by Sherelle Christensen, www.sherellechristensen.typepad.com
With spring on the horizon, my family always looks forward to having a barbecue or hot dog roast after being cooped up indoors during the long winter months. These homemade hamburger buns will take your burgers to the next level, and you can even shape them into longer rolls to become hot dog buns.
- 2 Tbs. sugar
- 2 Tbs. active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water
Dissolve yeast in warm water and let sit for about five minutes. Transfer to a large bowl or mixer fitted with a bread hook. Add the following:
- 2 cups warm milk
- 2 Tbs. olive oil
- 2 tsp. salt
- 6-7 1/2 cups flour (Add just enough to pull dough away from sides of the bowl, but don’t add too much…you want the dough to be slightly sticky.)
Knead dough until smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl and cover in a warm place to rise for about one hour, or until doubled. Divide dough into about 12-15 pieces. Grease hands before shaping. Form dough pieces into a roll shape, and then flatten gently with your hand when you transfer to a greased baking sheet. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cover and allow buns to rise for about 30 minutes. Beat the following in a small bowl:
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbs. water
Brush egg wash over tops of buns (this will give them a nice, crusty brown top) and sprinkle the tops with the following:
- Poppy seeds
- Sesame seeds
- Any herbs you might like
Bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes. Allow buns to cool completely and slice in half with a serrated knife. Enjoy!
