Learn how to make Burger Buns at home with simple pantry staples. These soft, buttery homemade buns beat store-bought every time.
Table of Contents
Burger Buns
These homemade burger buns are easy to make and remind me of brioche: soft, slightly buttery, and tender inside with a golden, slightly crisp exterior. They’re delicious for burgers and sandwiches and use common ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Kelley’s Tips
- If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can knead the dough by hand. Knead until the dough is smooth and no longer sticky.
- To make evenly sized rolls, weigh the dough and divide by the number of buns you want. This gives consistent bun sizes and even baking.
Ingredients
- Flour: All-purpose flour works well for a soft, slightly chewy bun. King Arthur or another quality all-purpose flour is recommended.
- Yeast: 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant dry yeast. Active dry yeast can be used but requires a slightly longer proofing time.
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness. Substitute granulated sugar if needed.
- Egg: Adds structure and helps the dough rise; also used for the egg wash to give the buns a glossy finish.
- Milk: Warmed to about 110°F (use 2% or whole milk).
- Butter: Unsalted, softened, folded into the dough for richness and tenderness.
- Optional topping: Sesame seeds or everything seasoning for a flavorful finish.
How to Make Soft and Fluffy Burger Buns
- Make the dough: Warm 1 cup of milk to about 110°F. Stir in the yeast and let sit 5 minutes until foamy. Add 1 tablespoon honey, 1 large egg, 2 1/2 cups of the flour, and 1 tsp salt. Mix using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 5 minutes until combined.
- Add the remaining 1/2 cup of flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl but remains soft and slightly tacky. Mix in 2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter and continue mixing about 3 minutes. Remove the dough hook, cover the bowl with a warm, damp towel, and let the dough rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Form the buns: Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a rectangle. Divide into eight equal squares. Cup your hand over each square and roll in a circular motion to form a tight round bun, or simply roll each piece into a smooth ball. Place the buns on a greased baking sheet, cover, and let rest another 30 minutes until puffed.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Whisk 1 large egg with 1 tablespoon water and brush the tops of the buns. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Bake 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool briefly before slicing.
How to Use Your Homemade Burger Buns
- Use for classic burgers served with your favorite toppings.
- Great for pulled pork, French dip sandwiches, or sloppy joes.
- Serve alongside homemade oven-baked fries or use for deli-style chicken and salad sandwiches.
Make your own burger sauce!
Just three ingredients make a simple, delicious burger sauce:
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup mustard
Mix and serve on your warm homemade buns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you toast burger buns?
Yes. Toasting the buns enhances flavor and texture. Toast on the grill for 1–2 minutes per side or in a hot skillet with a little butter for a golden, crisp surface.
How To Store Homemade Burger Buns
These buns are best the day they’re made. Any leftovers freeze well for up to 3 months. I recommend freezing them soon after cooling to preserve freshness.
To defrost, leave the buns at room temperature for about an hour or reheat directly in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
More oven-fresh baked recipes to try
- Pepperoni Bread
- Quick Focaccia Bread
- Classic Dinner Rolls
- Bacon Cheese Biscuits
- Corn Muffins
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Recipe
Burger Buns
5 from 3 votes
Soft, buttery homemade burger buns made with simple ingredients — far better than store-bought.
Author: Kelley Simmons
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Resting Time: 1 hr 45 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 35 mins
Serves 8 large buns
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (warmed to about 110°F)
- 1 packet instant yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
Mixing Dough
- Add warm milk and yeast to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Add honey, 1 egg, 2 1/2 cups flour, and salt. Mix 5 minutes. Add the remaining 1/2 cup flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough pulls from the bowl and is soft but not sticky. Add softened butter and mix an additional 3 minutes.
- Remove the dough hook, cover the bowl with a warm damp towel, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Forming The Rolls
- Punch down the dough and turn onto a floured surface. Shape into a large rectangle.
- Divide into 8 equal squares. Cup your hand and roll each square into a tight ball.
- Place on a greased baking sheet and let rest 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
Baking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Whisk 1 large egg with 1 tbsp water and brush the buns. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Bake 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 241 kcal
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Protein: 7 g
Fat: 5 g (Saturated Fat: 3 g)
Cholesterol: 57 mg
Sodium: 348 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 4 g
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