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    Home > Bread

    The Perfect Burger Bun Recipe (Better Than Store-bought!)

    Published: Mar 20, 2023 by Valya's Taste of Home · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

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    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    There's nothing better than a good burger, except a burger made with some homemade burger buns! My Burger Bun Recipe will give you pillow-soft buns that not only taste incredible, but they'll elevate all your burger recipes to the next level! With my recipe, you'll get super moist and tasty buns that you're going to absolutely fall in love with!

    There's nothing better than a good burger, except a burger made with some homemade burger buns!

    Burgers are a beloved staple of American cuisine and have become a popular dish worldwide. While the rest of the fixings are just as important, the bun is crucial in making a perfect burger. A good bun should be soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet, providing the perfect bread to hold the juicy meat, cheese, and toppings.

    Making your own burger buns is surprisingly simple and can elevate your burger game to the next level. Not only will you have control over the ingredients, but you'll also impress your friends and family with your homemade buns. This way, you also don't have to worry about any unnecessary preservatives and chemicals being consumed by your family, especially kids! 

    In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of making delicious burger buns from scratch. You'll be using simple pantry-staple ingredients and in just a few easy steps, you'll have your own fresh, homemade burger buns ready to go.

    Whether you're grilling in the backyard or cooking indoors, these burger buns will take your burgers to a whole new level of deliciousness. So grab your apron and get ready to create some mouthwatering burger buns that will have everyone coming back for more!

    Want to learn how to make this Burger Bun Recipe at home? Then keep on reading!

    Table of Contents
    • What are Burger Buns?
    • What Makes This Burger Bun Recipe Special?
    • What You Need to Make Burger Buns at Home
    • How to Make Burger Buns (Step-by-Step)
    • Tips for Making the Best Burger Buns Ever
    • Recipe Variation Ideas for Burger Buns
    • How to Store Leftover Burger Buns
    • Similar Recipes You'll Love
    • Recipe Card
    • The Perfect Burger Bun Recipe (Better Than Store-bought!)
    • Comments

    What are Burger Buns?

    Burger buns are a type of bread roll made to hold a burger patty, along with toppings and condiments. They are usually round, with a slightly flattened top and bottom, and a soft, pillowy texture.

    These delicious buns are made with a combination of flour, yeast, sugar, salt, water, and sometimes eggs or milk, which gives them a slightly sweet taste and a tender crumb.

    Burger buns come in different sizes and varieties, depending on the type of burger you are making. Some common types are sesame seed buns, potato buns, brioche buns, and whole wheat buns.

    They are widely available at supermarkets and bakeries, but it's definitely a lot more fun and rewarding (and also tastier!) to make your own burger buns from scratch.

    What Makes This Burger Bun Recipe Special?

    This burger bun recipe is special because it uses simple pantry staple ingredients and a few easy steps to create soft, fluffy buns that will give your burgers an extra level of flavor and texture.

    The combination of yeast, sugar, salt, and water creates a dough that's easy to work with, allowing you to shape the buns quickly and easily. This recipe also includes optional ingredients which make the buns even more tasty and tender.

    Once you form your buns, all you have to do is let them rise until they're nice and puffy, then pop them in the oven to get a golden-brown crust.

    The result will be delicious, homemade burger buns that are sure to impress your guests and are great for hamburgers, turkey burgers, chicken sandwiches, and sloppy joes.

    What You Need to Make Burger Buns at Home

    All you need are some incredibly simple, pantry-staple ingredients to make the most delicious burger buns are home. Let's look at what these ingredients are:

    • Eggs: First we'll need some eggs for our burger buns. They make the buns moist and rich with a soft and tender crumb after baking.
    • Water: You'll also need some room temperature, lukewarm water at around 75F (or 24C) to allow the yeast to activate.
    • Sugar: Next we're going to use a little sugar, it's necessary for the yeast to activate but also caramelizes while baking to give our buns a golden-brown crust.
    • Butter: On top of its slightly sweet and rich taste, the butter will give our buns a golden-brown color and a soft, tender mouthfeel. 
    • Yeast: Yeast has a complex range of nutty, yeasty, slightly sweet flavors and it's essential in proofing our dough. 
    • Flour: We'll need some simple, all-purpose flour as the base of our dough to act as a binding agent and for its light, airy texture and taste. And yes, that's right! You don't need any bread flour to make the best burger buns ever!
    • Sesame blend: Lastly we're going to use a sesame seed blend for their nutty sweet flavor and satisfying slight crunch. 
    All you need are some incredibly simple, pantry-staple ingredients to make the most delicious burger buns are home.

    How to Make Burger Buns (Step-by-Step)

    Making these delicious burger buns is super simple and easy! Here's how to make them at home step by step:

    How to Make Burger Bun Dough

    First, combine and whisk the water, sugar, and active dry yeast and a small mixing bowl, then set it aside and allow it to ferment. Make sure to use room-temperature water or the yeast won't activate.

