Hamburgers originated in Hamburg, Germany, with the meat patty typically served between two slices of toast. The use of a soft bun was popularized by a fry cook named Walter Anderson, who in 1921 founded the White Castle hamburger chain, home of the “slider”.

These soft buns are made with 80% whole wheat flour, enriched with whole milk and butter, and topped with an Everything Bagel seasoning mix. You can make them vegan by using any non-dairy milk, and substituting a plant based oil for the butter. If you’re looking to make an all-white flour version, try the brioche-style Burger Buns from Week 10.

STEP 1: Make dough

• 240ml warm milk (120°)
• 2 eggs (1 for dough + 1 to used as an egg wash)
• 240g whole wheat flour
• 60g bread flour or all-purpose flour
• 7g yeast
• 27g sugar
• 13g salt
• 28g softened butter
• Everything Bagel seasoning

1. Mix one of the eggs in with the warm milk and whisk to combine
2. Measure out flours, yeast, sugar, salt into the bowl of a stand mixer, and whisk by hand to combine
3. Place bowl in stand mixer, and with the paddle attachment, mix on low while slowly addingthe milk/egg until combined
4. Add the butter in bits and continue to mix on low until combined
5. Beat on high for 2 minutes
6. On low speed, add 3 Tbsp bread flour until dough is more sturdy and comes away from the sides of the bowl

STEP 2: Rest dough

1. Put 1 Tbsp flour on countertop, then empty dough on top.
2. Gently knead flour into the dough so it is less sticky, using a dough scrapper if it sticks to the counter
3. Place in oiled bowl, cover, and let rest 30 minutes.

STEP 3: Shape buns

1. Scrape the flour off the countertop, then lighly coat in oil
2. Empty dough onto the counter
3. Cut dough into 8 pieces, about 80 – 90g each
4. Flatten each piece, pull sides up and over, turn over and shape into a ball with a tight surface. (Check out this video on the Tips page)
5. Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet about a finger width apart
6. Cover and and let rise about 30-35 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 400

STEP 4: Bake

1. Just before baking, mix second egg with 1 Tbsp water and brush on top of buns, then sprinkle with the Everything Bagel seasoning
2. Turn oven down to 375, and bake for 12-15 minutes
3. Cool on wire rack.
4. Don’t cut until just before serving!