Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, golden-brown homemade bun that puts store-bought versions to shame! These incredibly easy hamburger and hot dog buns are about to revolutionize your sandwich game, transforming ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences. Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue or simply craving that fresh-from-the-oven goodness, this foolproof recipe will have you creating professional-quality buns that will make your family and friends think you've secretly trained as a professional baker.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 buns
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) of yeast, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk together until well combined.
- In a separate small saucepan, heat 1/4 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of water over medium heat until warm, but not boiling. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of melted butter until fully combined.
- In a small bowl, crack 1 large egg and beat it lightly. Add the beaten egg to the warm milk mixture and stir until combined.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Form the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning the dough to coat it lightly with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 10-15 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a ball by rolling it between your hands and then flattening it slightly to form a bun shape. Place the shaped buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each bun.
- Cover the buns with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 10-15 minutes until they puff up slightly.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the buns are rising.
- Once the buns have risen, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
- Remove the buns from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, they are ready to be sliced and filled with your favorite hamburger or hot dog fillings.
Tips
- Temperature matters! Ensure your milk and water mixture is warm (around 110°F) but not hot, which can kill the yeast.
- Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, which gives your buns that perfect chewy texture.
- Let the dough rise in a draft-free, warm spot like near a preheated oven or in a slightly warmed oven (turned off).
- For a glossy, professional-looking finish, brush the buns with an egg wash before baking.
- Allow buns to cool completely before slicing to maintain their soft, fluffy interior.
- Store leftover buns in an airtight container or freeze for up to a month to preserve freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 170kcal
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg
