• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Bless this Mess
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  • Sides
  • Desserts
  • Snacks
  • Holidays
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Start Here
  • All Recipes
  • Recipe Filter
  • Cookbooks!
  • Our Story
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Start Here
    • All Recipes
    • Recipe Filter
    • Cookbooks!
    • Our Story
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • Ɨ

    Bless This Mess > Recipes > Breads > Sourdough

    Sourdough Hamburger Buns

    Published: Jul 13, 2020 Ā· Modified: Jul 13, 2022 by Melissa Ā· 13 Comments

    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Mail
    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
    pin with text of sourdough buns recipe
    pin with text of sourdough buns recipe
    pin with text of sourdough buns recipe
    pin with text of sourdough buns recipe

    Sourdough hamburger buns just add an extra oomph of flavor to any burger with that signature sourdough taste and light nuttiness from sesame seeds on top!

    These are fluffy, golden, and so soft in the middle, making the perfect vessel for any burger or sandwich you love!

    sourdough burger buns on a sheet after baking

    Sourdough Hamburger Buns

    Most people think the most important part of a burger is the meat. While that's certainly a big factor, I happen to think the bun plays just as significant of a role! A soft, fluffy, puffy bun that can hold up to the fillings is what you need for a perfect hamburger. These sourdough buns achieve just that! Plus, the signature sour flavor adds something extra-delicious, and I love the addition of nutty sesame seeds on top.

    They're really easy to make, too, and only require one dough rise that is super flexible depending on how much time you have. You can let it rest/rise anywhere between 2 to 6 hours. Other than that, the dough comes together quickly and they bake for just about 15 minutes! Super simple, super soft, super delicious. Oh, and don't think they're just used for burgers. You can make pulled pork sandwiches or really any favorite sammy using these buns and it will be fabulous! Enjoy!

    collage on steps to make fry bread

    Recipe Ingredients:

    I love these fluffy, soft buns because they have the sourdough flavor and the perfect bun texture! Here's what you need:

    Sourdough starter: Using sourdough starter is what gives the buns the sour flavor, and the yeast in the starter helps them get nice and fluffy.

    Light oil: Oil helps to keep the buns moist.

    Milk: Milk adds nice rich flavor and keeps the buns moist.

    Egg: You just need one egg to act as a binder and to help the buns rise.

    Salt: Salt brings balance to the flavors.

    Sugar: Sugar adds a light touch of sweetness that's subtle and just enough to make these irresistible.

    All-purpose flour: Flour is used in all bread recipes!

    Egg white: Mix an egg white with 1 tablespoon of water to act as an egg wash on top of the buns before baking, helping them get extra-glossy and golden.

    Sesame seeds: If you don't have sesame seeds, don't worry about it, but they do add a nice pretty finish, slight texture variation, and bit of nutty flavor.

    sourdough burger buns on parchment paper after baking

    How to Make Sourdough Hamburger Buns:

    These hamburger buns are a cinch to make! Here's how:

    1. Beat the sourdough starter, oil, milk, and egg.
    2. Add the salt, sugar, and 2 cups of flour.
    3. Mix with the dough hook on low speed for 3 to 5 minutes.
    4. Dust a work surface with flour; move the dough to the work surface.
    5. Knead the dough lightly.
    6. Form the dough into a smooth ball.
    7. Lightly spray the mixing bowl with cooking spray; return the dough to the bowl.
    8. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap.
    9. Let the dough rest at room temperature 2 to 6 hours.
    10. Remove dough from the bowl and divide it into 8 pieces.
    11. Form each piece into a round ball; place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, about 2 inches apart, and flatten slightly.
    12. Cover the dough lightly; let it rest for 30 minutes or so while the oven preheats.
    13. Heat the oven to 400 degrees F.
    14. Brush the top of the bun with egg wash; sprinkle the wet tops with sesame seeds.
    15. Bake until the buns are golden-brown, about 15 minutes.
    16. Remove from the oven, and let the buns cool 10 to 15 minutes minimum before slicing in half and serving with your favorite burger, pulled pork, or just about any other sandwich toppings.
    sourdough buns with BBQ chicken on them

    What to Serve On Sourdough Buns:

    You can serve these buns with a traditional beef or turkey (or vegetarian) burger patty and burger toppings. You can also use them for:

    • Pulled pork sandwiches
    • Turkey or ham and cheese sandwiches
    • Rolls as a side for meal
    • Chicken salad sammie
    • A super flavorful turkey burger
    • Really, any of your favorite sandwiches!

