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Golden Garlic Herb Burger Buns

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Rise Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine European
Servings 8 Burger Buns

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls One large and one medium will suffice
  • Stand mixer with dough hook Ideal for ease, but hand-kneading works too
  • Measuring cups and spoons Precision is key to achieving the right dough texture
  • Baking sheet Preferably heavy-duty to ensure even heat distribution
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat Prevents sticking and eases cleanup
  • Pastry Brush For applying the egg wash. A spoon can work in a pinch
  • Kitchen scale (optional) Helps ensure uniform bun sizes, especially for slider buns recipe variations

Ingredients
  

  • 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour plus extra for kneading
  • 1 tablespoon sugar – helps feed the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast – makes this a quick burger buns recipe
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 cup warm milk 110°F – brings moisture and softness
  • ¼ cup warm water – helps blend the dough
  • 1 large egg – enriches the dough
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened – for a tender crumb
  • 3 garlic cloves finely minced or grated
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon water egg wash – gives that shiny, golden top
  • Sesame seeds or sea salt optional

Instructions
 

Activate the Dough Base

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the warm milk, warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until slightly foamy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and kicking—essential for any good homemade hamburger buns.

Mix the Dough

  1. Add in the flour, salt, egg, and softened butter. Start mixing with a dough hook on medium speed until it begins to form a shaggy dough. Then add in the garlic, parsley, and rosemary. Continue kneading for about 8–10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, you’ll want to keep going for closer to 12 minutes.

First Rise

  1. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour. It should double in size. This is when those incredible garlic herb aromas start to really develop.

Shape the Buns

  1. Punch down the dough gently and turn it onto a floured surface. Divide into 8 equal pieces (use a kitchen scale for precision). Shape each piece into a round ball by tucking the edges underneath and rolling it in your palm against the counter. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet with at least 2 inches between each bun.

Final Proof

  1. Cover the shaped buns with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. They should puff up nicely—don’t rush this step; it gives the buns their airy softness.

Bake to Golden Perfection

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Brush the tops of the buns with the egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds or a bit of flaky sea salt if desired. Bake for 15 minutes or until beautifully golden brown on top.

Cool and Serve

  1. Let the buns cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. They continue to cook slightly as they cool, and this resting time helps them hold their shape better when cut.