I'm Caitlin - culinary hostess, wellness retreat curator, and homebody at heart. This blog is where I share seasonal recipes, intentional living tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from my kitchen, travels, and retreats.
Here to make healthy living feel thoughtful and approachable - one recipe, ritual, or gathering at a time.
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Soft, golden, and topped with just the right amount of everything but the bagel seasoning, these homemade burger buns are the kind of upgrade that takes your backyard burgers to the next level. They’re fluffy yet sturdy, freezer-friendly, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re firing up the grill or prepping for a casual dinner night, this recipe belongs in your back pocket.
There’s just something satisfying about baking your own bread, and these burger buns strike the perfect balance between light and fluffy and strong enough to hold your favorite fixings. Made with simple ingredients and no preservatives, they freeze well and reheat beautifully.
This recipe is a slight variation of the original from Ankarsrum, tailored to work with both their stand mixer and a more traditional setup.
3 1/2 tablespoons salted butter, cut into small cubes
3 – 4 tablespoons everything but the bagel seasoning (for topping)
extra virgin olive oil or melted butter, for brushing
EQUIPMENT OVERVIEW
Stand Mixer (I love the Ankarsrum Assistent mixer, purchased from Oli+Ve)
Large Mixing Bowl for Mixer
Dough Hook / Roller Attachment
Saucepan
Biscuit Cutter (3 inch)
Kitchen Towel
Wire Cooling Rack
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Activate the Yeast : In a small saucepan, heat the milk until it reaches 105 – 115°F. Pour milk and sprinkle yeast into your mixing bowl and combine on low speed until it begins to combine. Turn off your mixer and let stand for 10 minutes, until foamy.
Make the Dough : Add sea salt, sugar, flour, and butter. Mix on low speed until just combined, then increase to medium speed and knead for 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
First Rise : Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or bowl cover and let the dough rise at room temperature for about 40 minutes.
Shape the Buns : Transfer the dough to a floured surface and roll to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a 3-inch biscuit cutter to cut rounds. Re-roll scraps if needed to use up all of the dough.
Final Rise : Place buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a towel, and let them rise again for 25 minutes.
Bake : Preheat your oven to 435°F. Brush buns with extra virgin olive oil or melted butter, season generously with everything but the bagel seasoning, and bake for 8 – 10 minutes, or until golden on top.
Cool & Serve : Remove and place on a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes before slicing and enjoying. Enjoy warm or freeze for later!
EXPERT TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure your milk is the perfect temperature for activating the yeast.
Don’t skip the second rise. This helps give the buns their signature light and fluffy texture.
Brush lightly with extra virgin olive oil or melted butter for an extra golden brown top, if desired (my preference).
STORAGE TIPS
Once cooled completely, store buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To freeze, wrap individually and place in freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a warm oven or toaster oven before serving.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make these gluten free?
This recipe is best suited for traditional wheat-based flours (or as I used, 00 flour). For a gluten-free version, I’d recommend experimenting with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and monitoring hydration closely. Please note that I have not made this exact recipe using gluten-free flour, so I cannot speak to the outcome.
Can I use this dough for slider buns?
Absolutely! Simply use a smaller biscuit cutter and reduce baking time by 1 – 2 minutes, depending on how small you make them.
Do I need a stand mixer?
It helps with ease and consistency, but this dough can be kneaded by hand. Just add 3 – 4 minutes to your kneading time if you’re not using a machine.
These fluffy and golden homemade burger buns are perfect for your next cookout. Made with pantry staples and topped with everything but the bagel seasoning, they’re freezer-friendly and easy to prepare.
3 1/2 tablespoons salted butter, cut into small cubes
3 – 4 tablespoons everything but the bagel seasoning (for topping)
extra virgin olive oil or melted butter, for brushing
Instructions
Activate the Yeast : In a small saucepan, heat the milk until it reaches 105 – 115°F. Pour milk and sprinkle yeast into your mixing bowl and combine on low speed until it begins to combine. Turn off your mixer and let stand for 10 minutes, until foamy.
Make the Dough : Add sea salt, sugar, flour, and butter. Mix on low speed until just combined, then increase to medium speed and knead for 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
First Rise : Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or bowl cover and let the dough rise at room temperature for about 40 minutes.
Shape the Buns : Transfer the dough to a floured surface and roll to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a 3-inch biscuit cutter to cut rounds. Re-roll scraps if needed to use up all of the dough.
Final Rise : Place buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a kitchen towel, and let them rise again for 25 minutes.
Bake : Preheat your oven to 435°F. Brush buns with extra virgin olive oil or melted butter, season generously with everything but the bagel seasoning, and bake for 8 – 10 minutes, or until golden on top.
Cool & Serve : Remove and place on a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes before slicing and enjoying. Enjoy warm or freeze for later!
Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure your milk is the perfect temperature for activating the yeast. If it’s too cold, it won’t activate. If it’s too hot, it will kill it.
Don’t skip the second rise. This helps give the buns their signature light and fluffy texture.
Brush lightly with extra virgin olive oil or melted butter for an extra golden brown top, if desired (my preference).
Prep Time:2 hours
Cook Time:10 minutes
Category:Bread
Method:Baked
Cuisine:American
Caitlin Lindsey
post author
Caitlin is the creative visionary behind Fit to Entertain, where food, wellness, and intentional living come together. She's passionate about helping others bring joy to the table and live beautifully - one meal at a time.
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