Easter may have come and gone weeks ago, but one seasonal treat from the recent holiday continues to surprise Coles shoppers with its popularity. The unlikely bestseller? Coles Limited Edition Doritos-Inspired Cheesy Jalapeno Hot Cross Buns, with a 4 Pack priced at $5.50 but currently on sale for $4.
A Savoury Twist on a Classic
When Coles first launched this savoury spin on the hot cross bun for Easter, many customers were understandably sceptical. One shopper wryly observed about a month ago: 'Coles, your food scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could that they didn't stop to think if they should.' However, after sharing this musing in an online discussion post, hundreds who had tasted the limited edition item chimed in to defend it.
Although the flavour profile is a long way from a traditional hot cross bun, many declared it a 'good savoury snack' in its own right. 'It's a tasty savoury cheesy bread with a surprising chilli kick to it!' one shopper explained. 'Has absolutely nothing in common with a hot cross bun other than its shape and bread texture. It honestly might be one of my favourites out of the wild releases this year.'
'I've got to admit, I quite like it. Basically cheesy jalapeño bread,' a second added. Another agreed: 'It's a savoury roll, that's it. And yes, they're very good!' 'It was my favourite one of this year's hot cross bun range,' another shopper declared. 'It basically just tastes like a Baker's Delight-tier savoury pull-apart,' explained someone else. 'I actually like them! They're cheesy and a little spicy.'
One husband commented that even his hard-to-impress wife was a fan, saying: 'My wife hasn't shut up about these and is now planning on pairing them with tomato soup. That is an endorsement from her.'
Overcoming the Mental Hurdle
Many pointed out that the biggest barrier to enjoying these buns is getting past the fact that they look and are branded like a hot cross bun, which is traditionally a sweet treat. 'It's only weird because our brains automatically think "hot cross bun = sweet". If you view this as a 100 per cent savoury food item, it's not bad,' one explained. 'Just need to get past the mental hurdle that hot cross buns are usually sweet and fruity,' another added.
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment
Several Coles shoppers who had given the Doritos-inspired hot cross buns a try devised serving suggestions for maximum enjoyment, and all agreed they must be toasted before serving. 'I would strongly recommend a minute under the grill for optimum buns,' one suggested. 'They're a doughy mess fresh, but toasted with some salted butter and they're elite.'
One recommended: 'Cut in half, sprinkle some cheese and throw it in the air fryer for eight minutes.' Many had experimented with turning 'these into a toastie' – with one Coles shopper confirming 'it actually slaps'. 'Really good as a cheese toastie hybrid,' said another. 'I made a cheese and tomato toasted sandwich with these today and they were lit,' shared one more. 'Insert tomato slices and shredded cheese. Put in the sandwich press until the top is crunchy and the cheese is gooey – delicious,' another recommended.
One person claimed their colleague even 'went the full nacho experience' by topping the buns with 'salsa, avo, sour cream and cheese'.
Mixed Reactions Persist
Despite all the positive endorsements, there were still a few shoppers who couldn't move past the idea of a jalapeno and cheese Dorito-flavoured hot cross bun. 'As a baker I have to say I find this highly offensive!!' one exclaimed. Another disappointed customer said they had even 'tried to be open minded but thought these were bloody awful' – adding that they were 'so bad we chucked most of the packet in the bin – and I hate wasting food'. Another simply stated: 'My heartburn could never.'
Preparing for Discontinuation
Although the savoury hot cross buns are currently still available, those who have bought and loved them are already preparing for the day when they are inevitably removed from shelves. 'They are delicious. I'm going to be sad when they are no longer available,' one lamented. 'I got some on special and froze them, because why not,' another organised shopper replied. 'These are absolutely brilliant. With any luck they'll be back next year.'
