Making homemade buns was life changing.  Although it takes some time to let the bread rise, it’s still incredibly simple and very rewarding.  The result are picture-perfect buns, perfect for a cheeseburger hot off the grill.

If you’re looking for the perfect sandwich bread, check out my recipe for Perfect Buttermilk Bread!

I realize I just used the word perfect four times now, and I don’t use the term lightly.

Ingredients
-4 1/4 cups unbleached bread flour
-1 1/2 teaspoons salt
-3 tablespoons sugar
-2 teaspoons instant yeast
-1 large egg, lightly beaten
-1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
-1 1/2 cups buttermilk or milk, at room temperature
-sesame seeds for the tops (optional but highly recommended)

In a large bowl, add salt, sugar, flour, and yeast.  Add egg, butter, and milk or buttermilk.  Mix until the dough begins to form into a bowl.  From here, knead dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.  I used my stand mixer, but hand kneading will do the trick, too!

Oil a large bowl and put dough in bowl.  Cover (I use a tea towel) and place somewhere draft free (the oven or microwave are my choice places.)  Let rise for at least one hour, or until doubled in size.

Remove the dough and divide into 10 buns.  If you’d prefer smaller buns for sliders, divide into 16.  Shape the dough pieces into rounds as pictured:

Cover and let rise for another hour.

Preheat oven to 400F.  In a small bowl, whisk together egg and water.  This is your egg wash that will make the tops of the buns golden and glossy.  Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Bake the buns for 15 minutes (12 for slider buns) and let cool on a wire rack.

Let cool before slicing…resist the temptation!

Serve with a burger hot off the grill with your favorite sides!