Homemade Hamburger Buns
These soft hamburger buns are perfect for burgers, pulled pork, or your favorite sandwich filling. I've gotten a thousand requests for these! Not only are these the perfect shape, but they taste way better than anything that comes out of a plastic bag. The total time takes almost 4 hours, but the actual amount of work involved is maybe 10 minutes.
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Recipe Summary
Sure, you could buy hamburger buns at the grocery store — but where's the fun in that? It's easier than you think to make homemade hamburger buns, and they're way more delicious than the store-bought alternative.
How to Make Hamburger Buns
It couldn't be easier to make these homemade hamburger buns. You'll find the step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect:
Make the Dough
Begin by proofing the yeast with some of the flour. Once the yeast is foamy, add the remaining flour, an egg, butter, sugar, and salt. Fit a stand mixer with a dough hook and knead the dough, scraping the sides often, until it's soft and sticky.
Let the Dough Rise
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and form into a smooth, round ball. Tuck the ends underneath and return the dough to an oil-drizzled stand mixer bowl. Ensure the dough is coated with oil, then cover and allow to rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size.
Form the Buns
Transfer the dough back to the floured work surface. Pat into a slightly rounded rectangle, then cut into eight equal squares. Use your hands to shape and pat the squares into discs. Arrange the buns on a floured baking sheet, cover, and let rise until they've doubled in size.
Bake the Buns
Brush the buns with an egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake in a preheated oven until lightly browned. Remove from the oven, allow the buns to cool, and slice in half lengthwise to serve.
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What's the point of homemade hamburger buns if you don't have homemade hamburger patties to go in them? Try one of these top-rated recipes:
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How to Store Hamburger Buns
Store the homemade hamburger buns in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to five days. Avoid short term refrigeration, as this will dry them out.
Can You Freeze Hamburger Buns?
Yes, you can freeze homemade hamburger buns (though they're best enjoyed fresh). Transfer the cooled buns to a freezer-safe container, then wrap in a layer of foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to two months. Thaw on a paper towel at room temperature. When it's about halfway thawed, flip the bun, and replace the paper towel.
Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise
"This recipe was so simple and fun to make," according to Kris Allfrey. "The hamburger buns were so light and the crumb texture was perfect. I followed the recipe and Chef John's instructions to the letter. I wouldn't change a thing about this recipe. They are excellent for pulled-pork sandwiches."
"I didn't make any changes except for what I put on top of the buns. I put dried onion, parsley, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds," says Ron Doty-Tolaro. "Also, as a rule of thumb, when making any kind of rising bread, lightly push in on the dough with one finger. If the dough is ready it will bounce back out. If the indentation stays in, knead it more."
"Loved the buns," raves Mysti Williams. "I made them for burgers the first time. Tonight, I'm making them for Sloppy Joes. Can't wait. Truly delicious."
Editorial contributions by Corey Williams
Ingredients
Directions
Chef's Notes:
One pound of flour is equal to about 3 1/2 cups.
When in doubt, go for dough that's a little too sticky rather than too dry. You can always knead a little more flour into these.