If you have ever tried your hand at making the traditional brioche bun recipe you know that it requires a standing mixer, bread machine, or a lot of elbow grease as there is a lot of kneading involved. However, with this easy brioche bun recipe, you will not need any of that. Yes, you do need to tend the dough for the first few hours, but after that, time will do the rest of it for you. Simply follow the instructions or watch the how-to video below in the recipe card to master my technique for fluffy brioche buns that are guaranteed to impress.
Bread flour: This recipe will not yield great results if you use all-purpose flour. My favorite US brand is King Arthur Unbleached Bread Flour (affiliate link), but I also tested it with other national brands like Bob’s Red Mills (affiliate link), Gold Medal, and even Walmart’s Great Value Bread Flour. They all work well in this recipe.Instant Yeast: I used a packet of Fleischmann’s Rapid Instant Yeast (affiliate link) but this recipe is also tested with Red Star’s Quick Rise Instant Yeast.Salt: I used Diamond Kosher salt (affiliate link). If you use, Morton’s Kosher salt or table salt, use half the amount.Sugar: You can use granulated sugar or cane sugar (for a naturally sweetened recipe). Coconut sugar would also work but the color of the brioche buns will be darker and have a slightly noticeable brown-sugar like the taste.
How to Make This Brioche Bun Recipe?
Making no-knead burger rolls is a hassle-free way to take your sandwich game to the next level. In just a few simple steps, you can make super soft brioche buns like a pro.
Mix the Ingredients
Fold the Dough & Let it Rest Overnight
Shape the Dough & Let it Rise
The next day, when you are ready to bake, follow these steps to get them ready for baking:
Bake
Finally, it is time to bake them. If you have a digital thermometer, use it for foolproof results.
How to Store, Freeze & Thaw?
The best part of this recipe is that you can make a batch, enjoy some right away, and store the rest for later. This way, you have the most delicious brioche hamburger buns for your summer cookouts, holiday dinners, or for an easy weeknight dinner at a moment’s notice. If you plan on using this recipe for brioche hamburger buns or sandwiches, I recommend slicing your rolls in half before putting them in the fridge or freezer for easier use later on.
Storage: When covered with a clean kitchen towel, your homemade brioche buns can sit on the kitchen counter at room temperature for up to one day. For more extended storage, place your buns in an airtight container or a plastic storage bag with as much air removed as possible. Then, place the container in the fridge, and your light brioche buns will stay fresh for up to six days.Freezing instructions: Place your brioche burger buns in an airtight container or a freezer-safe Ziploc air with as little air as possible. Your brioche will stay fresh for up to six weeks in the freezer. Thawing & toasting: One great thing about these homemade buns is that you don’t need to thaw your bread before using it. Simply place your frozen brioche in a toaster oven at low heat (275 degrees F oven) for 10 minutes. Or, if you’ve already cut your frozen rolls in half, you can put the slices in a toaster until they reach your desired heat.
Expert Tips
You don’t have to be a celebrity chef to make gourmet burger buns at home. With my foolproof tips, your brioche burger bun recipe will come out golden, soft, and buttery every time.
As rolls with butter: Nothing pairs better with a hearty main than buttery brioche buns. Whip up this brioche rolls recipe for any meal you would serve with bread; soups and stews, salads, or any of your dinner recipes. And voila, just like that, the perfect meal any day.For burger buns or sloppy joes: Step up your hamburger game (be sure to try my Avocado Bacon Burger or these Buffalo Chicken Burgers) with a bun that is as mouthwatering as the meat. Set your juicy burger atop this traditional brioche bun, and every bite will explode with rich flavor.As sandwich bread: Cut your brioche-style bun in half, fill it with your favorite toppings, and you’ll have one of the richest and most flavorful sandwiches you’ve ever eaten.
Use bread flour: To make your bread as fluffy and round as the iconic NYT light brioche buns, I recommend using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour. Bread flour has a higher protein content, allowing more gluten to develop in your bread. This gluten, in turn, gives bread its structure and body.Watch the melted butter: Be sure to keep an eye on the pot when melting your butter. Butter melts very quickly and can burn if not watched properly.Use room-temperature ingredients: For the best results use room-temperature ingredients. If you are a regular bread baker, you know that yeast is temperature-sensitive, so having all your ingredients at room temperature before adding them to your dough is crucial for the best burger brioche bun.Use a kitchen scale: A kitchen scale (affiliate link) will give you the best results when cutting your soft dough into equal pieces. Simply measure each portion of brioche dough before rolling it into a ball.Make smaller-sized buns: To make smaller brioche buns for sliders, divide your dough into up to 14 pieces. Keep in mind, however, that smaller buns will bake for less time. I suggest baking slider-sized rolls for 20-22 minutes or until their internal temperature reaches 190 degrees F.Make large brioche burger buns: If you want larger brioche buns, divide your dough into fewer pieces. However, you will likely need to bake your larger buns for more time. For instance, when making ten brioche rolls, I recommend baking them for 25 minutes or until their centers reach 190 degrees F.Toast your buns on the grill: If you plan on using your brioche buns for burgers, I recommend lightly toasting the brioche buns on the grill right before using them. This extra step will give each toasted brioche bun a deliciously warm and crisp exterior.
I know a lot of people favor the brioche bun recipes from popular publications like New York Times Cooking, King Arthur Flour, and Food Network. However, having been making this recipe for many years, I can assure you that it is just as good. Once you give it a try, I am sure you will agree.
Other Bread Recipes You Might Also Like
If you are a fan of baking bread, here are a few other fan-favorite bread recipes you might also like. Tender, filling bread is just an oven away with this star collection.
No-Knead Dutch Oven BreadOlive Loaf BreadChallah BreadAlmond Bread RecipeSeed and Nut BreadYogurt Bread with Molasses
If you try this Homemade Brioche Buns recipe or any other bread recipes on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It is a great help to others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.
