I have a thing for burgers, especially come summer time. There is something so wonderful about a grilled, well-seasoned burger topped with bacon. I kicked off my first burgers of the season by making them extra special with homemade hamburger buns!


My camera and I weren’t getting along very well, so unfortunately I didn’t snap a lot of photos of the dough making process. Luckily, it’s pretty straight forward. So first, you’re going to whip up this beautiful, soft dough.

And divide it into twelve equally sized balls.

Flatten them out a bit and fold the dough under itself to create a nice smooth top. Brush on an egg wash and top with sesame seeds, kosher salt, herbs, or whatever floats your boat.

Let them rise for a little while, then throw them in the oven until they’re just golden. Slice ’em up and toast them with a bit of butter

Top it with a homemade patty and your toppings of choice! Might I recommend some cheese, bacon, and caramelized onions. If only I’d had the patience to make those onions. I did, however, make time for sweet potato chips and a nice Deschutes Chainbreaker White IPA.

Don’t forget to follow my blog by Blogger, RSS, or e-mail for the latest updates! (You can do that on the right)

Or like A Duck’s Oven on Facebook!

Burger Buns

Adapted from Taste and Tell
Makes 12 Buns

Ingredients
1/2 cup warm water
2 tbsp white sugar
2 tsp active dry yeast
1 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
4-4/12 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 egg

1 tbsp water
1 egg
Desired toppings (e.g., sesame seeds, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, herbs)

Directions
1. In a KitchenAid or large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it appears “foamy” and yeast has proofed.
2. While the yeast is proofing, combine the milk and butter in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low until butter has melted. Add the milk mixture to the proofed yeast mixture and whisk until well combined.
3. Add the salt and egg to the milk and yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined. If using a KitchenAid, switch to a dough hook and gradually add the flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until dough comes together and is no longer sticky.
4. Oil a large bowl and add the dough. Cover and let rise for an hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. After the dough has risen, punch down and divide into twelve equal parts. Form into bowls and squish down just a bit. Place on a greased cookie sheet and let rise for a half hour.
6. Whisk together the water and egg. Brush the egg wash onto the tops of the flattened buns. Sprinkle on desired toppings.
7. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until tops are slightly golden. Let cool and cut in half. Serve with homemade burger patties.