No-Knead Onion Barbecue Buns

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Cuisine: American

Soft, flavorful onion barbecue buns with a slightly sweet and savory profile, perfect for casual gatherings, barbecues, or as tasty bread options for all occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup scalded milk
  • 1/4 cup shortening
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cake yeast
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 cup chopped onions browned in butter
  • 3 cups flour

Instructions

  1. Combine scalded milk, shortening, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl.
  2. Cool the mixture to lukewarm by adding water.
  3. Add yeast, egg, and browned onions to the mixture.
  4. Gradually add flour and mix to form a soft dough.
  5. Shape the dough into desired forms: round, square, or wiener buns.
  6. For round buns, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut with a 3 1/2-inch cutter.
  7. For square buns, roll dough to a 9 x 12-inch rectangle and cut into 12 (3-inch) squares.
  8. For wiener buns, divide dough into 12 parts and shape into long, narrow buns.
  9. Place the shaped buns on a greased baking sheet.
  10. Let the buns rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk.
  11. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough. If you don't have cake yeast, you can substitute with active dry yeast, using about 2 1/4 teaspoons. Ensure your milk and water are at the right temperature to activate the yeast properly. For a slightly sweeter bun, increase the sugar to 2 tablespoons.

Serving Suggestions

These buns are perfect for burgers or sandwiches and pair beautifully with your favorite barbecue dishes. Serve them warm with a side of pickles and coleslaw for a delightful meal. For a unique twist, try them alongside the Quickie Chocolate Cake for dessert, creating a delicious contrast between savory and sweet flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag. To reheat, wrap the buns in foil and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of No-Knead Onion Barbecue Buns contains roughly 465 calories, with 8g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (26% of the Daily Value) and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2021mg per serving (88% of the Daily Value).

465 kcal 23% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.4g 17% DV
Total Fat 10.8g 14% DV
Carbs 84.1g 31% DV
Fiber 1.8g 6% DV
Sugar 21.4g 43% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2020.7mg 88% DV
Potassium 355.8mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 80.1mg 27% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 103.5mcg 12% DV
Vitamin C 12.7mg 14% DV
Vitamin D 0.8mcg 4% DV
Calcium 268.2mg 21% DV
Iron 4.7mg 26% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these buns ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough, shape it, and let it rise. After the first rise, refrigerate the shaped buns overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking. This method allows for a more developed flavor.

What if I don't have shortening?

You can substitute shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter or margarine. This will give the buns a richer flavor and slightly different texture but will still yield delicious results.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but it may require additional water and result in denser buns. For a lighter texture, consider using half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat flour.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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