Delightful Homemade Hot Dog Buns: Light and Fluffy Goodness
When it comes to enjoying a delicious hot dog or hamburger, the bun can make all the difference. Homemade hot dog buns offer a level of freshness and flavor that store-bought ones simply can’t match. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create your very own light and fluffy hot dog buns that will elevate your grilling game to a whole new level.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/8 cups of water (267mL)
- 2 Tbsp. active dry yeast (17g)
- 1/3 cup of oil (olive, vegetable, etc.) (71g)
- 3 Tbsp. of white granulated sugar (38g)
- 1 large egg
- 3 to 3 1/3 cups of bread flour or all-purpose/plain flour (360 to 400g)
- 1 tsp. salt (4g)
- Butter for basting
Instructions:
- Let’s start by activating the yeast. Add hot water (between 105 to 115°F or 40 to 46°C) to a large bowl. Sprinkle a pinch of sugar over the water and then add the active dry yeast. Gently stir the yeast in the water and let it sit until it becomes foamy (about 5 to 10 minutes).
- Now, add in the oil and sugar. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then add it to the mixture. Combine all these ingredients thoroughly with a whisk.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add a cup of this mixture at a time to the large bowl containing the other ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or a dough hook on a stand mixer from this point onwards. Keep stirring or mixing while adding the flour until a nice dough forms. You may have some flour left over.
- Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer for 8 to 10 minutes, adding the remaining flour as necessary.
- Cover the dough with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 16 equal pieces, or 12 if you prefer larger buns. Shape them into hot dog bun or hamburger bun shapes.
- Place the shaped buns on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Brush the tops of the homemade hot dog buns with melted butter, then loosely cover them with plastic wrap and a damp towel. Let them rise for about 30 minutes. Remove the plastic wrap and towel.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (176°C). Bake the hot dog buns for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top. Once again, brush them with butter and allow them to cool before serving.
These homemade hot dog buns are the perfect complement to your favorite grilled sausages or burgers. With their light and fluffy texture and a touch of buttery goodness, they are sure to make your outdoor gatherings even more enjoyable. Enjoy your culinary creation!