It’s all about the buns. Bread selection is a key element to transforming a burger from ordinary to extraordinary. While a white, mushy burger bun has its place in a drive-through, our expectations should go beyond grocery store Wonder Bread. Not just a vehicle for holding the meat patty; the bun is what makes a burger a burger – and not a pile of grilled ground beef on a plate. So, let’s give it a little respect. Texture, flavor and wholesomeness – a good burger bun brings life to what can otherwise be thoughtless fast-food fare.
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Attractive Buns
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 1x
Description
Although it requires more time than the store-bought variety, a soft roll is easy to make at home and brings life to an otherwise ordinary burger.
Ingredients
- 500g Bread Flour
- 55g Sugar
- 10g Salt
- 10 g Black Pepper
- 10g Instant Dry Yeast
- 1 Egg
- 55g Dry Milk Powder
- 45g Butter
- 290g Water
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350F
- In a standing mixer, place all dry ingredients (Flour, sugar, salt, pepper, milk powder and yeast)
- Using the hook attachment, mix until all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add the water, egg and butter. Mix for 10-15 minutes, or until dough looks smooth and kneadable.
- Transfer the finished dough to a floured surface and divide it into 100g pieces. Roll each piece into balls.
- Arrange the balls on sheet trays at least two inches apart. Sprinkle the balls with flour, cover lightly with plastic wrap and allow them to rise for 45 minutes.
- Using a small brush, carefully egg-wash each bun before baking and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Bake for about 10 minutes, or until golden.
Notes
- When bread baking, invest in a small, home scale to weight your ingredients, rather than using volume measurements – this will ensure a much more consistent product.
- To make the egg wash, beat one egg with a pinch of salt.
- Paint each bun using a small pastry brush.
- This will give your burger buns a professional shine.
- Prep Time: 50 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 230
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this recipe include dry milk powder and black pepper in the dough?
The 55 g dry milk powder enriches the dough, giving the buns a softer, slightly sweet crumb similar to a bakery brioche-style bun. The 10 g of black pepper adds a subtle savory warmth to the dough itself — not just a surface seasoning — which distinguishes these from plain grocery store buns.
Why does the recipe recommend weighing ingredients instead of using measuring cups?
The notes specifically advise investing in a small home scale rather than relying on volume measurements, because precision is critical in bread baking — a cup of flour can vary significantly by how it’s scooped. Weighing ensures a consistent dough every time. 
What does the egg wash do and how do I make it?
The notes explain that brushing each bun with egg wash before baking “will give your burger buns a professional shine.” To make it, beat one egg with a pinch of salt and apply with a small pastry brush before the 10-minute bake at 350°F.
