Barley Free Classic Hamburger Buns
Soft, golden, and just the right amount of pillowy, these homemade hamburger buns are the kind of thing that makes a backyard cookout feel genuinely special. Store-bought buns are a minefield for anyone avoiding barley, since malt flavoring and barley-derived ingredients sneak into commercial bread products far more often than you'd expect. This recipe keeps things clean and straightforward — all-purpose flour, butter, egg, yeast, and a touch of sugar are all you need to build real structure and flavor from scratch. The dough comes together beautifully with a stand mixer or by hand, and that second rise gives each bun its signature soft, airy crumb. An egg wash brushed over the top before baking delivers that gorgeous deep-golden finish, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a satisfying little crunch if you're into it. Once you pull these off the rack and catch that fresh-bread smell, you'll wonder why you ever reached for the packaged kind.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
For the dough
- 1 cup warm water (105–110°f / 40–43°c)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 ½ tsp fine salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
For the egg wash
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large bowl). Stir briefly and let stand for 5–8 minutes, until the surface is foamy and the mixture smells yeasty.
- 2
Add the flour, salt, softened butter, and egg to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed with the dough hook (or stir with a wooden spoon) until a shaggy dough forms, about 2 minutes.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!