Homemade Hamburger Buns

Making your own homemade hamburger buns is easier than you think! These buns are soft, fluffy, and have just the right amount of chewiness, making them perfect for burgers, sandwiches, or even breakfast rolls. With a golden, slightly crisp crust and a tender interior, these buns will elevate any homemade meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft & Fluffy: Perfect texture for burgers or sandwiches.
• Better Than Store-Bought: Fresh, preservative-free, and full of flavor.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Customizable: Add sesame seeds, brush with egg wash, or mix in herbs for extra flavor.
• Great for Meal Prep: Freeze extras for future use.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:

• 2½ cups all-purpose or bread flour
• ¼ cup extra flour (for kneading)
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup milk (reduced-fat or whole milk)
• 1 egg (room temperature)

For Topping:

• 1 egg wash (1 egg or egg white mixed with 1 teaspoon of water)
• 3 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. Warm the Milk: Heat the milk until lukewarm (about 110°F or 43°C).
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, salt, and sugar.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the warm milk, vegetable oil, and egg. Mix until a sticky dough forms.

2. Knead & First Rise:

1. Knead the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with a dough hook for 6-8 minutes.
2. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

3. Shape the Buns & Second Rise:

1. Punch down the dough and divide it into 6-8 equal portions.
2. Shape each portion into a ball and place them on a lined baking sheet.
3. Cover lightly and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.

4. Bake the Buns:

1. Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the buns with egg wash and sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired.
3. Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. Cool: Let the buns cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8 buns
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours

Variations

• Whole Wheat Buns: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
• Brioche-Style Buns: Add an extra egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of melted butter for a richer texture.
• Garlic Butter Buns: Brush with melted garlic butter after baking for extra flavor.
• Cheesy Buns: Mix shredded cheddar into the dough for cheesy burger buns.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap buns in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before using.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but dissolve it in warm milk for 5 minutes before adding to the flour.

Why are my buns dense instead of fluffy?

The dough may not have risen long enough, or it was over-kneaded. Let it rise fully before baking.

Can I make slider-sized buns?

Yes! Divide the dough into 12 small portions and adjust the baking time to 10-12 minutes.

How do I make the tops extra shiny?

Brush the buns with a second coat of egg wash halfway through baking.

What’s the best way to shape the buns evenly?

Use a kitchen scale to weigh each dough ball for uniform size.

Can I make this dough ahead of time?

Yes! Refrigerate the dough overnight, then let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Do I have to use an egg wash?

No, but the egg wash gives the buns a glossy finish and helps the sesame seeds stick.

Can I add sweet flavors?

Yes! Add 2 tablespoons of honey or sugar for slightly sweeter buns.

What type of flour works best?

Bread flour gives a chewier texture, while all-purpose flour makes them softer.

Can I use plant-based milk?

Yes! Almond, soy, or oat milk can be used as a substitute for dairy milk.

Conclusion

Homemade hamburger buns are soft, fluffy, and full of fresh flavor—perfect for burgers, sandwiches, or sliders. With simple ingredients and an easy process, these buns will become a staple in your kitchen. Try them today and elevate your homemade burgers!

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