    You can also make them into bigger buns by dividing the dough into 6 larger balls (instead of 8), or turn it into slider buns by dividing the dough into 12 small buns.

    How to Store Sourdough Buns:

    Store cooled, leftover sourdough burger buns in an airtight bag at room temperature for 2 to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

    sourdough buns after baking with sesame seeds on top

    More sourdough recipes you'll love:

    • How to Make a Sourdough Starter
    • Fluffy Sourdough Cornbread
    • Easy Sourdough Focaccia Bread
    • Herb and Garlic Sourdough Crackers
    • My Favorite Go-To Sourdough Bread Recipe
    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    sourdough burger buns on a sheet after baking

    Sourdough Hamburger Buns


    ★★★★★

    4.8 from 5 reviews

    • Author: Melissa Griffiths - Bless this Mess
    • Total Time: 3 hours
    • Yield: 8 buns 1x
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    Sourdough hamburger buns just add an extra oomph of flavor to any burger with that signature sourdough taste and light nuttiness from sesame seeds on top!


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1 cup active bubbly sourdough starter
    • 3 tablespoons light oil
    • ½ cup milk
    • 1 egg
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 2 tablespoons sugar
    • 2 to 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 egg white + 1 tablespoon water
    • Sesame seeds

    Instructions

    1. In the bowl of your stand mixer, add the sourdough starter, oil, milk, and egg. Beat to combine.
    2. Add the salt, sugar, and 2 cups of flour.
    3. Mix with the dough hook on low speed for 3 to 5 minutes, until the dough comes together well but still sticks to the bottom of the bowl.
    4. Dust a work surface well with flour, and remove the dough from the bowl onto the work surface.
    5. Knead the dough lightly until it's soft but not overly sticky.
    6. Form the dough into a smooth ball.
    7. Lightly spray the mixing bowl with cooking spray, and return the dough to the bowl. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel.
    8. Let the dough rest at room temperature 2 to 6 hours, depending on your timing.
    9. After the dough has rested, remove it from the bowl and divide it into 8 pieces.
    10. Form each piece into a round ball, and place on a baking mat or parchment-lined baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Gently use the palm of your hand to press the dough so that it's 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This will help it be more bun-shaped when it cooks.
    11. Cover the dough lightly, and let it rest for 30 minutes or so while the oven preheats.
    12. Heat the oven to 400 degrees F. When the oven is hot, brush the top of the bun with 1 egg white beat well with 1 tablespoon of water, and then sprinkle the wet tops with sesame seeds.
    13. Bake until the buns are golden-brown, about 15 minutes.
    14. Remove from the oven, and let the buns cool 10 to 15 minutes minimum before slicing in half and serving with your favorite burger, pulled pork, or just about any other sandwich toppings.

    Notes

    • This makes 8 medium-sized buns. If you'd like large buns, divide the dough into 6 and make 6 large buns, or divide it into 12 to make slider-sized buns.
    • Prep Time: 15 min
    • Cook Time: 15 min
    • Category: sourdough
    • Method: bake
    • Cuisine: American

    Keywords: sourdough buns, sourdough recipe, sourdough rolls, sourdough burger buns, sourdough bread rolls

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @blessthismessblog on Instagram and hashtag it #blessthismess

    pin with text of sourdough buns recipe

    These sourdough hamburger buns are the perfect blend of sour, soft, golden, and fluffy and hold up to any of your favorite sandwich toppings, burgers or otherwise!

    « Navajo Taco Recipe
    Easy Homemade Hamburger Helper »
    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Mail
    Craving More

    Take the hassle out of meal planning with:Ā Dinner Made Easy,Ā a FREE 1 week meal plan with full shopping list, easy dinners, nutrition information, serving suggestions for each meal, and more!

