Bread Machine Hamburger Buns

The dough for these bread machine hamburger buns makes incredibly soft burger buns, and the bread machine does most of the work!

Buns are best made in the bread machine if you don't want a super hands-on project, but still want the luxury of homemade hamburger buns that are extremely soft.

Why Make Homemade Buns

• You can control the ingredients used 
• These homemade buns aren't riddled with preservatives and additives like the ones you get from the store
• They're fluffy and golden brown just like storebought buns

Ingredients Needed

Get more info on these ingredients in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• all purpose flour or a mix of all purpose whole wheat flour if desired
• sugar
• salt
• large egg
• instant yeast 
• warm water
• butter 
• melted butter or egg wash for brushing, (optional)
• sesame seeds poppy seeds, or minced onion, for topping (optional)

How to Make Bread Machine Hamburger Buns

Using the bread machine to make dough: 

Add all the ingredients to a bread machine and set it to the dough cycle.

If you use active dry yeast, instead of instant, be sure to proof it first by dissolving it in the warm liquid from this recipe for 5 minutes until frothy, then it can be added to the rest of the ingredients in the bread maker.

Shut the lid, set it to dough cycle, and let the machine do the work of kneading and rising the dough.

Machines often do a better job at the kneading and rising than humans do, because the environment it provides is perfect for rising dough.

Do check the dough approximately 15 minutes into the kneading time to make sure it looks to be the right consistency.

Give it at least 10-15 minutes before deciding though because often the dough comes together and looks normal after several minutes of kneading.

If necessary, add a tablespoon of water if it appears crumbly, or flour if it looks to wet.

Avoid lifting the lid once you've determined that the dough is right.

Form the buns from the bread maker dough

The entire cycle should take roughly 90 minutes, depending on your specific machine.

Once the cycle has completed and the dough has risen and doubled in size, turn it out onto a generously floured surface on your counter.

Divide the dough into 8 equal portions on that floured surface; just estimate it by size.

Work with one portion at a time, and form balls by pulling the edges together underneath the ball of dough. Pinch it together on the bottom to reveal a smooth top.

Flatten gently with your fingertips. Stretch each flattened portion into flat, 4-5 inch discs. Place each piece of dough on a baking sheet.

Cover and let dough rise until doubled in size again.

Brush with a beaten egg just before baking for a nice shiny finish, also allowing for any additional toppings to stick.

​If you don't want to use a bread machine to make your dinner rolls, you can make your dough another way. Try this other method:

Making bread dough and forming buns by hand: 

Combine all ingredients for this hamburger bun recipe (besides brushing and topping options) either in a bowl with a long handled spoon, or in a stand mixer using the dough hook. Make sure that dough is forming a soft ball.

If it's dry add a tablespoon of water at a time; if wet, sprinkle in more flour one tablespoon at a time. It needs to be as soft as possible, but able to hold a ball shape.

Knead dough for 7-8 minutes in standing mixer, or 10 minutes by hand on a floured surface. Return dough to a greased bowl, cover.

Let rise, covered, in a warm place, non-drafty area of the house about 45-60 minutes. Check it at 30 minutes, especially on warm or humid days. Letting it rise too long can cause it to collapse and result in dense, crumbly bread.

Once doubled in size, turn out again onto a floured surface and divide the dough into 8 equal dough balls. This can be eyeballed fairly accurately by dividing dough into equal fourths, and then dividing those fourths in half each.

I have found that the best way to form a perfectly round burger bun is to turn the piece of dough inside out on itself, pinching each piece around to the other side. This forms a perfect ball with all the creasing on the bottom.

Flatten each ball, crease side down into round disks, about 4 inches wide and ½ inch tall.

Place sandwich buns on parchment-lined baking sheet. Choosing to split the tops with a sharp knife will give a "split top" roll, but they can be left alone. It's up to your preference.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Bake slider buns for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Wait until your homemade bread machine hamburger buns are cool to split through the center. Use with your favorite condiments for your favorite burgers and sandwiches!

Storage

Homemade burger buns can be kept in an airtight container, wrapped in plastic wrap, or can be kept in a bag at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them longer, they can also be frozen in a freezer bag for up to three months.

To thaw the buns, place in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

Variations

You could also top them with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, minced onion, or even everything bagel seasoning.

For a simple bun, just brush with melted butter.

Splitting the top before the second rise, so right after you place them on the baking sheet, gives a nice, tall split top bun. It also helps the dough to rise which means it'll be slightly softer inside.

However you like your burger buns, this recipe will definitely fit that need. Happy bun making!

Recipe Tips

• Make sure to use room temperature ingredients so that your buns rise evenly. • Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. 
• To prevent sticking, lightly coat the cookie sheet with oil or spray with nonstick cooking spray. 

How do I ensure the buns turn out soft and fluffy?

The key to getting soft and fluffy buns is to give them a good second rise. Place them on a greased cookie sheet or baking pan and let them rise for another 30 minutes before popping them in the oven.

If you want an extra boost, lightly brush them with melted butter before baking. This will help give the buns a crispier outer crust which helps lock moisture in for that soft and fluffy inside.

Are there any specific tips for achieving a golden crust on the buns?

Yes, there are a few tricks to achieving that golden crust. First, make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature before baking the buns.

Second, brush the tops with egg wash (one egg and one teaspoon of water) before you place them in the oven for a beautiful glossy finish.

Finally, try covering them loosely with foil for about half of the baking time - this will help them brown evenly without burning the tops.

How can I use these burger buns besides for burgers? 

There are many creative ways to use these burger buns beyond the traditional hamburger. Here are just a few ideas: 

• Sliders: Cut the buns into smaller portions for mini burgers or other sandwiches
• Breakfast sandwiches: Use them as a base for egg, bacon and cheese breakfast sandwiches
• Pull apart bread: Tear off pieces of the bun to make a unique pull apart bread
• French toast: Cut up the buns and turn them into French toast for a sweet and savory breakfast treat
• Sloppy Joes: Use these buns for homemade sloppy joes

If you like making your own fluffy hamburger buns and want to make some more homemade bread recipes, try any of these incredible recipes: 

• Cast Iron Dutch Oven Bread
• Whole Wheat Bread Recipe
• Bread Machine Hoagie Rolls
• Garlic Knot Bread

📖 Recipe