Hello, homemaker!
Homemade Hamburger Buns is project #64 in my 100 Homemade Projects in 100 Days series, and this one absolutely had to be on the list because we love a good burger at home.
I only started baking bread not too long ago, but honestly, I haven’t looked back. There is just something so comforting about making bread from scratch. The smell that fills the kitchen, the softness of fresh-baked bread, and the simple joy of serving something made with your own hands make it so worth it.
I also love baking bread at home because it tastes so much better than store-bought, but more than that, I think it helps us be a little more mindful about what we’re eating. A lot of store-bought breads and burger buns are made to sit on shelves for weeks, which usually means preservatives and extra ingredients I wouldn’t normally use in my own kitchen.
And honestly? I’ve never been a big fan of store-bought burger buns anyway. They can be dry, too sweet, too crumbly, or just missing that soft, fresh texture that makes a burger really good. Plus, every time we buy a pack, we never seem to finish them all, and a few buns always end up going to waste.
So I finally decided to make them at home, and I was honestly surprised by how easy they are.
These homemade burger buns are soft, fluffy, slightly buttery, and perfect for burgers, sandwiches, chicken patties, pulled meat, veggie burgers, or even breakfast sandwiches. Once you try making them yourself, you might not want to go back to the packaged ones again.
And the best part? You only need simple pantry ingredients.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes. These homemade burger buns are a great make-ahead recipe.
You can bake them earlier in the day and keep them covered until supper. You can also bake them a day ahead and store them in an airtight container.
For longer storage, freeze them once they are completely cooled.
How to Freeze Homemade Burger Buns
Let the buns cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
To use, thaw at room temperature. You can warm them in the oven for a few minutes before serving if you want that fresh-baked softness again.
This is one of my favorite ways to keep a from-scratch kitchen running smoothly. A little baking today makes another meal easier later.
What to Serve on Homemade Burger Buns
These buns are perfect for classic hamburgers, but they are useful for so much more.
Try them with grilled chicken sandwiches, sloppy joes, pulled pork, egg sandwiches, fried chicken, garden veggie burgers, or leftover roast beef with a little horseradish sauce.
They are also wonderful toasted with butter and jam the next morning.
Homemade Burger Buns Recipe
Makes: 8 burger buns
Prep time: 20 minutes
Rise time: 1½ to 2 hours
Bake time: 15 to 18 minutes
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup bread flour
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup warm water
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons softened butter
For brushing:
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk or water
- Sesame seeds, optional
Instructions
1. Mix the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix everything together.
Make sure the salt and yeast are well combined with the flour before adding the wet ingredients.
2. Add the wet ingredients
Add the warm milk, warm water, egg, and softened butter to the bowl.
Mix until a rough dough forms. You can do this with a wooden spoon, spatula, or your hands.
The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but not overly wet.
3. Knead the dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes.
Try not to add too much extra flour while kneading. A soft dough gives you soft burger buns.
You’ll know the dough is ready to rise when it feels smooth and elastic. Gently press it with your finger; if it slowly springs back, it is ready. You can also do the windowpane test by stretching a small piece of dough until it becomes thin enough for light to pass through without tearing.
4. Let the dough rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the buns
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air.
Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces. I recommend 8 pieces for bigger buns.
Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath. Place the dough balls on a lined baking tray, leaving enough space between them because they will rise again.
Gently flatten each ball with your palm to give it a burger bun shape.
6. Let the buns rise again
Cover the shaped buns and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes, or until they look puffy.
This second rise is important because it helps make the buns soft and fluffy.
7. Brush and top
Preheat your oven to 375°F / 190°C.
In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of milk or water.
Gently brush the tops of the buns with the egg wash. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top, if using.
8. Bake
Bake the buns for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
Once baked, remove them from the oven and brush the tops with a little melted butter for extra softness and shine.
Let them cool before slicing.
Tips for Soft Burger Buns
Do not add too much flour while kneading. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky. Too much flour can make the buns dense or dry.
Make sure your milk and water are warm, not hot. If the liquid is too hot, it can kill the yeast.
Let the dough rise properly. Bread needs time, and the rise is what gives the buns their soft, fluffy texture.
Brush the buns with butter after baking. This keeps the tops soft and gives them a beautiful homemade finish.
How to Store Homemade Burger Buns
Once the buns are completely cool, store them in an airtight container or bread bag at room temperature for up to 2 days.
You can also freeze them. Place the cooled buns in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw at room temperature and warm slightly before serving.
Serving Ideas
These buns are perfect for:
- Beef burgers
- Chicken burgers
- Fish burgers
- Veggie burgers
- Breakfast sandwiches
- Sloppy joes
- Pulled chicken or pulled beef sandwiches
You can also toast them lightly with a little butter before adding your fillings. It makes them even more delicious!
