Soft, fluffy homemade burger buns made with simple ingredients for backyard cookouts and everyday meals.
This classic burger bun recipe is the kind you reach for when you want something sturdy yet soft, with just the right balance of structure and tenderness. Made with active dry yeast, flour, eggs, butter, and a touch of sugar, these buns rise beautifully and bake up light, fluffy, and golden.
They’re perfect for burgers, sandwiches, sliders, or breakfast sandwiches. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or just upgrading a weeknight dinner, these buns hold up well without overpowering the filling.
Why You’ll Love These Burger Buns
- Soft, fluffy texture with a light crumb
- Strong enough to hold burgers and sandwiches
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Bakery-style results at home
- Perfect for burgers, sliders, or sandwiches
- Great for meal prep and freezing
Ingredients
Yeast Mixture
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Sit for 15 minutes
Dry Ingredients
- 3½ cups flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 whole egg
- 1 egg yolk
- ¼ cup softened butter
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes, or until foamy and activated.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a separate large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. In another bowl, whisk together the whole egg and egg yolk, then add them to the flour mixture. Slowly stream in the activated yeast mixture while stirring until a soft dough begins to form.
Step 3: Add Butter and Knead
Add the softened butter to the dough and knead until fully incorporated and smooth. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover, and allow it to proof for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Buns
Punch down the dough and divide it into 10 equal portions. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each bun.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the shaped buns and let them proof again for about 1 hour, until puffed.
Step 7: Bake
Brush the buns with egg wash, then bake at 375°F for about 12 minutes, or until lightly golden and cooked through.
Tips & Variations
- For extra soft buns, brush with melted butter after baking
- Sesame buns: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top after egg wash
- Slider buns: Divide dough into smaller portions
- Make ahead: Dough can be refrigerated overnight after first rise
- Dairy-free option: Use plant-based butter
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
- Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving
Final Thoughts
These classic homemade burger buns prove that a few simple ingredients and a little patience can completely transform your meals. Soft, fluffy, and reliable, they’re perfect for everything from summer cookouts to everyday sandwiches. Once you make them from scratch, store-bought just won’t compare.