    This Pillow Soft Burger Buns Recipe is the only recipe you’ll ever need. These homemade buns are pillow-like soft, tender, rich, so flavorful and perfect for a big juicy burger! Your mixer will do most of the work for. Then all it takes is to shape and bake! You will surprise your family on a burger night, or your guest at your next backyard get-together how tasty they are!

    While you're waiting for the yeast mixture to ferment, sift the flour into a different bowl and set it aside for later.

    Next, crack one full egg into a small bowl then separate and add the second egg yolk. Save the egg white from the second egg for brushing on top of the buns. 

    crack one full egg into a small bowl then separate and add the second egg yolk. Save the egg white from the second egg for brushing on top of the buns. 

    Transfer the yeast mixture into a large mixing bowl, then add the eggs. Using a hand whisker, mix the yeast mixture and eggs together.

    Add half of the sifted flour into the bowl and, using a dough hook attachment on a stand mixer, knead it together.

    When the dough begins is about half-formed, add softened butter and salt then continue kneading it on low speed.

    As the dough is kneading, add the other half of the sifted flour a half cup at a time. Make sure that the flour gets mixed in completely before adding another half a cup of flour.

    Depending on the size of the eggs you used, you may need more or less flour. I usually stop adding flour as soon as the dough stops sticking to the sides of the bowl and my mixing utensil.

    I usually stop adding flour as soon as the dough stops sticking to the sides of the bowl and my mixing utensil.

    After your dough is thoroughly mixed together, cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and puncture a couple of holes in it with a small knife to let the dough breathe.

    Let the dough rest and proof in a warm place for one hour (I usually preheat my oven for one minute, turn it off, then place the bowl with dough on a towel on the rack). 

    Let the dough rest and proof in a warm place for one hour (I usually preheat my oven for one minute, turn it off, then place the bowl with dough on a towel on the rack). 

    How to Form Burger Buns

    The dough should be roughly tripled in size when it's done proofing. 

    When your dough is done proofing, gently push on it with a spatula to deflate any air bubbles.

    Next, rub your hands with olive oil and pinch off the dough into equal pieces. I personally prefer to weigh each dough piece to about 3 oz (85 g) so they turn out the same size, but this is optional.

    Fold and roll the dough pieces into a ball and place it onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

    Continue making dough balls until you use all the dough.

    Add a tablespoon of water to the egg white we saved earlier, whisk it together, then glaze the buns with a silicone brush. 

    After they're glazed, set the buns back in a warm place and let them proof for another 15 minutes.

    After they're glazed, set the buns back in a warm place and let them proof for another 15 minutes.

    How to Bake Homemade Burger Buns

    Preheat the oven to 350 F (180 C) and brush the buns with the egg white a second time (be very gentle while you're brushing so you don't deflate the raised bun), then sprinkle them with the sesame seed blend.

    Bake the buns in the oven at 350 F (180 C) for 18 – 20 minutes, remove them from the oven, then let the buns cool for about 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to let them cool completely. 

    Let the buns cool for about 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to let them cool completely. 

    Your delicious homemade hamburger buns are now ready to be enjoyed with a patty and toppings!

    Keep the buns whole until you're ready to serve. Cut buns horizontally right before serving. I prefer toasting them first before placing a burger patty on top of it.

    With my recipe, you'll get super moist and tasty buns that you're going to absolutely fall in love with!

    Tips for Making the Best Burger Buns Ever

    Don't use cold water: The temperature of the water and how long you let it ferment are key elements in getting your dough just right.

    Add extra flour if needed: Depending on the size of eggs you use, you may need more or less flour than the recipe calls for. You’ll know you’ve added enough when the dough stops sticking to the sides of your bowl and your mixing utensil.

    Properly proof the buns: The key to getting a soft and light bun is to let it rest after kneading and before baking. This will allow the yeast to do its job—and that’s what makes those buns so fluffy and delicious!

    This homemade burger bun recipe is the only one you’ll need for the softest, most flavorful, and rich burger buns that taste even better than store-bought ones!

    Recipe Variation Ideas for Burger Buns

    This burger bun recipe will give you classic homemade buns that you’ll absolutely love. But if you’re looking to add some variation to the recipe, here are a few ideas you can try:

    • Add some herbs: A few tablespoons of minced fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, or parsley) or a teaspoon of dried herbs can add a powerful flavor punch to your buns. 
    • Make mini buns: The recipe above will yield about 12 to 15 burger buns, but you can also make smaller ones if you’d like. To do this, just divide the dough into smaller pieces and shape them into balls as directed in the recipe.
    • Make it sweeter: If you want to make sweet buns, add a few tablespoons of sugar to the dough before kneading. Or, you can brush them with an egg wash made of egg yolk and honey after they’re glazed for a deliciously sweet finish.
    Making your own burger buns is surprisingly simple and can elevate your burger game to the next level.

