Soft Sandwich Buns
Soft, fluffy sandwich buns with a slightly sweet flavor, perfect for burgers, sandwiches, or sliders—ideal for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and 1/2 teaspoon sugar in 1/4 cup warm water; let stand until foamy, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Add 1 cup lukewarm water, milk, and 2 cups flour. Stir vigorously until batter is smooth. Cover and let rise until light and spongy, about 30 minutes.
- Stir in softened shortening, 1/4 cup sugar, and salt.
- Gradually add remaining flour until stiff dough is formed.
- On a floured surface, knead dough until smooth and elastic, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Place dough in a greased bowl; turn to coat surface. Cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 60 to 90 minutes.
- Shape dough into 2-inch balls by tucking ends under and flattening slightly.
- Place the dough balls 3 inches apart on a greased baking sheet.
- Cover and let rise until almost doubled in size.
- Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the milk with buttermilk. If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast instead, reducing the warm water by a tablespoon. Make sure your water is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast. Kneading is crucial for a soft texture, so don’t rush this step.
Serving Suggestions
These soft sandwich buns are perfect for burgers, pulled pork, or as a base for sliders. They pair beautifully with Grandma Stewart's Nutty Fingers for a delightful picnic spread. Add a side of coleslaw or potato salad for a complete meal. They also make excellent breakfast sandwiches when filled with eggs and cheese.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Soft Sandwich Buns contains roughly 593 calories, with 13g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (29% of the Daily Value) and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 604mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
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 make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it after the first rise. Punch it down and shape it into buns when you're ready to bake. Allow them to rise until doubled before baking. This method can enhance the flavor as well.
Why did my buns not rise properly?
Improper rising can be due to expired yeast or water that is too hot or cold. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the water temperature is between 100°F and 110°F (37°C to 43°C). A warm, draft-free environment is also important for rising.
Can I add spices or herbs to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme can elevate the flavor of your buns. You can also mix in garlic powder or onion powder for a savory twist. Just be mindful of the overall balance of flavors in your sandwich fillings.
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).