Homemade Burger Buns

I always have these good intentions to make bread to go with some of my meals, but somehow time always gets away from me and by the time I remember, it's too late to start making it. Today I was proactive. I made a batch of bread AND the burger buns for these basil chicken burgers for dinner all in good time.

While I love the warm weather of the spring and summer for grilling anything and everything, I just cannot stand store bought burger buns. Once and for all I finally decided to make my own and hello! it's so easy. The dough is quick to whip up and you can be doing other things while they rise. These are light and tasty and will compliment even your best burger!

3 tbsp. warm milk
1 cup hot tap water
2 tsp. instant yeast
2½ tbsp. sugar
1½ tsp. salt
1 large egg
3 cups bread flour
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2½ tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg beaten with 1 tbsp. water, for egg wash
Sesame seeds

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the flours salt, sugar and yeast. Pulse to combine. Next add the milk egg,and butter. Pulse again to combine. Last, add the hot tap water. Pour the water a little at a time, mixing a second or two in between. Only add enough water so that the dough is slightly sticky; you may need more or less than a cup depending on where you live and the climate. Knead dough on low speed for about 5 minutes. The dough will be a little sticky, but do not add any extra flour at this point.

Spray your hands with cooking spray to get the dough out of the mixing bowl and transfer it to another bowl that has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray. Cover loosely with a light towel or lid and let rise in a warm place until doubled; time will vary depending on climate so watch closely.

Spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray. Divide the dough into 8 equal parts. Gently roll each portion of dough into a ball and place on the baking sheet, 2-3 inches apart. Cover and let rise again until puffed up and nearly doubled.

Set a large metal pan of water on the lowest rack of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400˚ F with a rack in the center. Brush the tops of the buns lightly with the egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake the buns about 15 minutes rotating halfway through baking, until the tops are golden brown. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.


SOURCE:Adapted from Annie's Eats

This post linked to Potluck Sunday @ Mommy's Kitchen.