Whole Wheat Hamburger Buns

by Erin

It seems that with every season change, I find myself very disappointed in my wardrobe. This statement probably comes off as insanity to those of you who have seen the expanse of my closet, but despite all the options I find myself bored. A lot of it I have owned for many years and although I still like them, they don’t seem exciting anymore. Since my graduate student stipend cannot support a full wardrobe renewal, I end up buying a couple new items to spruce things up a bit. With the weather warming up, it is likely that I will be doing just that come the weekend.

Another side effect of the changing of the seasons is a desire to eat grilled foods. I don’t actually own an outdoor grill, but I pretend nonetheless and use the George Foreman or a grill pan. And what’s a burger without a bun? In fact, homemade burger buns have been on my list of things to make for a long time. I’ve made pretzel buns several times, but somehow skipped right over the basics (maybe that’s why my closet bores me, because it’s overflowing with basics). So when I decided to make burgers for dinner, I made sure to set aside some time to make traditional buns first!

These basic (but not boring) buns were absolutely perfect with their smooth tops and fluffy insides which are just begging to be toasted. I only needed 4 buns for the burgers so I froze the remaining 4 to be used later with another burger. Freezers are awesome.

Whole Wheat Hamburger Buns

One year ago: Pineapple Pancakes with Honey Greek Yogurt Topping

WHOLE WHEAT HAMBURGER BUNS

Makes 8 buns

Ingredients:

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 tsp salt

2 1/2 tsp dry active yeast

1 cup 2% milk

1 egg

4 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened

1-1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 egg + 1 Tbsp water, for egg wash

Sesame and poppy seeds (optional topping)

Directions:

  1. Set a side a large bowl that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
  2. In the bowl of your stand mixer or a medium bowl, combine the sugar, salt and yeast.
  3. In a smaller bowl, microwave the milk for 15 second increments until it is about 100 degrees or feels like bath water.
  4. Slowly whisk in the milk to the sugar, salt and yeast and stir until the yeast and sugar are basically dissolved (a couple of seconds). Add the egg, butter and 1 cup of the flour and stir until there are no clumps.
  5. Slowly add in the remaining 2 1/2 cups of flour until the dough is covered enough to start kneading with the dough hook (or flour covered hands). Knead for about 3 minutes.
  6. Transfer the dough ball into the bowl that you set aside earlier. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 1/2 hours until it has doubled in size.
  7. Punch the dough down, reshape into a ball, recover, and let it rise again for another 1 hour, until it has doubled in size again
  8. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
  9. Shape the dough into balls and let them rise while the oven is preheating.
  10. In a small bowl, beat the egg and tablespoon of water. Brush the egg wash on the tops of the buns. Sprinkle with the seeds, if using.
  11. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
  12. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature or freeze them!

Source: Barely adapted from Chocolate & Carrots

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11 comments

Cassie | Bake Your Day April 24, 2013 - 2:39 pm

I love this and need to try buns ASAP! I love homemade breads and I’m sure these would be a big hit!

Reply
ashley - baker by nature April 23, 2013 - 10:33 pm

Now these are some hot buns!

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Arthur in the Garden! April 23, 2013 - 5:17 pm

Oh, wow! These are beautiful and probably tasty!

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Caroline @ chocolate & carrots April 23, 2013 - 11:21 am

There’s nothing finer than homemade buns. Mmm…Good call on freezing the left overs too! :D

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Anne @The Cooking Campaign April 23, 2013 - 9:47 am

I love making homemade buns, normally I make potato bread buns, but these look incredible. Can’t wait to try them out :)

Reply
Tracey April 23, 2013 - 9:12 am

I love making homemade burger rolls, but I so often go with a white version. I really need to get better about doing whole wheat more often! These are perfection – definitely perfect to stash in the freezer all summer long!

Reply
Zainab April 23, 2013 - 8:56 am

The buns are a great idea. Getting ready for grill season…my favorite time of the year. I need some serious wardrobe fix too, but like you I get stuck buying only a few key staples when the season changes. Ah grad school!

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Kayle (The Cooking Actress) April 23, 2013 - 8:40 am

I’m always disappointed with my wardrobe too *sigh* lol

I adooore these buns, they look perfect!

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Vicki @ WITK April 23, 2013 - 8:29 am

I totally understand where you’re at with your wardrobe! I was the same when I was in grad school. That’s why, since I’ve been in the real working world, I go shopping all too often! Soon you’ll have expendable income! :)

I also have no grill. And people tell me a grill pan just isn’t the same. But i don’t think my apartment building would be happy with me lighting up a grill inside…

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Joanne April 23, 2013 - 7:26 am

I’m never really satisfied with my wardrobe either but I’d rather buy food than clothes so…yeah. Not many new clothes for me!

I love the sound of these buns! They look so pretty with their shiny tops!

Reply
spiffycookie April 23, 2013 - 8:53 am

Oh yes, I definitely set aside more money for food than for attire.

Reply

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