There’s nothing quite like a freshly baked homemade burger bun to take your burger game to the next level. Soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet, these buns are the perfect vehicle for your favorite patty, whether it’s beef, chicken, or a veggie option. The light texture and slight buttery flavor of the buns complement any filling, while their slight sweetness balances the savory toppings. Made with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, butter, and a touch of sugar, these burger buns are surprisingly easy to make from scratch and much more flavorful than store-bought versions. You can shape them to your preferred size, toast them for extra crispiness, or top them with sesame seeds for that classic look. Homemade burger buns elevate any burger, turning a regular meal into something special.
Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for greasing)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, a pinch of sugar, and the yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, milk, butter, and egg. Mix until the dough starts to come together. You can use a spoon or your hands, but it’s easiest with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
- Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, either by hand on a lightly floured surface or using a stand mixer on medium speed. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not too sticky.
- First Rise:
- Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough inside, turning it once to coat it in oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Buns:
- Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions (for large buns) or 10-12 portions for smaller buns. Shape each portion into a smooth ball by folding the edges under and rolling it gently between your palms.
- Place the shaped buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press down on the top of each bun to flatten slightly.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the buns with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up and are almost doubled in size.
- Prepare the Egg Wash:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, whisk the remaining egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the buns with the egg wash, which will give them a beautiful golden color once baked. If you like, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for extra crunch and flavor.
- Bake the Buns:
- Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
- Serve:
- Once the buns have cooled slightly, slice them open and use them for your favorite burger fillings. Enjoy the soft, fluffy texture with your favorite patties and toppings!
