Bake Your Own High and Airy Hamburger Buns: A Step-by-Step Guide

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of biting into a burger nestled within a soft, fluffy, and perfectly baked bun. While store-bought buns are convenient, they often lack the freshness and personalized touch that homemade buns offer. Crafting your own high and airy hamburger buns is a rewarding endeavor that elevates your culinary creations. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you achieve bakery-quality results in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Pre-Dough:

• All-Purpose Flour: 100 grams
• Warm Water: 100 milliliters
• Fresh Brewer’s Yeast: 20 grams

For the Main Dough:

• All-Purpose Flour: 750 grams
• Whole Milk: 240 milliliters
• Large Eggs: 2
• Egg Yolks: 2
• Granulated Sugar: 40 grams
• Unsalted Butter (softened): 50 grams
• Salt: 20 grams

For the Topping:

• Egg Whites: 2
• Water: 1 tablespoon
• Sesame Seeds: As needed

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pre-Dough:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine 100 grams of all-purpose flour with 100 milliliters of warm water and 20 grams of fresh brewer’s yeast.
   • Stir the mixture until it forms a smooth, homogenous batter.
   • Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap to prevent drying.
   • Allow the pre-dough to rest in a warm, draft-free environment for approximately 30 minutes. This period allows the yeast to activate, resulting in a bubbly and aromatic mixture.
2. Prepare the Main Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the remaining 750 grams of all-purpose flour with 240 milliliters of whole milk, 2 large eggs, 2 egg yolks, 40 grams of granulated sugar, 50 grams of softened unsalted butter, and 20 grams of salt.
   • Add the rested pre-dough to this mixture.
   • Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, mix the ingredients on low speed until they come together. Once combined, increase the speed to medium and knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes. The goal is to achieve a smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky dough. If mixing by hand, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for approximately 10-12 minutes until the desired consistency is reached.
3. First Rise:
   • Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or non-stick spray.
   • Place the dough into the greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides lightly with oil. This step helps prevent the dough from forming a dry skin.
   • Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
   • Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in volume. The time may vary depending on the ambient temperature.
4. Shaping the Buns:
   • Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the accumulated gases.
   • Transfer the dough onto a clean, lightly floured work surface.
   • Divide the dough into equal portions, each weighing approximately 100 grams, to ensure uniformity in size.
   • Shape each portion into a smooth ball by folding the edges towards the center and then rolling it gently under your palm against the work surface.
   • Place each shaped ball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring there is sufficient space between them to accommodate expansion during the next rise.
5. Second Rise:
   • Cover the baking sheet with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap to maintain moisture.
   • Allow the shaped buns to rise for an additional 30 minutes in a warm environment. This second rise contributes to the buns’ airy texture and ensures they achieve the desired height.
6. Preheat the Oven:
   • While the buns are undergoing their second rise, preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Ensuring the oven reaches the correct temperature before baking is crucial for optimal results.
7. Prepare the Topping:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together 2 egg whites with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. This mixture will give the buns a glossy finish.
   • Once the buns have completed their second rise, gently brush the surface of each bun with the egg wash using a pastry brush.
   • Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over the tops of the buns, if desired, to add a subtle nutty flavor and an appealing appearance.
8. Baking:
   • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
   • Bake the buns for approximately 15 minutes, or until they exhibit a rich golden-brown color. Baking times may vary based on individual oven performance, so it’s advisable to monitor the buns closely as they approach the end of the baking period.
9. Cooling:
   • Once baked, remove the buns from the oven.
   • Transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Cooling on a rack prevents condensation from forming on the bottoms, which can lead to sogginess.

Tips for Success:

• Ingredient Temperatures: Ensure that all ingredients, especially the milk and eggs, are at room temperature. This practice promotes better yeast activity and dough consistency.
• Yeast Activation: The warm water used for the pre-dough should be between 37°C to 40°C (98.6°F to 104°F). Water that is too hot can kill the yeast, while water that is too cool may not activate it effectively.
• Kneading: Proper kneading develops the gluten network, which is essential for the dough’s structure and the buns’ airy texture. The dough should become smooth and elastic, indicating sufficient kneading.
• Rising Environment: If your kitchen is cool, consider placing the dough in a slightly warm oven (turned off) or near a warm appliance to facilitate proper rising.
• Storage: Once cooled, store the buns in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best consumed within 2-3 days. For extended storage, consider freezing the buns and thawing them at room temperature when needed.

By following this detailed guide, you’ll be well-equipped to bake high and airy hamburger buns that are sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply elevating a weeknight dinner, these homemade buns will add a touch of gourmet flair to your meals.