    Subscribe Now
    about me

    About Melissa

    Melissa is dedicated to helping parents figure out the nightly questions, "What's for Dinner?!" with her no-fuss approach to cooking. Read more...

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    1. Megan

      May 30, 2022 at 6:19 pm

      Easy recipe and tastes great! I didn't read the note about the size of the buns, so I was a little underwhelmed as my 8 "medium" sized buns turned out more like sliders. BUT this might have also had something to do with only letting it rise for 2 hours. Will try again later with only 6 buns and longer prove

      ★★★★

      Reply
    2. Lucy

      April 25, 2022 at 4:56 pm

      I love this recipe! If I were to make the dough in advance, could I cold ferment in the fridge overnight?

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Melissa

        April 27, 2022 at 4:57 pm

        Yep, should work great, just give it enough time the next day to perk back up.

    3. Rachael M

      February 05, 2022 at 1:06 pm

      Mine look and smell really good! Thanks for the recipe:) One question for you. I’d say mine turned out a little more dense than fluffy. Any ideas what I may have done wrong?

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Melissa

        February 07, 2022 at 5:52 pm

        How warm is your house right now?? I bet it just the winter cold, feel free to proof them longer next time.

    4. Patricia Swanson

      August 21, 2021 at 9:31 am

      What a great recipe.I had fed my started the evening before after a two week say in the fridge. I was going to feed again in the morning, but had to rush out to an appointment. Got home at 12:30, not enough time to feed and have buns for dinner. So, I elected to just get mixing. Quick and easy mix in the big mixer. I let the dough raise until it was nice and puffy. Divided the dough into six equal portion by weight. Parchment paper lined the baking sheet. Did the last rest and into the oven they went. Turkey burgers on the grill, Colorado sweet corn, and home baked buns! Perfect. They sliced nicely and had a delightfully soft interior with just a touch of crusty to the outside. Thanks.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Melissa

        August 23, 2021 at 5:57 pm

        Sounds like an AMAZING meal!! Thank you for the review!

    5. Michele

      July 25, 2021 at 1:56 pm

      Does my starter have to be fed before I make these? Or can I just remove it from the fridge and make these same day?

      Reply
      • Melissa

        July 25, 2021 at 6:06 pm

        I normally feed it before but I bet it wouldn't matter much.

    6. Carroll Scott-McIntyre

      May 01, 2021 at 10:07 am

      Have you ever tried making these vegan?

      Reply
      • Melissa

        May 01, 2021 at 5:42 pm

        I haven't but you could sure play with them!

    7. Shirley

      April 14, 2021 at 5:29 pm

      These buns are great! And it is a very simple recipe! (I bake them for 20 minutes) Thank you! Have you ever doubled the recipe? Would you double everything, or just use the 1 cup of starter, and then double the rest? Thanks again!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Melissa

        April 14, 2021 at 7:04 pm

        You can do either, you can double everything BUT the starter or double everything AND the starter, I've had luck with both. It does rise a bit fast with more starter.

    Primary Sidebar

    I’M MELISSA, AND I WANT TO HELP YOU FEED YOUR FAMILY WHOLESOME FOOD.

    As a hobby farmer and mom of five, I’m all about keeping it simple in the kitchen. I want healthy meals that feed my family well, and then I want to get back to my (messy) life. Let’s work together to find something yummy for your dinner table.

    More about me →

    Popular

    • Chocolate Babka
    • 5 Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken Legs
    • Easy German Pancake Recipe
    • Mexican Hot Chocolate
    Dinner Made Easy

    Get Recipes & More for Free!

    Get my FREE Dinner Made Easy meal plan, exclusive recipes, giveaways, and behind-the-scenes updates! Get my newsletter or a new recipe every day! Unsubscribe if you aren’t into it.

    Subscribe Now

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    SEEN ON

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Tools.
    • Terms Of Service.
    • Accessibility.
    • Bylaws.

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • About Us
    • Cookbook FAQ
    • Find A Recipe!

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright Ā© 2022 blessthismessplease.com. All rights reserved.

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter