Homemade sourdough buns are a delightful addition to your baking repertoire. These buns have a tangy flavor, a tender crumb, and a slightly crispy crust, making them perfect for burgers, sandwiches, or simply as a tasty snack. In this recipe, we'll walk you through the steps to create your very own sourdough buns.
Ingredients:
1 cup active sourdough starter
1/2 cup warm milk
1/4 cup warm water
2 tablespoons sugar
3 cups bread flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 egg
Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
Part 1: Preparing the Dough
1. Activate the Starter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, warm milk, warm water, and sugar. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
2. Add Flour and Salt: Gradually add the bread flour and salt to the starter mixture. Stir until the dough starts to come together.
3. Incorporate Butter and Egg: Add the softened butter and egg to the dough. Knead the dough in the bowl until all the ingredients are fully combined.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise at room temperature for 6-8 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Part 2: Shaping the Buns
6. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
7. Divide the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release excess air. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions for standard-sized buns or 12 portions for slider-sized buns.
8. Shape the Buns: Shape each portion into a smooth, round bun by tucking the edges underneath. Place the shaped buns onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them.
Part 3: Second Rise and Baking
9. Second Rise: Cover the baking sheets with a damp cloth and allow the buns to rise for another 2-4 hours, or until they have noticeably puffed up.
10. Preheat the Oven: While the buns are in their final rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
11. Optional Topping: If desired, brush the tops of the buns with a little water and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added flavor and texture.
12. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes (for standard-sized buns) or 12-15 minutes (for slider-sized buns) until the buns are golden brown on top.
13. Cool and Serve: Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Once they're cool enough to handle, slice and enjoy your homemade sourdough buns for your favorite sandwiches or burgers!
These homemade sourdough buns are sure to elevate your sandwich or burger game with their delicious flavor and texture. Enjoy experimenting with different fillings and toppings to create your perfect meal.
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