This sourdough hamburger bun recipe is a homemade alternative to traditional store-bought buns. Giving you more than a typical bun, you can enjoy all the goodness that sourdough has to offer even if you’re grilling burgers.
These buns are crafted from a naturally fermented sourdough starter.
The slow fermentation process not only enhances the taste but also makes a lighter, more digestible bun, making each bite satisfying without being overly heavy.
One of the standout features of sourdough hamburger buns is their texture.
The crust is firm yet yielding, with a slight crunch as you bite into it, while the interior is soft, airy, and moist. This balance allows the buns to hold up well to all the fixings without falling apart or becoming soggy.
This sourdough hamburger bun recipe will help you instantly make your burger feel gourmet!
The natural fermentation process helps break down gluten, making the buns easier to digest, and the absence of artificial preservatives or additives means you’re enjoying a more wholesome bun.
Plus, if you’re already maintaining a sourdough starter, making these buns is a fantastic way to use up excess starter.
Why You’ll Enjoy This Sourdough Hamburger Bun Recipe
- Sourdough buns offer a slight tangy flavor that complements any meat.
- The crust is lightly crispy while the inside remains soft and fluffy, creating the perfect bite with each burger or bunned sandwich.
- You can personalize your recipe by adding herbs, spices, or seeds, creating a bun that fits your unique palate.
- These sourdough hamburger buns are really easy to make. All the ingredients are mixed at the same time.
Tools You’ll Need for Making Sourdough Hamburger Buns
- stand mixer
- measuring cups/spoons
- bench knife
- baking dish
- kitchen towel or plastic wrap
Tips for Making Sourdough Hamburger Bun Recipe
- Always use a well-fed and active sourdough starter to help with proper fermentation and rise.
- Aim for a soft and slightly tacky dough. Avoid adding too much flour as it may result in dense buns.
- Allow enough time for both bulk fermentation and second rise.
- For even cooking, shape your buns uniformly and place them at a slight distance to allow for expansion.
- Once baked, you may store uneaten buns in an airtight container for a few days or freeze them for longer preservation.
Ingredients
- bubbly and active sourdough starter
- room temperature buttermilk (can be substituted with water)
- all-purpose flour
- coconut oil
- agave
- salt
- sesame seeds for topping
- egg for egg wash
* Exact measurements are in the recipe card below
Tools You May Need
A stand mixer to knead the dough for 25-30 minutes. A deep baking dish, mixing bowl, pastry brush, and dough cutter.
How to Make Sourdough Hamburger Buns
Step 1: Pour all the ingredients into the bowl of the stand mixer.
Step 2: Allow the dough to knead for 25-30 minutes using the lowest speed.
Step 3: Lightly grease a mixing bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with plastic wrap and allow the dough to ferment on the counter for 8 hours.
Step 4: Once the dough has fermented for 8 hours. transfer the bowl inside the refrigerator overnight or for 8-12 hours.
Step 5: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide the dough into 8 equal parts.
Step 6: Shape each piece of dough into a round ball. Place in the baking sheet, leaving space for expansion while baking.
Step 7: Cover the shaped buns with plastic wrap and allow to proof until doubled. (This may take several hours depending on the temperature in your home.)
Step 8: After the buns are ready, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Meanwhile, crack open the egg in a small bowl, gently beat the egg, then use the pastry brush to apply the egg wash on top of the buns.
Step 9: (Optional) Generously add seseme seeds on top of the buns.
Step 10: Bake for 40-45 minutes at 350 degrees.
Step 11: Remove from the oven, allow to cool then slice open with a bread knife or sharp knife.
Pro Tip: When dividing the dough into 8 equal parts, keep the balls of dough as even as possible to make sure all the buns cook evenly.
Sourdough Hamburger Bun Recipe Variations
1. Whole Wheat Sourdough Buns
- Replace part or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier, more nutritious bun. Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and denser texture, making these buns more filling.
2. Seeded Sourdough Buns
- Add a variety of seeds such as poppy, sunflower, or flax seeds to the dough or sprinkle them on top before baking.
3. Brioche-Style Sourdough Buns
- Incorporate eggs and butter into the dough to create a richer, more tender bun that mimics the soft, slightly sweet texture of brioche.
4. Herb-Infused Sourdough Buns
- Mix fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano into the dough for a fragrant, savory twist.
7. Sweet Sourdough Buns
- Add a touch of honey, maple syrup, or molasses to the dough for a slightly sweetened version of sourdough buns.
Storage
How do you store sourdough burger buns?
The best way to store sourdough buns is to loosly wrap them in a bread sack, or parchment paper them store them in bread box. Leaving them on the counter could cause them to go stale faster. Whereas as bread box will allow just the right amount of ventilation while still keeping the bread covered.
FAQs About Sourdough Hamburger Bun Recipes
Can I add ingredients like cheese or herbs to my sourdough buns?
Absolutely! You can incorporate shredded cheese, herbs, or spices to enhance the flavor according to your preference.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
Use a little extra flour while kneading, but be cautious not to over-flour, as this may lead to tougher buns.
Why are my buns coming out dense?
Dense buns may result from an inactive sourdough starter or insufficient fermentation time.
Sourdough Hamburger Buns Serving Suggestions
And, let’s not forget about all the different burgers or sandwhiches that will go well with the slight tanginess of sourdough.
The classic chesseburger, bacon and blue cheese burgers, barbeque pulled pork, veggie burgers, spicey jalapeno & pepperjack, mushrooms & swiss, a breakfast sandwich with bacon and eggs, chicken sandwich, grilled portobello mushroom burgers, and fish sandwhiches are all great options to use with a sourdough bun.
If you make this recipe make sure to comment down below!
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Sourdough Hamburger Bun Recipe
Equipment
- stand mixer
- deep baking dish
- mixing bowl
- Pastry Brush
- dough cutter
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup bubbly and active sourdough starter
- 3/4 cup room temperature buttermilk can be substituted with water
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 3 Tbsp. agave
- 1 Tsp. salt
- sesame seeds for topping
- 1 egg for egg wash
Instructions
- Step 1: Pour all the ingredients into the bowl of the stand mixer.
- Step 2: Allow the dough to knead for 25-30 minutes using the lowest speed.
- Step 3: Lightly grease a mixing bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with plastic wrap and allow the dough to ferment on the counter for 8 hours.
- Start with a bubbly active sourdough starter for fluffy buns.
- Complete all of the fermentation steps. 8 hours on the counter, overnight in the fridge and the final proof before baking.
- Divide and shape into 8 equal parts.
- Add egg wash, and sesame seeds bake for 40-45 at 350 degrees.
- Step 4: Once the dough has fermented for 8 hours. transfer the bowl inside the refrigerator overnight or for 8-12 hours.
- Step 5: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide the dough into 8 equal parts.
- Step 6: Shape each piece of dough into a round ball. Place in the baking sheet, leaving space for expansion while baking.
- Step 7: Cover the shaped buns with plastic wrap and allow to proof until doubled. (This may take several hours depending on the temperature in your home.)
- Step 8: After the buns are ready, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Meanwhile, crack open the egg in a small bowl, gently beat the egg, then use the pastry brush to apply the egg wash on top of the buns.
- Step 9: (Optional) Generously add seseme seeds on top of the buns.
- Step 10: Bake for 40-45 minutes at 350 degrees.
- Step 11: Remove from the oven, allow to cool then slice open with a bread knife or sharp knife.
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