fresh yeast or instant yeast to a mixing bowl along with the flour, milk powder (optional), salt, warm milk, water, and softened butter. No activation is needed for these types of yeast, so you can combine all the ingredients at once and mix until a dough begins to form.
If you are using active dry yeast
Mix the active dry yeast with warm milk and a sprinkle of sugar in a small bowl. Allow the mixture to sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. Once activated, add it to a mixing bowl with the flour, milk powder (optional), salt, water, and softened butter. Mix everything together until the dough starts to come together.
2) step two, knead the dough
Knead the dough using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 15 minutes on medium-low speed. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. Proper kneading is essential to develop the gluten, ensuring your Totoro inspired mozzarella stuffed buns are soft and fluffy with a perfect texture. If kneading by hand, work the dough on a lightly floured surface for 15–20 minutes for similar results.
3) step three, proof the dough
Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, ensuring all sides are coated to prevent sticking. Cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel and allow it to proof for about 1 hour and 30 minutes in a warm, draft-free environment. This crucial step allows the dough to rise and double in size, creating the soft, airy texture needed for your Totoro-inspired mozzarella buns. Ensuring proper proofing is key to achieving fluffy, cloud-like bread that’s easy to shape and stuff with cheese.
4) step four, portion the dough
Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release any air. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions using a kitchen scale for precision. Shaping uniform portions ensures even baking and a consistent, fluffy texture in every Totoro mozzarella bun. Roll each section into a smooth ball to prepare for stuffing and shaping.
5) step five, Add mozzarella cheese
Take each dough portion and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a generous amount of mozzarella cheese in the center of the dough. Carefully bring the edges together, pinching them tightly to seal the cheese inside. Roll the sealed dough gently into a smooth, round shape. Ensuring the dough is properly sealed prevents any cheese from leaking during baking.
6) step six, second proof
Arrange the stuffed buns evenly on a baking pan lined with parchment paper, leaving a small gap between each one. Cover them lightly with plastic wrap to retain moisture. Allow the buns to proof in a warm environment for 30 minutes. During this time, they will puff up slightly, ensuring soft and fluffy Totoro-inspired buns once baked.
7) step seven, egg wash
Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) while the buns complete their second proofing. Beat one egg to create an egg wash, then gently brush it over the surface of each bun. This step gives the buns a beautiful golden-brown finish during baking.
8) step eight, bake the cheese buns
Place the prepared buns in the preheated oven and bake at 180°C (356°F) for about 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Keep an eye on them during the final minutes to ensure they don’t overbake. The buns should be soft, fluffy, and slightly golden, with the cheese inside perfectly melted.
9) step nine, stamp the bread
Once the buns come out of the oven, immediately stamp each one while they are still warm. Heat the Totoro iron stamp for about 10 minutes before use to ensure it leaves a clear imprint. The heating time may vary depending on your heat source, using a fireplace or stovetop can help achieve the ideal temperature. After stamping, generously brush the buns with melted butter for added flavor and shine. Enjoy these adorable, cheesy Totoro inspired buns while they’re still warm!
Totoro mozzarella stuffed buns
Equipment
- Stand Mixer (or hand mixer) – Perfect for mixing and kneading your dough efficiently, ensuring a soft and fluffy texture for your cheese bread.
- Kitchen Scale or measuring cups and spoons – To achieve accurate measurements for the perfect Totoro-inspired food and consistency in your bread dough.
- Mixing Bowls – For mixing your dough and stuffing, ensuring that everything is well combined.
- Baking Sheet – A key tool for baking your cheese-stuffed bread to a golden, crispy finish.
- Pastry Brush – Ideal for brushing the dough with a glossy egg wash, adding a nice finish to your mozzarella stuffed bread.
- Totoro Iron Stamp – Bring your Totoro-inspired bread to life! Available on Etsy or AliExpress, this Totoro-shaped stamp adds a playful touch to your bread design.
- Parchment Paper – Helps keep your bread from sticking to the baking surface, ensuring easy clean-up.
- Sharp Knife or dough scraper – For cutting your Totoro mozzarella stuffed buns into perfect portions to serve.
Ingredients
dough
- 450 grams all purpose flour
- 170 grams warm milk
- 100 grams water
- 60 grams butter
- 1 tablespoon milk powder optional
- 1 tablespoon fresh yeast or
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
filling
- 60 grams mozzarella cheese
egg wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
Instructions
step one, prepare the dough ingredients
- If you are using Fresh yeast or instant yeast: Add fresh yeast or instant yeast to a mixing bowl along with the flour, milk powder (optional), salt, warm milk, water, and softened butter. No activation is needed for these types of yeast, so you can combine all the ingredients at once and mix until a dough begins to form.
- If you are using active dry yeast: mix the active dry yeast with warm milk and a sprinkle of sugar in a small bowl. Allow the mixture to sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. Once activated, add it to a mixing bowl with the flour, milk powder (optional), salt, water, and softened butter. Mix everything together until the dough starts to come together.
step two, knead the dough
- Knead the dough using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 15 minutes on medium-low speed. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. Proper kneading is essential to develop the gluten, ensuring your Totoro inspired mozzarella stuffed buns are soft and fluffy with a perfect texture. If kneading by hand, work the dough on a lightly floured surface for 15–20 minutes for similar results.
step three, proof the dough
- Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, ensuring all sides are coated to prevent sticking. Cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel and allow it to proof for about 1 hour and 30 minutes in a warm, draft-free environment. This crucial step allows the dough to rise and double in size, creating the soft, airy texture needed for your Totoro-inspired mozzarella buns. Ensuring proper proofing is key to achieving fluffy, cloud-like bread that’s easy to shape and stuff with cheese.
step four, portion the dough
- Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release any air. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions using a kitchen scale for precision. Shaping uniform portions ensures even baking and a consistent, fluffy texture in every Totoro mozzarella bun. Roll each section into a smooth ball to prepare for stuffing and shaping.
step five, Add mozzarella cheese
- Take each dough portion and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a generous amount of mozzarella cheese in the center of the dough. Carefully bring the edges together, pinching them tightly to seal the cheese inside. Roll the sealed dough gently into a smooth, round shape. Ensuring the dough is properly sealed prevents any cheese from leaking during baking.
step six, second proof
- Arrange the stuffed buns evenly on a baking pan lined with parchment paper, leaving a small gap between each one. Cover them lightly with plastic wrap to retain moisture. Allow the buns to proof in a warm environment for 30 minutes. During this time, they will puff up slightly, ensuring soft and fluffy Totoro-inspired buns once baked.
step seven, egg wash
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) while the buns complete their second proofing. Beat one egg to create an egg wash, then gently brush it over the surface of each bun. This step gives the buns a beautiful golden-brown finish during baking.
step eight, bake the cheese buns
- Place the prepared buns in the preheated oven and bake at 180°C (356°F) for about 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Keep an eye on them during the final minutes to ensure they don’t overbake. The buns should be soft, fluffy, and slightly golden, with the cheese inside perfectly melted.
step nine, stamp the bread
- Once the buns come out of the oven, immediately stamp each one while they are still warm. Heat the Totoro iron stamp for about 10 minutes before use to ensure it leaves a clear imprint. The heating time may vary depending on your heat source, using a fireplace or stovetop can help achieve the ideal temperature. After stamping, generously brush the buns with melted butter for added flavor and shine. Enjoy these adorable, cheesy Totoro inspired buns while they’re still warm!
Notes
Nutrition
Archersfood
archersfood
[…] The best Totoro mozzarella stuffed buns in 20 […]