Layered buns filled with ham and cheese, green onions, and pimento

Ingredients:

Green Onion and Pimento Cheese

• 200g pieces of sharp white cheddar, finely grated
• 2 x 110g jars of pickled pimento peppers, drained and diced
• 0.5 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Ham buns

• 2 cups premium flour + extra for work
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced and chilled + 1 tablespoon oil for greasing the pan
• 3/4 cup sour milk or kefir, shake well
• 1/4 cup country ham, finely diced
• Special equipment: cookie cutter with a diameter of 5 cm.

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 230°C. Place a 30cm diameter cast iron skillet in the oven to preheat.

2. Green Onion and Pimento Cheese:

   
   In a large bowl, combine the cheese, pimento cheese, mayonnaise, and green onions. Set aside or, if making ahead, refrigerate until ready to serve.
   

3. Ham buns:

   
   In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or two table knives, fold the chilled butter cubes into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Using a fork, fold in the buttermilk and knead until a soft dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl (make sure all the flour is incorporated). Fold in the ham. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured board and knead 3-4 times until smooth and pliable.
   
4. Using your hands or a floured rolling pin, stretch the dough into a 1 cm thick layer. Using a floured cookie cutter, cut out circles from the dough.
5. Remove the skillet from the oven and melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in it. Place the buns in the skillet. Bake until golden brown, 10-12 minutes.
6. To serve, split the buns in half horizontally and spread generously with the cheese mixture.