Ultimate Soft Burger Buns
These Ultimate Soft Burger Buns are a game changer for your grilling season! With a light and airy texture, these homemade buns are perfect for holding your favorite burgers while adding a touch of gourmet flair to your meals. Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ, enjoying a picnic, or crafting a delicious homemade sandwich, these buns are just what you need. Crafted with warm milk and butter flavor shortening, they bring a rich taste that complements any filling. Yielding between 12-14 buns based on your preferred size, they're versatile and can be customized with ingredients like malt powder for added depth. Experience the joy of fresh, homemade bread with this reliable recipe!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
warm water
1 cup (used for proofing yeast)
sugar
1 teaspoon (for proofing yeast)
dry yeast
1 tablespoon (for fermentation)
warm whole milk
3/4 cup (to enrich the dough)
sugar
4 tablespoons (for sweetness and flavor in the dough)
melted Crisco shortening
1/4 cup (to create a tender texture (butter flavor recommended))
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (seasoning for flavor)
all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups (can substitute with bread flour for U.S. residents; add more if needed)
egg white
1 (for egg wash)
water
1 teaspoon (to mix with egg white for wash)
sesame seeds
1 tablespoon (for topping the buns)
Instructions
1
Start by proofing the yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water with 1 teaspoon of sugar and sprinkle the dry yeast on top. Let it sit for approximately 10 minutes or until it becomes foamy.
2
In a heavy-duty stand mixer fitted with a kneader hook, combine 3 1/2 cups of flour, 4 tablespoons of sugar (or 3 for less sweetness), melted Crisco, warm milk, and salt. Add malt powder if desired.
3
After the yeast has proofed, mix it into the flour mixture and stir until you achieve a soft, semi-sticky dough that holds around the blade. If needed, gradually add more flour, but avoid adding too much to keep the buns light and fluffy.
4
Knead the dough in the mixer for about 7-8 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
5
Remove the dough from the bowl and let it rest on the counter for 10 minutes, covered with a clean dish towel. This rest is crucial for developing good gluten structure.
6
Gently knead the dough by hand for about 30 seconds, then place it in a large, well-greased bowl.
7
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place, ideally for 60-90 minutes or until it has doubled in size. A great method is to warm your oven to 200°F, then turn it off and place the dough inside.
8
Once risen, punch down the dough to release any trapped air and shape it into large balls, placing them on a greased cookie sheet. You should be able to fit 12 balls on a standard sheet.
9
Cover the balls with a light clean tea towel and allow them to rise again in a warm area for another 30-40 minutes or until nearly doubled in size.
10
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
11
In a small bowl, mix together 1 egg white with 1 teaspoon of water until well combined. Carefully brush this mixture over the tops and sides of each bun to achieve a golden crust.
12
Sprinkle sesame seeds over the buns, then place them in the oven and bake for approximately 22 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let them cool on a wire rack.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ultimate Soft Burger Buns?
They are homemade, light, and airy buns with a gourmet flair, perfect for burgers, picnics, and backyard BBQs.
How many buns does this recipe yield?
The recipe yields between 12 to 14 buns, depending on your preferred size.
How long should I proof the yeast?
The yeast should sit for approximately 10 minutes or until it becomes foamy.
What type of flour is recommended for these buns?
The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but you can substitute with bread flour if you are in the U.S.
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, bread flour is a suitable substitute and can be used to achieve a great texture.
What is the purpose of the warm milk?
Warm milk is used to enrich the dough and provide a richer taste.
Why use Crisco shortening in the dough?
Shortening, specifically butter-flavored, helps create a tender texture in the buns.
How long should I knead the dough in a mixer?
Knead the dough for about 7 to 8 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
What should the dough texture be like before kneading?
It should be a soft, semi-sticky dough that holds around the blade of the mixer.
Why is the 10-minute rest important after kneading?
This rest is crucial for developing a good gluten structure in the dough.
How long is the first rising period?
The dough should rise in a warm place for 60 to 90 minutes or until doubled in size.
What is a good method to help dough rise?
Warm your oven to 200°F, then turn it off and place the dough inside to rise.
How do I prepare the dough for shaping?
Punch down the risen dough to release trapped air before shaping it into balls.
How many buns fit on a standard cookie sheet?
You should be able to fit approximately 12 dough balls on a standard greased cookie sheet.
How long is the second rise for the shaped buns?
Allow the shaped balls to rise for another 30 to 40 minutes until nearly doubled in size.
What temperature should the oven be for baking?
Preheat and bake the buns at 375°F (190°C).
How is the egg wash prepared?
Mix 1 egg white with 1 teaspoon of water until well combined.
Why brush the buns with an egg wash?
Brushing the buns with egg white helps them achieve a beautiful golden crust.
What toppings are suggested for these buns?
Sesame seeds are recommended to be sprinkled over the buns before baking.
How long do the buns take to bake?
The buns bake for approximately 22 minutes.
How can I tell if the buns are finished baking?
They are done when they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Where should the buns cool?
The buns should be cooled on a wire rack after being removed from the oven.
Can I add malt powder to this recipe?
Yes, you can add malt powder for added depth of flavor if desired.
What can I use these buns for?
They are perfect for burgers, homemade sandwiches, and any meal requiring fresh bread.
How much sugar is used for proofing the yeast?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of sugar to help proof the yeast.
How much sugar is in the bun dough?
The dough uses 4 tablespoons of sugar, or 3 if you prefer less sweetness.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the buns?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar in the dough from 4 tablespoons to 3 tablespoons.
Is this recipe suitable for grilling season?
Absolutely, these buns are described as a game changer for grilling season.
What is the ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 11 key ingredients in this burger bun recipe.
What type of yeast is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of dry yeast for fermentation.