40-Minute Hamburger Buns

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. + resting Bake: 10 min.

Makes

1 dozen

Updated: Dec. 13, 2023
Here on our ranch, I cook for three men who love burgers. These fluffy hamburger buns are just right for their big appetites. The buns are so good that I also serve them plain with a meal. —Jessie McKenney, Twodot, Montana

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water (110° to 115°)
  • 1/3 cup canola oil
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 to 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • Optional: Melted butter and sesame seeds

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add oil and sugar; let stand for 5 minutes. Add the egg, salt and enough flour to form a soft dough.
  2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 3-5 minutes. Do not let rise. Divide into 12 pieces; shape each into a ball. Place 3 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Preheat oven to 425°.
  3. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Bake until golden brown, 8-12 minutes. If desired, brush with butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Hamburger Bun Tips

What does it mean to proof yeast?

Before you can get to mixing and kneading, it’s important to proof the yeast, which means ensuring the yeast is still alive. To do this, let the yeast, oil and sugar mixture stand for a minimum of 5 minutes. This allows the yeast to feed from the sugar and become foamy. If this chemical reaction doesn’t happen, the yeast is no longer good. For more bread baking tips, check out our ultimate guide to baking bread.

How do you store leftover yeast?

When measuring for this recipe, you won’t use an even number of packets. Store any unused yeast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 months. Wondering which type of yeast to use? We've broken it down in our yeast bread baking guide.

Want a heartier sandwich?

For a heartier sandwich, divide the dough into 8 portions instead of 12, then shape anyway you like. Don't forget to pile on the burger toppings once you're ready to dig in!

How can I customize this hamburger bun recipe?

These hamburger buns are ultra customizable. In the Taste of Home Test Kitchen, we like to add sesame or poppy seeds. To add seeds, brush warm buns with butter and add your favorite toppings. This recipe can also be used for slider buns or rolls. To make rolls, divide dough into 24 pieces, and bake until golden brown.

Nutrition Facts

1 bun: 195 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 204mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.