Description

This recipe provides a quick and easy way to make soft, flavorful homemade burger buns, perfect for elevating any burger or sandwich with a fresh-baked taste. It features savory sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil for a unique flavor profile.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup lukewarm water
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast (or 1 packet)
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 large egg, room temperature
0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted (or vegetable oil for dairy-free)
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening, melted (or additional vegetable oil)
0.5 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
1 teaspoon olive oil

Instructions

Activate Yeast: Combine 1 cup lukewarm water (40-45°C) and 2 teaspoons sugar. Sprinkle 2.25 teaspoons yeast over; let sit for 5-10 minutes until visibly foamy.
Mix Dough: Whisk 1 large egg, 0.25 cup melted butter (or oil), and 2 tablespoons melted shortening (or additional oil) into the yeast mixture. Separately, whisk 3 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Add dry ingredients to wet; mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Infuse and Knead: Add 0.5 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 0.25 cup chopped basil. Knead dough until smooth, elastic, and supple (8-10 minutes by hand or 5-7 minutes with a mixer). If too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time.
First Rise: Lightly grease a bowl with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Transfer dough; cover tightly. Let rise in a warm spot for 30-45 minutes until visibly doubled in size.
Shape Buns: Punch down dough. Divide into 6-8 equal portions (90-110g each). Shape each into a smooth, tight ball, rolling against the counter.
Second Rise: Arrange shaped buns on a large parchment-lined baking sheet, 5 cm apart. Cover loosely; let rise for 20-30 minutes until visibly puffy.
Prepare for Baking: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) while buns rise.
Bake and Finish: Brush tops of buns with olive oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and hollow when tapped. Cool slightly on a wire rack.

Notes

For a lighter bun, reduce butter slightly or use low-fat vegetable oil. For a richer, brioche-style bun, increase butter by 1-2 tablespoons. Store cooled buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bun
Calories: 280 calories
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 300 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 8 g
Cholesterol: 30 mg

Keywords: burger buns, quick bread, homemade, sun-dried tomato, basil, easy recipe, baking, savory, family friendly