How to Make Perfect Soft and Fluffy Brioche Burger Buns at Home
If you’re a foodie like me, you must have wondered how restaurants get those delicious buns. Well, you can now make your own with our Brioche Burger Buns recipe.
They’re light and fluffy and so versatile that you can use them for burgers and sandwiches, french toast, or just as bread with butter.
Light and Soft Brioche Burger Buns
Ingredients
For the dough
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup milk whole is best, but any kind is fine
- ¼ cup unsalted butter equivalent to 1/2 stick
- 3 eggs room temperature
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 4¼-4½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoon salt
- 2½ teaspoons yeast instant or active dry
For topping the buns
- 1 egg for egg wash
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds or poppy seeds
Instructions
- Warm the Ingredients: Combine water, milk, and butter in a glass measuring cup. Microwave on low for about 45 seconds to melt the butter without overheating the milk—a perfect lukewarm temperature.
- Mixing time: Pour the lukewarm mixture into your bread machine's or stand mixer's bowl. Add the eggs, sugar, 4¼ cups of flour, salt, and yeast. Begin mixing on a low setting. The dough will initially be sticky; add more flour and a tablespoon, if necessary, until it forms a cohesive, slightly tacky ball.
- Knead. Choose the DOUGH cycle on the machine or knead the dough in a stand mixer for a low setting of 8-10 minutes. Make sure that the dough is smooth, stretchy, and slightly sticky to the touch. Be careful not to add too much flour while kneading, as brioche dough is naturally soft.
- The first rise. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it securely with plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm, draft-free location for 2 hours or until it has doubled in size and appears fluffy. This gradual rise enhances the taste and texture of the dough.
- Divide and shape. Gently press the dough to release the air, and then divide it into either 8 or 12 equal parts, depending on the size of the buns you want. To shape the dough, pull it down and under to make a smooth ball. Put the shaped buns on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, and make sure to leave enough room between them so they can expand.
- The second rise. Gently apply a beaten egg on top of the buns using a brush, and add sesame or poppy seeds if desired. After that, cover the trays with lightly greased plastic wrap and keep them in a warm place for about an hour or until they have nearly doubled in size.
- Baking. Before baking the buns, make sure that your oven is preheated to 400°F (204°C). Bake the buns for around 16-18 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through for even browning. You can tell that the buns are ready when they turn a deep golden color.
Notes
More Tips
When you’re letting your dough rise, look for the warmest spot in your kitchen. You can use an off oven with the light on or a sunny window. Just make sure that the place is not drafty because it can make the dough cool down.
When you apply the egg wash, use a soft brush and be gentle. If you put too much pressure, your buns will deflate. You only need a light coating to get that beautiful golden finish.
Once your brioche buns are ready, don’t forget to allow them to cool on a wire rack before slicing. You can also eat them the day they are made, but you can also store them in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage.
When you’re ready to serve your burgers, make sure to toast the buns before. This will improve their flavor and texture and make your burgers even more delicious.
Key Ingredients and Tools
Substitutions can be helpful if you’re pressed for time or have specific dietary needs, although they may affect the final taste and texture of your buns. Here are some examples if you’re looking for some easy swaps for your brioche burger buns recipe.
- Whole Milk: Use a 1:1 ratio of almond milk or soy milk for a dairy-free alternative.
- Unsalted Butter: Margarine or coconut oil can be used, but the flavor and texture will slightly differ.
- All-Purpose Flour: Bread flour can be substituted for a chewier texture; use it in the same amount.
- Active Dry Yeast: Instant yeast can be used interchangeably, but remember to skip the activation step in water.
Here are a few tools and ingredients that might come in handy for this recipe:
- Bread Machine or Stand Mixer. While they’re not a must-have, using one of these tools can save you a lot of time and effort when kneading the dough. They can help you get the right consistency for your dough without too much trouble.
- Parchment Paper: You can use parchment paper to line your baking sheets to ensure that your buns don’t stick and brown evenly. You can find it near the aluminum foil and plastic wrap.
- Pastry Brush: This tool applies the egg wash, which gives the buns their beautiful golden finish. Make sure to use a gentle touch with your pastry brush so you don’t deflate the buns.
With the tips and instructions that you have, you’re all set to create the best soft and fluffy brioche burger buns you can share with your family and friends!
By Katie Shaw
Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.