Homemade Burger Buns with Fresh Herbs

Looking for the perfect burger bun recipe to elevate your next cookout? These homemade burger buns are soft, flavorful, and infused with fresh herbs. Based on my go-to dough for Parker House Rolls, this recipe is a family favorite and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why is this recipe so reliable? It’s all about getting the yeast right. This recipe calls for yeast to bloom in warm water—if your yeast blooms, you're on the right track! And don’t worry, if it doesn’t bloom, just adjust your water temperature to around 105°F and try again. Avoid using water that's too hot (which can kill the yeast) or too cold (which won’t activate it).

These buns are a lifesaver on lazy days when you’ve got burgers ready but no bread on hand. In just a few steps, you'll have delicious, homemade burger buns that pair perfectly with any meal. Feel free to omit the fresh herbs, or if you’re using dried herbs, use 1/3 of the amount. For a little kick, try adding a teaspoon of dried pepper flakes—yum!

Keep the Bread Rising, Not the Costs!
Love recipes without pop-ups? Me too! But running this ad-free, pop-up-free kitchen costs over $500 a year. If my recipes have ever saved your dinner party, impressed your in-laws, or just filled your home with the smell of freshly baked bread, consider tossing a little dough my way! Every bit helps keep "Feeding a Crowd" alive and delicious.

Fresh Burger Buns with Herbs

Ingredients:

• 2 packets (or 2 tablespoons) active dry yeast

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• ⅓ cup warm water (about 105°F)

• 1 cup milk

• 1 cup water

• ¼ cup butter

• 2 teaspoons salt

• ¼ cup honey

• 2 slightly beaten eggs

• 6 to 6 ½ cups flour

• ¼ cup fresh chopped oregano (or 1 tablespoon dried)

• ¼ cup fresh chopped rosemary (or 1 tablespoon dried)

• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives (or 1 teaspoon dried)

• Melted butter (for brushing)

• White sesame seeds (for topping)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Sprinkle the sugar over the top and let it rest for 5 minutes. Stir gently and pour the yeast mixture into your mixing bowl once it has bloomed.

2. In the meantime, heat the milk and 1 cup of water to lukewarm (about 105°F to 110°F). Stir in the butter and honey until melted and well combined.

3. Pour the milk mixture into the mixing bowl with the yeast mixture. Add the beaten eggs and stir to combine.

4. Add 5 ½ cups of flour and, using the dough hook attachment on your mixer, beat for 4 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Gradually add more flour until the dough is tacky but not forming a firm ball like traditional bread dough.

5. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean, damp kitchen towel, and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and fold it onto itself. Transfer to a floured surface and divide into 16 large portions or 20 smaller portions. Let them rest for 10 minutes.

1. Shape the dough into buns and flatten each one slightly. Let them rise again for 25 to 35 minutes.

2. Preheat your oven to 400°F.

3. Brush the tops of the risen buns with melted butter and sprinkle with white sesame seeds. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

4. Remove from the oven and let cool before slicing.

Voilà! Magic in your kitchen and a party in your mouth.

Make this super burger with this bread! Recipe here!

Bon appétit, my friends!