    How to Store Leftover Burger Buns

    Once your buns have cooled completely, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, place the container with the buns in the refrigerator and use them within 5-7 days.

    You can also freeze your burger buns in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months! Allow them to thaw overnight, before warming them on the stovetop in a pan and using them for your delicious burger recipes. 

    In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of making delicious burger buns from scratch.

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    Recipe Card

    This Pillow Soft Burger Buns Recipe is the only recipe you’ll ever need. These homemade buns are pillow-like soft, tender, rich, so flavorful and perfect for a big juicy burger! Your mixer will do most of the work for. Then all it takes is to shape and bake! You will surprise your family on a burger night, or your guest at your next backyard get-together how tasty they are!

    The Perfect Burger Bun Recipe (Better Than Store-bought!)

    Valya's Taste of Home
    This homemade burger bun recipe is the only one you’ll need for the softest, most flavorful, and rich burger buns that taste even better than store-bought ones!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins
    Cook Time 18 minutes mins
    Total Time 2 hours hrs 3 minutes mins
    Course Bread
    Cuisine American
    Servings 15

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 ½ cups – water
    • ⅓ cup – organic sugar
    • 1 tbsp. – yeast
    • 2 – medium eggs
    • 4 oz. – butter
    • ½ tsp. – sea salt
    • 6 cups – all-purpose flour
    Read More

    Instructions
     

    How to Make Burger Bun Dough

    • First, combine and whisk the water, sugar, and active dry yeast and a small mixing bowl, then set it aside and allow it to ferment. Make sure to use room-temperature water or the yeast won't activate.
    • While you're waiting for the yeast mixture to ferment, sift the flour into a different bowl and set it aside for later.
    • Next, crack one full egg into a small bowl then separate and add the second egg yolk. Save the egg white from the second egg for brushing on top of the buns.
    • Transfer the yeast mixture into a large mixing bowl, then add the eggs. Using a hand whisker, mix the yeast mixture and eggs together.
    • Add half of the sifted flour into the bowl and, using a dough hook attachment on a stand mixer, knead it together.
    • When the dough begins is about half-formed, add softened butter and salt then continue kneading it on low speed.
    • As the dough is kneading, add the other half of the sifted flour a half cup at a time. Make sure that the flour gets mixed in completely before adding another half a cup of flour.
    • Depending on the size of the eggs you used, you may need more or less flour. I usually stop adding flour as soon as the dough stops sticking to the sides of the bowl and my mixing utensil.
    • After your dough is thoroughly mixed together, cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and puncture a couple of holes in it with a small knife to let the dough breathe.
    • Let the dough rest and proof in a warm place for one hour (I usually preheat my oven for one minute, turn it off, then place the bowl with dough on a towel on the rack).

    How to Form Burger Buns

    • The dough should be roughly tripled in size when it's done proofing.
    • When your dough is done proofing, gently push on it with a spatula to deflate any air bubbles.
    • Next, rub your hands with olive oil and pinch off the dough into equal pieces. I personally prefer to weigh each dough piece to about 3 oz, so they turn out the same size, but this is optional.
    • Fold and roll the dough pieces into a ball and place it onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
    • Continue making dough balls until you use all the dough.
    • Add a tablespoon of water to the egg white we saved earlier, whisk it together, then glaze the buns with a silicone brush.
    • After they're glazed, set the buns back in a warm place and let them proof for another 15 minutes.

    How to Bake Homemade Burger Buns

    • Preheat the oven to 350 F and brush the buns with the egg white a second time (be very gentle while you're brushing so you don't deflate the raised bun), then sprinkle them with the sesame seed blend.
    • Bake the buns in the oven at 350 F for 18 – 20 minutes, remove them from the oven, then let the buns cool for about 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to let them cool completely.

    Notes

    You may need half cup more or less of the flour depending on the size of the egg you’ll be using. The sign I go most of the time is as soon as the dough starts not sticking to the side of the mixer bowl or spatula that means the dough is perfect and not needs any more flour.
    Tried this recipe?Share your photo on Instagram @valyastasteofhome or tag #valyastasteofhome!
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    Comments

    1. Tanya says

      May 24, 2019 at 2:19 pm

      They look so good. I will be making them for sure! Thanks for the recipe! They always turn out perfect ? for me!

      Reply
      • Valya of Valya's Taste of Home says

        May 24, 2019 at 4:52 pm

        Thank you, Tanya, for the kind words! It is very inspiring to hear that from the followers! Really appreciate your support! 🙂

        Reply
    5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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    A food blogger, recipe developer, photographer, editor, and author behind Valya’s Taste of Home website. Sharing family-proven tasty recipes with step-by-step photos and videos. Read more...

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