Sourdough Hamburger Buns (2024)

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Sourdough hamburger buns are easy to make with your sourdough starter and a few simple ingredients. Mix the dough in the morning and bake them fresh for dinner the same day!

Sourdough Hamburger Buns (1)

We love making as many baked goods with a sourdough starter as we can.

Instead of buying things such as tortillas, pizza crust or bagels at the store, it's easy to make them from scratch using a sourdough starter.

These homemade sourdough hamburger buns are so soft and fluffy. Whether you're craving a juicy cheeseburger or a delicious bean burger, these buns will become your new favorite way to stack them!

This recipe makes 6 nice sized hamburger buns. The dough can also be shaped into 6 hotdog buns.

Jump to:
  • Sample baking schedule
  • Ingredients needed
  • Step-by-step instructions
  • How to store and freeze
  • Sourdough Hamburger Buns

Sample baking schedule

I tested this recipe in a 72°F (22°C) kitchen. Warmer kitchens will need less time for the dough to double and colder kitchens will need more time.

The night before

  • 8:00 PM: Feed your sourdough starter.

The next morning

  • 8:00 AM: Mix the dough and let rest for 30 minutes.
  • 8:30 AM: Perform a set of stretch and folds.
  • 9:00 AM: Perform second set of stretch and folds.
  • 9:30 AM: Perform third set of stretch and folds. Cover and let rest until the dough has doubled in size.
  • 3:30 PM: Divide and shape the dough. Cover and let rest until puffy.
  • 5:00 PM: Brush dough with an egg-wash, sprinkle sesame seeds and bake.

Ingredients needed

  • All-purpose flour: Up to 25% of the flour can be substituted with whole wheat flour if desired. You will need to add more water to the dough. Somewhere between 25-30g should be enough. Add it slowly until you get the right consistency.
  • Sugar: Honey or maple syrup can be used in place of granulated sugar.
  • Salt
  • Water
  • Egg: You will mix an egg with a tablespoon of water to use as an egg wash before baking the buns.
  • Sesame seeds: This ingredient is optional but highly recommended! Regular, toasted or black sesame seeds can be used.

Step-by-step instructions

Let's go over the step-by-step instructions for making the best sourdough hamburger buns from scratch!

Feed your sourdough starter - 8 PM

The night before you plan to mix your dough, feed your sourdough starter. You will need 50g of active starter.

You can mix it directly in the bowl you plan to use for your dough or, measure it into a clean jar.

Mix the dough - 8 AM

In the morning, add the flour, sugar, salt, active sourdough starter and water into a large bowl. Mix everything together until the dough forms a shaggy mass.

Cover the dough and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes so the flour can absorb the water.

Stretch and fold - 8:30 AM

After the 30 minutes is up, perform a set of stretch and folds. Cover the dough and repeat this step 2 more times, spaced 30 minutes apart.

First rise - 9:30-3:30 PM*

After the last stretch and fold, cover the dough and allow it to rise until it has doubled in size.

*The first rise time is based on a kitchen temperature of 72°F (22°C). Adjust your rise time accordingly. Warmer needs less time, cooler needs more time.

Divide and shape - 3:30 PM

After the dough has doubled, it's time to divide it and shape it into buns.

Please note that the dough will be VERY sticky and a little difficult to work with if you are new to sourdough baking. (Make sure to watch the video where you can see how I handle the dough during the shaping process.)

Turn the dough out onto a generously floured surface. It should be floured enough for the dough to slide around without sticking.

Use a bench scraper to divide the dough into 6 even portions. They should weigh about 112-115g each.

NOTE: You'll want the top of the dough to be free of flour so that as you shape the buns, the dough will stick to itself.

To shape the buns, pull the dough up on one side and press it into the center on top of the dough. Repeat this until you've come full circle around the dough and then flip the dough so that the seam side is facing down.

Sourdough Hamburger Buns (2)
Sourdough Hamburger Buns (3)

Use your hands to cup the bottom of the dough ball and gently twist it on the work surface to form a taut ball.

Transfer the dough ball to a parchment lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Cover the baking sheet with a clean kitchen towel and allow the dough to rest at room temperature until they are puffy. About 1-2 hours.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Beat an egg with a tablespoon of water in a small bowl to create an egg-wash.

Brush the top of each dough ball with the egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Sourdough Hamburger Buns (4)

Bake the buns for 25 minutes or until they are at your desired brown color. Remove the buns from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool before slicing.

Sourdough Hamburger Buns (5)

How to store and freeze

The sourdough hamburger buns will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days. Store them wrapped in a towel or in a plastic bag.

You can also freeze the buns! Place them into a freezer-safe bag after they are completely cooled. Keep them in the freezer for up to one month for best quality.

When you are ready to eat one, simply take it out of the freezer and allow it to thaw at room temperature.

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More easy sourdough recipes: sourdough pretzels / sourdough english muffins / sourdough bread for beginners

Sourdough Hamburger Buns (6)

Sourdough Hamburger Buns

Sourdough hamburger buns are easy to make with your sourdough starter and a few simple ingredients. Mix the dough in the morning and bake them fresh for dinner the same day!

Rate this recipe!

4.98 from 93 votes

Print Pin Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Rising Time: 6 hours hours

Servings: 6 buns

Author: Amy

INGREDIENTS

Ingredients to make 50 grams (¼ cup) of active sourdough starter

  • 2 teaspoons (10 g) unfed sourdough starter
  • 3 tablespoons (25 g) all-purpose flour
  • 5 teaspoons (25 g) water

Dough Ingredients

  • ¼ cup (50 g) active sourdough starter
  • 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 g) water
  • 1 ½ tablespoons (30 g) honey
  • 1 ½ teaspoons (10 g) salt

Egg wash

  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • sesame seeds (optional topping)

INSTRUCTIONS

Feed Your Sourdough Starter

  • 12 hours before you plan to mix the dough,add theingredients to make ¼ cup (50 g) of active sourdough starterto a clean jar. Stir until combined, loosely cover the jar and let the starter rise at room temperature. The sourdough starter is ready to use when it has doubled in size and there are plenty of bubbles on the surface and sides of the jar.

    (The ingredients will create a total of 60 g active starter but some of it will stick to the sides of the jar during the transfer, so we are making a little more than needed.)

Mix the Dough

  • Add the ingredients to a large mixing bowl and use a spatula or your hands to mix them together until there are no dry bits in the bottom of the bowl. Cover the bowl and allow the dough to rest on the counter for 30 minutes.

Perform 3 sets of stretch and folds

  • Wet your hand with a little water to prevent sticking. Pick up the dough on one side and stretch it up and over itself. Turn the bowl a quarter turn and repeat this step until you have turned the bowl a full circle.The dough should form into a tight ball.

    Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.

    Repeat the stretch and fold process two more times.

First Rise

  • Cover the bowl and allow the dough to rise until doubled. (This took 6 hours in my 72°F (22°C) kitchen.)

  • After the dough has doubled, you can place the dough in the fridge for up to 2 days to bake them later OR proceed to the next step. See notes.

Shape and Second Rise

  • Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions of 112-115 grams each.

  • Working with one portion at a time, shape the dough into a ball. Lightly flour the top of the dough and then place it on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough.

  • Cover the sheet with a clean kitchen towel and allow the buns to rise at room temperature until puffy, 1-2 hours.

Bake

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix the egg with the water in a small bowl and lightly brush the top of each dough ball. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired. Bake for 25 minutes or until the buns are golden brown.

  • Remove the buns from the oven and allow them to cool before slicing.

NOTES

  • If you decide to put the dough in the fridge after the first rise take note that you will need to let the dough rise longer during the second rise due to the dough being cold.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bun | Calories: 259kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 1g

Sourdough Hamburger Buns (2024)

FAQs

Is sourdough bread healthy? ›

Sourdough bread is a rich source of vitamins and minerals. However, the same qualities that make sourdough bread so healthy can also create complications for people with certain medical conditions. Sourdough bread is particularly rich in nutrients that the body can easily absorb.

What is the difference between brioche and hamburger buns? ›

Brioche buns are better than regular buns but they are extra soft and tender from the added enrichment. Their buttery flavor enhances any burger or sandwich. They are also absorbent but don't get soggy too easily, which makes them perfect for soaking up those burger juices!

How many carbs in a sourdough hamburger bun? ›

Save On Foods Sourdough Buns (1 bun) contains 35g total carbs, 33g net carbs, 2g fat, 6g protein, and 180 calories.

What are sourdough buns made of? ›

Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup (170g) ripe (fed) sourdough starter*
  • 3/4 cup (170g) water, lukewarm.
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast, optional*
  • 2 cups (240g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour.

Is sourdough bread good for losing belly fat? ›

But flour type and personal diet need to play a big role. Is sourdough bread good for weight loss? Yes, it may help in your weight management journey. It's complex carbs and high fibre content can leave you feeling full and limit snacking.

Is sourdough bread a bad carb? ›

The Bottom Line

Sourdough has made a comeback—and for good reason. It provides nutrients, including healthy carbs, protein, fiber, iron and vitamins like folic acid. It may help improve digestion, lower chronic disease risk and even promote healthy aging.

What is the best bun for a hamburger? ›

A Potato Bun is the classic choice for an American style burger. Made with additional potato flakes, they are sturdy and strong, while at the same time soft and moist and with a slightly sweet flavour. This makes it the perfect vehicle for a juicy beef burger with a range of sauces and fillings.

Is brioche or sourdough better? ›

The fermented starter that sourdough originates from is beneficial for gut health. In addition, sourdough rolls contain less, or in some cases no, butter and saturated fats compared to other rolls like brioche rolls. As a result, sourdough rolls can be considered among the healthiest bread rolls.

Can you eat sourdough bread on a low carb diet? ›

Look for bread with no more than 10 grams of carbohydrates per slice. These breads are typically labeled as low in carbohydrates on the packaging. Sourdough bread is another low-carb bread option, often containing half of the carbohydrates found in one slice of white bread.

Can you freeze sourdough bread? ›

The good news: You can freeze sourdough bread! That's the perfect way to keep your bread fresh if you won't be able to get through a loaf in a few days. Generally, a homemade loaf can do three to five days at room temperature, before it may go stale or develop bread mold.

What is sourdough discard? ›

Sourdough discard is the portion of your starter that is removed and discarded before feeding what's left in the jar. It can be at room temperature or come directly from the fridge. The texture is less bubbly (if bubbly at all) when compared to fluffy active starter.

Why is sourdough bread not fattening? ›

Sourdough bread's fiber, potassium, phosphorus, and sodium content all support a heart-healthy diet. The soluble fiber found in sourdough bread binds to dietary cholesterol in the small intestine, helping pass this fat through the system instead of absorbing it.

Why is everyone eating sourdough bread? ›

May support gut health

Although the beneficial microbes in the starter tend to be lost during the baking process, the fibre and plant compounds, called polyphenols, become more bio-available. These act as an important fuel source for our gut microbes, which explains why sourdough is a gut-friendly choice.

Is sourdough the healthiest bread? ›

All types of sourdough are relatively healthy, says Largeman-Roth, but the healthiest type of bread — sourdough or otherwise — is whole wheat or whole grain. Whole-grain bread is made with flour containing the entire wheat kernel.

What is the healthiest bread to eat? ›

Look for “whole grain,” “whole wheat,” or “whole meal” on the label. If a loaf contains 6 grams of fiber per 100 g, it's rich in fiber. Choose breads with plenty of intact grains, like oats, barley, and quinoa, as well as seeds, if you can eat these. Watch out for mass-produced sourdough breads.

Is sourdough bread better for your gut? ›

May support gut health

Although the beneficial microbes in the starter tend to be lost during the baking process, the fibre and plant compounds, called polyphenols, become more bio-available. These act as an important fuel source for our gut microbes, which explains why sourdough is a gut-friendly choice.

Is sourdough the least fattening bread? ›

If you're watching your calorie intake, sourdough bread can be a smart choice. Compared to some other bread varieties, sourdough generally has a lower calorie count. How many calories are in a slice of sourdough bread? A typical slice of sourdough bread contains around 120-140 calories.

Is sourdough bread anti-inflammatory? ›

The best bread to reduce gut inflammation is bread made from whole grains. Refined grains, such as the grains found in white bread and white pasta, are known to increase inflammation across the whole body. Sourdough bread and rye bread are both good options for an anti-inflammatory diet.

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