Homemade Burger and Hot Dog Buns Recipe

Introduction

Making your own burger and hot dog buns at home is easier than you might think. Freshly baked buns add a wonderful touch to any meal, with a soft texture and a golden crust that store-bought just can’t match.

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup water
• ¼ cup butter
• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 (0.25 ounce) package instant yeast
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 large egg

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the milk, water, and butter together in a small saucepan over medium heat until very warm, about 120°F (50°C). This warmth activates the yeast effectively.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix 1 ¾ cups of the flour with the sugar, instant yeast, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Step 3: Pour the warm milk mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, forming a batter-like consistency.
4. Step 4: Mix the egg into the dough mixture. Gradually add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, stirring well after each addition until the dough starts to come together.
5. Step 5: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten and strengthens the dough.
6. Step 6: For burger buns, divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each into a smooth ball. Place them on a greased baking sheet and flatten slightly. For hot dog buns, divide into 16 equal pieces, shape each into a 6×4-inch rectangle, then roll tightly from a long side, pinching edges to seal. Arrange on a greased baking sheet.
7. Step 7: Cover the shaped buns and let them rise: burger buns for 30–35 minutes, hot dog buns for 20–25 minutes, until puffy.
8. Step 8: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
9. Step 9: Bake the risen buns for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown on top.
10. Step 10: Remove the buns from the oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

• Brush buns with melted butter after baking for extra flavor and a soft crust.
• For a richer taste, swap some of the all-purpose flour for bread flour.
• Add sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top before baking for added texture.
• Use warm water instead of milk for a lighter bun if you prefer.

Storage

Store your buns in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the buns in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but you’ll need to dissolve active dry yeast in warm water and let it proof for about 5–10 minutes before adding it to the recipe.

Why do my buns come out dense instead of soft?

Dense buns often result from under-kneading or not allowing enough rise time. Make sure to knead until the dough is elastic and let the buns rise until they are puffy before baking.

Homemade Burger and Hot Dog Buns Recipe

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This Homemade Burger and Hot Dog Buns recipe yields soft, fluffy, and perfectly golden buns ideal for your next BBQ or sandwich night. Using simple pantry ingredients, the dough is enriched with milk, butter, and egg for a tender crumb. You can easily shape the dough into either classic round burger buns or elongated hot dog buns, which rise beautifully before being baked to a golden finish. Perfect for family meals or entertaining guests, these buns provide a delicious, fresh alternative to store-bought breads.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 burger buns or 16 hot dog buns 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Liquid Ingredients

• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup water
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 large egg

Dry Ingredients

• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 (0.25 ounce) package instant yeast
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt

Instructions

1. Prepare Warm Liquid Mixture: Heat the milk, water, and butter together in a small saucepan over medium heat until the mixture reaches approximately 120°F (50°C). This warm liquid activates the yeast for proper dough rising.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1 ¾ cups of the flour with the sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Stir these dry components evenly to ensure thorough mixing.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the warm milk mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, forming a batter-like consistency.
4. Add Egg and Remaining Flour: Mix the egg into the dough mixture, then gradually add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, stirring well after each addition until the dough begins to come together.
5. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic, developing gluten which strengthens the dough and gives it structure.
6. Shape Buns: For burger buns, divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each piece into a smooth ball. Place them on a greased baking sheet and flatten slightly. For hot dog buns, divide the dough into 16 equal pieces, shape each into a 6×4-inch rectangle, roll tightly from the long side, pinching edges to seal, and place on a greased baking sheet.
7. Let Dough Rise: Cover the shaped buns and let them rise until puffy. Burger buns should rise for about 30 to 35 minutes, while hot dog buns take 20 to 25 minutes.
8. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure proper baking temperature.
9. Bake the Buns: Bake the risen buns for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown on top.
10. Cool and Serve: Remove the buns from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving or storing. This resting period prevents sogginess and enhances texture.

Notes

• For a shinier crust, brush the buns with an egg wash before baking.
• Ensure the liquid is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
• Use instant yeast for convenience, no need to proof separately.
• Store cooled buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle sesame seeds on top of burger buns before baking.

Keywords: homemade buns, burger buns, hot dog buns, bread recipe, soft buns, easy bread dough, baking buns