How do I make soft homemade hamburger buns from scratch?

To make soft homemade hamburger buns, start with 3 1/2 cups bread flour, 1 cup warm milk, 2 tbsp sugar, 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast, 1/4 cup softened butter, 1 tsp salt, and 1 egg. Dissolve yeast in milk with sugar, let sit 5 minutes until foamy. Mix in butter, egg, salt, then gradually add flour to form a dough. Knead 8-10 minutes until smooth. Let rise in a greased bowl for 1 hour until doubled. Punch down, divide into 8-10 balls, place on a baking sheet, and rise another 30-45 minutes. Brush with egg wash, bake at 375°F for 15-18 minutes until golden. Cool on a rack. These stay soft for days if stored properly. Total time: about 3 hours. (92 words)

What ingredients do I need for the best homemade burger buns recipe?

For the best homemade burger buns, gather these simple ingredients: 3 1/2 cups bread flour (or all-purpose), 1 cup whole milk (warmed to 110°F), 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened), 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast, 1 large egg, 1 tsp salt, and sesame seeds for topping (optional). For egg wash: 1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water. Bread flour gives better chew and rise due to higher protein. Warm milk activates yeast faster. Avoid over-flouring during kneading to keep buns tender. This recipe yields 8 large buns perfect for juicy burgers. Scale up for sliders by dividing into 12-16 pieces. (112 words)

Why are my homemade hamburger buns dense and how can I fix it?

Dense homemade hamburger buns often result from under-kneading, old yeast, or too much flour. Fix it by kneading dough 8-10 minutes until it passes the windowpane test (stretch a piece thin without tearing). Test yeast first: mix with warm milk and sugar; it should foam in 5-10 minutes. Measure flour by weight (420g for 3 1/2 cups) or spoon and level to avoid packing. Let dough rise in a warm spot (75-85°F) until doubled—cold kitchens slow fermentation. Overproofing also toughens buns; poke test: dough springs back slowly. Next batch, use a stand mixer for consistent gluten development. Your buns will be light and fluffy. (108 words)

How do I store homemade hamburger buns so they stay fresh?

Store homemade hamburger buns in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 3 days—they soften as they sit. For longer freshness, wrap individually in plastic wrap then foil. Freeze extras in a single layer on a sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp or microwave 10-15 seconds wrapped in a damp towel to restore softness. Avoid refrigerating, as it dries them out via starch retrogradation. Before serving, warm in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or toast lightly. Pro tip: Add a slice of bread to the storage bag to absorb moisture and prevent staleness. (104 words)

Can I make hamburger buns without eggs or dairy for vegan burgers?

Yes, make vegan homemade hamburger buns by swapping ingredients: use 1 cup warm plant-based milk (almond or oat), 1/4 cup coconut oil or vegan butter, 2 tbsp sugar, 2 1/4 tsp yeast, 3 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water as an egg replacer. Follow the same steps: proof yeast, mix wet ingredients, add flax "egg," knead, rise twice, shape, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes. Brush with plant milk for shine. These hold up well under vegan patties without sogginess. Aquafaba works too for extra fluff. Yields soft, dairy-free buns ready in under 3 hours. (112 words)

Homemade Hamburger Buns: Easy Recipe for Soft Buns

Name: Homemade Hamburger Buns
Prep time: 2 h 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 2 h 38 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 3 1/2 cups bread flour for structure and chewiness; – 1 cup whole milk for activating yeast and tenderness; – 1/4 cup unsalted butter for richness and softness; – 2 tbsp granulated sugar for feeding yeast and sweetness; – 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast for quick rise and fluffy crumb; – 1 large egg for moisture and richness; – 1 tsp salt for enhancing flavor; – Sesame seeds for topping; – 1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water for egg wash

Description

🍔 Create perfectly soft and fluffy homemade hamburger buns that will transform your burgers from good to absolutely amazing with their tender texture and golden crust
🥖 Master the art of bakery-quality buns at home with this simple recipe that delivers pillowy-soft results every time, making your homemade burgers taste even better

Ingredients

– 3 1/2 cups bread flour for structure and chewiness

– 1 cup whole milk for activating yeast and tenderness

– 1/4 cup unsalted butter for richness and softness

– 2 tbsp granulated sugar for feeding yeast and sweetness

– 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast for quick rise and fluffy crumb

– 1 large egg for moisture and richness

– 1 tsp salt for enhancing flavor

– Sesame seeds for topping

– 1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water for egg wash

Instructions

1-Prepare Your Mise en Place: Warm the milk to 110°F in a microwave or saucepan; it should feel warm, not hot. Soften the butter at room temperature. Measure flour by spooning into the cup and leveling off to avoid dense dough. Have yeast, sugar, egg, and salt ready. This setup keeps your homemade hamburger buns process smooth for busy schedules.

2-First Step: Proof the Yeast
In a large bowl, stir 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast and 2 tbsp sugar into 1 cup warm milk. Let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy. This confirms yeast is active. For active dry yeast, dissolve similarly. If no foam, discard and start fresh to prevent dense burger buns. Add softened 1/4 cup butter, 1 egg, and 1 tsp salt, whisking until combined. This base creates the soft buns foundation.

3-Second Step: Form the Dough
Gradually add 3 1/2 cups bread flour, starting with 3 cups. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Knead 8-10 minutes, adding flour 1 tbsp at a time if sticky, until smooth and elastic. It should pass the windowpane test: stretch thin without tearing. Under-kneading leads to tough homemade buns, so persist. For stand mixer users, use dough hook on medium 5-7 minutes. This gluten development ensures fluffy results.

4-Third Step: First Rise
Grease a bowl with oil, place dough seam-side down, cover with plastic wrap or damp towel. Let rise in a warm spot (75-85°F) 1 hour until doubled. Poke gently; it springs back slowly. Cold kitchens slow this; place near oven with light on. Patience here yields light soft hamburger buns recipe success.

5-Fourth Step: Shape the Buns
Punch down dough gently to deflate. Divide into 8-10 equal pieces (about 90g each for large buns). Roll each into tight balls, tucking edges under. Place 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten slightly to 3-inch disks. Cover loosely, rise 30-45 minutes until puffy. For sliders, divide into 12-16 pieces.

6-Fifth Step: Bake to Perfection
Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush tops with egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water), sprinkle sesame seeds. Bake 15-18 minutes until deep golden. Rotate sheet halfway for even browning. Cool on rack 20 minutes. They firm slightly then soften. Total time: about 3 hours. These easy homemade hamburger buns hold juicy patties without falling apart. Adapt egg wash for vegan with plant milk brush.

Notes

🥛 Use warm milk (not hot) to activate the yeast – too hot will kill the yeast and prevent proper rising
🌡️ Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot – an oven with the light on works perfectly for consistent temperature
🥚 Don’t skip the egg wash – it gives the buns their beautiful golden-brown color and slightly shiny crust

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bun
Calories: 220
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 280mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 40mg

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