sourdough hamburger buns

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Resting Time: 6-8 hours (overnight fermentation)
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: ~9 hours
Servings: 8 buns

Ingredients

• 1 cup active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 large egg
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Topping (Optional)

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or other desired toppings

Instructions

1. Activate the Sourdough Starter:
   • Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly. Feed it a few hours before you begin if necessary.
2. Mix the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, warm milk, melted butter, honey, and the egg. Mix until well combined.
   • Add the flour and salt to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough:
   • Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead for about 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.
4. First Rise:
   • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Buns:
   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the gases. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces.
   • Shape each piece into a tight ball by stretching the dough over itself and pinching it at the bottom.
   • Place the shaped dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart. Gently flatten each ball slightly with your hand.
6. Second Rise:
   • Cover the buns with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let them rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours, or until they have puffed up and nearly doubled in size.
7. Prepare for Baking:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • If desired, brush the tops of the buns with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or other toppings.
8. Bake the Buns:
   • Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
   • Let the buns cool on a wire rack.

Nutritional Information (per bun):

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 290mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 5g

These sourdough hamburger buns are perfect for any burger recipe, providing a tangy flavor and a fluffy texture. Enjoy!