Description
Soft, pillowy hot dog buns made from scratch with a hint of lemon zest for brightness. These buns are sturdy enough for loaded dogs but tender enough to melt in your mouth, perfect for summer grilling.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 ½ cups (420g) Bread Flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) Active Dry Yeast
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons Salt
- 1 cup (240ml) Warm Milk (110°F/43°C)
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 Large Egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest
- Vegetable Oil (for greasing)
- 1 Egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, whisk flour and salt. Add yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and lemon zest. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes (or use a mixer with dough hook for 5-7 minutes) until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the buns: Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a 6-inch log and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, 2 inches apart.
- Second Rise: Cover buns loosely and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 15 minutes.
- Bake: Brush buns with egg wash. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
- Cool: Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool for at least 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
Ensure milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast. If dough is too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time. For a shiny crust, use an egg wash. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 3
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: hot dog buns, homemade bread, grill season, lemon zest bread, soft buns, summer recipes, baking from scratch