Homemade Brioche Buns

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Homemade brioche buns are soft and delicious, perfect for hamburgers and sandwiches. Above all, they’re surprisingly easy to make and bake! A generous amount of butter and eggs makes the buns rich and flavorful, while a sponge starter helps with proofing.

Don’t be intimidated by the process—these buns are surprisingly straightforward to make with a stand mixer and some patience for proofing. Once you try a batch, you may never go back to store-bought again.

What I Love About This Recipe

• The texture. Eggs and butter give the dough its signature softness and delicate crumb. The buns stay tender but don’t fall apart when used for sandwiches or burgers.
• Reliable rise and structure. The sponge adds flavor and helps with a smooth, steady rise. This extra step improves both texture and aroma without adding difficulty.
• Balanced flavor. A small amount of sugar enhances browning and adds mild sweetness without making the buns taste like dessert.
• Versatile shaping. You can make standard burger buns, slider buns, or slightly larger buns for sandwiches. The dough handles well once kneaded and holds its shape during proofing.
• Freezer-friendly. These buns freeze and thaw well, so you can bake a full batch and store extra buns for later use without any noticeable loss of quality.

Ingredient Notes

• Milk – Slightly warm milk helps activate the yeast and adds richness to the dough. Whole or 2% milk both work.
• Active dry yeast – Gives the dough its lift. Be sure the yeast foams or lightly bubbles in the sponge; it’s an easy check for freshness.
• Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and supports browning. Brioche requires only a small amount to enhance flavor.
• All-purpose flour – Provides enough structure without making the buns dense. Adding flour gradually allows you to adjust for humidity and dough texture.
• Eggs – Essential for a true brioche-style dough. They contribute color, flavor, and tenderness.
• Butter – Added gradually to ensure it incorporates evenly. Soften it just enough so it blends smoothly without melting.
• Cornmeal – A light dusting prevents sticking and gives the bottoms of the buns a subtle texture.
• Egg wash – Provides shine and improves browning. You can skip the sesame seeds or use other toppings like poppy seeds.

Basic Steps to Make Homemade Brioche Buns

1. Make the sponge by combining warm milk, yeast, flour, and sugar. Let it rest until bubbly; this confirms your yeast is active and builds flavor.
2. Add the remaining flour, salt, and eggs to the sponge. Mix and knead with a dough hook until the dough begins to come together.
3. Add the butter gradually so it incorporates smoothly. Continue kneading until the dough becomes glossy and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until puffy. Punch it down, fold it over itself, and let it rise again for better flavor and structure.
5. Divide the dough into even portions and gently flatten into disks. Let them rest briefly so the gluten relaxes.
6. Brush with egg wash, add sesame seeds if using, and bake until golden.
7. Cool completely on a rack before slicing or serving.

Recipe Variations

• Slider Buns: Instead of 12 standard-size sandwich buns, make 18 to 24 slider buns.
• Egg Wash: For lighter color, make the egg wash with the egg white and save the yolk for another use.
• Topping: Instead of sesame seeds, use everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds, dried onion flakes, or a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
• Herbs: Add a few tablespoons of fresh herbs or a few teaspoons of dried herbs.
• Onion or Garlic Powder: Add 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons of onion or garlic powder, or both.
• Cheese: Add 1 to 1 1/2 cups of shredded Parmesan, cheddar, or Gruyère for a cheesy twist.

How to Enjoy Homemade Brioche Buns

• Side Dish: Add these buns to a meal of baked beans, a savory lentil soup, or hearty Brunswick stew.
• French Toast: Slice them and dip them in an egg mixture to make rich, delicious French toast.
• Grilled Cheese: Make a gourmet grilled cheese using brioche buns instead of sliced bread.
• Burgers: They’re perfect for delicious turkey burgers, air fryer hamburgers, or bacon cheeseburgers.