Homemade Sandwich Buns ~ Highly Recommended

When I recently saw this recipe at Once Upon a Plate I knew it was one I had to try.  Mari's recipes are always the best and when I read that Linda at How to Cook a Wolf recommended them, and Lori at All That Splatters featured them as well, I rolled up my sleeves and baked bread.  I've found the perfect hamburger bun - lots of flavor, light but still dense enough to support a hearty hamburger pattie- truly a worthy bun.  This is it!

Homemade Sandwich Buns

1 cup milk

1/2 cup water

1 tablespoon honey

1/4 cup butter

1 egg, room temperature

4-1/2 cups flour

1 package instant yeast (2-1/4 teaspoon)

1-1/2 teaspoon salt

Heat the milk, water, honey and butter until butter is melted.  Check temperature.  Depending on the temperature, let cool to 120F.  Carefully beat in egg.

Mix 2 cups of the flour, yeast and salt.  Mix into the milk mixture.  Stir in the rest of the flour, 1/2 cup at a time.  Beat well after each addition.

When the dough pulls together, (it will form a soft ball) turn it out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic.  This should take about 5 minutes.  Mari used her stand mixer, beating with the paddle attachment, then switched to the dough hook to knead. Add a little more flour while mixing with the dough hook, a little at a time until dough is no longer sticky.

Divide dough into 12-16 equal parts.  I used my new scale (love this and wish I had purchased it long ago) so I had 12 buns of equal size.  Shape into smooth balls, flatten slightly, and place on a silicone mat covered baking sheet.

Cover loosely with plastic film and allow to rise in 30-40 minutes.  When buns have almost doubled bake at 400F for 10-12 minutes.

If desired, after buns have risen, brush tops with beaten egg for a shiny glaze.  You may also want to add sesame seeds, sauteed minced onions (cooled), coarst salt, etc, then bake.                        

These wonderful buns make delicious sandwiches of any kind, and I especially like them split, toasted and buttered for breakfast.  I combined a little deli sliced turkey, chive flavored cream cheese and a scoop of cranberry tangerine chutney and the resulting sandwich was delish.  I posted my chutney recipe last Christmas because it is so good with the holiday turkey, but it is the perfect year round condiment for grilled meat and chicken.  You can find the recipe here.  If you can find cranberries in your market or have a bag stashed in the freezer I urge you to give it a try.  You'll love it!