Thursday, November 5, 2009

Homemade Burger Buns

I had seen these around the interwebs and really wanted to give it a try. I decided to go with the recipe from Smitten Kitchen because the pictures were awesome. And pretty much everything on her blog makes me salivate.
Now I will extol the virtues of these buns till the cows come home.
These are so light and wonderful, yet sturdy enough to hold up to whatever you want it to hold up to (within reason). They smelled wonderful, and when they are fresh and warm from the oven they're everything home made bread is supposed to be.
The recipe is fool proof, considering I had an "oh crap" moment when adding the yeast. But the buns came out perfect in spite of my lack of careful measuring. (I occasionally mistake tablespoons for teaspoons).
I served 'em up with the Noble Pig's pulled chicken recipe (which is amazing, btw) and I think we were all happy campers.
Here is the recipe from Smitten Kitchen. Please make and enjoy!
And for the love of all that is holy, ignore those dolphins. Thank you.

Makes 8 4 to 5-inch burger buns

3 tablespoons warm milk 2 teaspoons active dry yeast 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar 2 large eggs 3 cups bread flour 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened Sesame seeds (optional)

1. In a glass measuring cup, combine one cup warm water, the milk, yeast and sugar. Let stand until foamy, about five minutes. Meanwhile, beat one egg.

2. In a large bowl, whisk flours with salt. Add butter and rub into flour between your fingers, making crumbs. Using a dough scraper, stir in yeast mixture and beaten egg until a dough forms. Scrape dough onto clean, well-floured counter and knead, scooping dough up, slapping it on counter and turning it, until smooth and elastic, 8 to 10 minutes. The dough will be on the sticky side so it can be a bit messy, but keep in mind that the more flour you knead in, the tougher the buns will get. Try to leave them tackier than you would a round loaf.

3. Shape dough into a ball and return it to bowl. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, one to two hours.

4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using dough scraper, divide dough into 8 equal parts. Gently roll each into a ball and arrange two to three inches apart on baking sheet. Cover loosely with a piece of plastic wrap lightly coated in nonstick spray and let buns rise in a warm place for one to two hours.

5. Set a large shallow pan of water on oven floor. Preheat oven to 400 degrees with rack in center. Beat remaining egg with one tablespoon water and brush some on top of buns. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, if using. Bake, turning sheet halfway through baking, until tops are golden brown, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.

24 comments:

Monica H said...

I didn't even notice the dolphins til you pointed them out- ha ha!

Thos buns look perfect! I've made some in the past but I've wanting to try a new recipe. This may be it- thanks!

♥peachkins♥ said...

The buns look great specially with the pulled chicken

Velva said...

Wow, now making your own hamburger buns is totally impressive. Love it!

The JR said...

They look amazing. Bet they were great.

Chocolaty Lifestyle said...

What a great recipe! These buns would be really great for a holiday morning! :)

Ingrid_3Bs said...

You go...homemade buns, huh?!

You know it's a winning recipe when it survives an "oh, crap" moment!

Happy Friday!
~ingrid

teresa said...

the dangerous thing about making these would be that i would end up eating them before getting a burger on them! lol! they look wonderful! have a great weekend!

Reeni said...

I bet these were delicious! The dolphins are adorable!

Miranda said...

Oh My. I've never thought about making my own burger buns. Duh!! LOL Thanks for sharing.

Katrina said...

Yum. I need to try homemade buns, I never like the store ones.

lisaiscooking said...

These look so great! I've been wanting to make hamburger buns but haven't gotten to it yet. I'm inspired again.

Megan said...

Store bought buns are so expensive and homemade are so much better. Your sammies look tasty!

K said...

I have recently discovered Smitten Kitchen and am smitten myself with all the yummy looking food there. These homemade hamburger buns sound amazing.

theUngourmet said...

I've done that mis-measuring thing before!

These look wonderful! Nice Job!

Katy ~ said...

I've made burger buns but thought they were too soft. Will give your recipe a try when I next make these.

Carma Sez said...

The buns look like they came from a bakery. Good job!

Kim said...

Those are some good looking buns! I tried making them before, but it was a total flop! Nice job :D

Captain Dumbass said...

Nice buns.

What? Somebody had to say it.

Nella said...

I just found your blog and I am delighted! Yes, Deb over at Smitten Kitchen is too good for words. I am going to have to try the buns. I have tried many of her recipes and all have been hits. Thanks for the great blog, I shall be a regular. N

Krista said...

These look amazing. Can't beat fresh baked bread!

I was like, "What dolphins?" I had to scroll back up to look for them. Guess I did the opposite of "ignore". lol.

The Blonde Duck said...

I'm going to copy you. I always like making burgers at home and Ben pouts, and I think these buns would fix that!!!

Emily said...

I can't believe you made these! They look fantastic!

Evolving Mommy Catherine said...

It is dangerous for me to come around here, my mouth waters way too much. I have been thinking about making hamburger buns for a while but I think you finally gave me the kick in the pants I needed...those look so good!

Anonymous said...

I hate the store bought burger buns...they are so squichy and soggy...these Julie... look PERFECTO ! I Must try !!!