Soft, Sourdough Burger Buns: The Perfect Way to Use Up Your Discard!

Have a jar of sourdough discard sitting in the fridge and no idea what to do with it? Don’t toss it! Turn it into something magical—like these incredibly soft and fluffy burger buns. ✨🍔Soft, fluffy, and ready in just One-Hour! 🤯🍔 These Sourdough Burger Buns are the perfect way to use up your discard! They’re golden, pillowy, slightly tangy, and ridiculously easy to make. No overnight fermentation, no complicated steps—just mix, rise, and bake!

If you love homemade bread but don’t have all day, this recipe is for you. Ready to elevate your burgers? Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ⏳ One-hour from start to finish!
• 🥐 Uses up sourdough discard—no waste!
• 🍽️ Soft, fluffy, and bakery-style texture
• ✨ Simple ingredients, no fancy tools needed!
• 🍔 Perfect for burgers, sandwiches, or just snacking!

Equipment

Before you start, make sure you have the right tools:

• Mixing Bowls – For combining and kneading the dough.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – To ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
• Stand Mixer (optional) – Speeds up kneading but isn’t required.
• Dough Scraper – Helps with handling sticky dough.
• Baking Sheet – For baking the buns evenly.
• Parchment Paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Pastry Brush – For applying egg wash for a golden crust.
• Cooling Rack – Essential for proper cooling to maintain texture.

What You’ll Need + Alternatives

Here’s what you’ll need and how you can adjust for dietary preferences or availability:

• 🧀 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure. You can substitute with bread flour for a chewier texture or whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• 🍯 2 tablespoons honey – Adds a touch of sweetness and helps with browning. Swap with maple syrup or sugar if preferred.
• 🍞 1 cup sourdough discard – Adds a slight tang and contributes to texture. If you don’t have discard, you can replace it with equal parts buttermilk and flour.
• 🥚 1 large egg – Adds richness and structure. You can replace it with a flaxseed egg for a vegan option.
• 🥛 ½ cup warm milk – Enhances softness. Substitute with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
• 🧂 1 teaspoon salt – Essential for flavor. Reduce if using salted butter.
• 🧈 3 tablespoons butter, softened – Contributes to the tender crumb. Use coconut oil or vegan butter as an alternative.
• ✨ 2 teaspoons instant yeast – Helps the buns rise quickly. If using active dry yeast, let it proof for 10 minutes in warm milk before adding.
• 🌱 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional) – For a classic burger bun look and nutty flavor. Try poppy seeds or everything bagel seasoning for variation.

Step-by-Step Guide with Tips for Success

Activate the yeast – Essential for a perfect rise

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk (about 100°F/38°C), sourdough discard, honey, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

Tip: If your yeast doesn’t foam up, it may be expired or your milk might be too hot/cold—start over with fresh yeast and lukewarm milk.

Mix the dough – Building texture and elasticity

Add flour, salt, egg, and softened butter to the bowl. Mix everything until a soft dough forms. Knead by hand or in a stand mixer for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Tip: If the dough is sticky, add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time until manageable. Don’t overdo it—too much flour will make dry buns.

First rise – Let the dough rest

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for 30-45 minutes or until doubled in size.

Tip: Place the bowl in a warm spot (like inside an oven with the light on) to speed up rising.

Shape the buns – Ensuring uniform sizes

Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Tip: To get even-sized buns, use a kitchen scale to weigh each piece before shaping.

Second rise – The secret to soft buns

Cover the shaped dough balls with a damp towel and let them rest for 30 minutes until puffy.

Tip: If your kitchen is cold, extend the proofing time by another 10-15 minutes.

Bake to perfection – The golden finish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops with egg wash (1 beaten egg with a tablespoon of water) and sprinkle sesame seeds if desired. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.

Tip: Rotate the baking tray halfway through baking to ensure even browning.

Cool & serve – The final touch

Once out of the oven, let the buns cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Tip: Cutting too soon can cause the buns to become gummy inside. Be patient!

Pro Tips for Perfect Buns

• Use warm milk (not hot!) to activate the yeast properly.
• Knead thoroughly to develop gluten for the softest texture.
• Cover while rising to keep the dough from drying out.
• Brush with egg wash for a golden, glossy finish.
• Customize with toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even garlic butter!

How to Store

To keep your sourdough burger buns fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re completely cool before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
• Refrigeration: While not necessary, you can refrigerate them in a sealed bag for up to 5 days. Warm them in the oven before serving to restore softness.
• Freezing: Wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven.
• Reheating: Refresh in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes or lightly toast in a skillet for a crisp exterior.

Serving Suggestions

These buns are incredibly versatile! Try them with:

• Classic beef burgers with all the fixings
• Pulled pork or shredded chicken sandwiches
• Breakfast sandwiches with eggs and cheese
• Slathered in butter and honey for a sweet treat

FAQs

There you have it! ✨🍔Soft, fluffy, and ready in just One-Hour! 🤯🍔 These Sourdough Discard Burger Buns are the perfect way to use up your discard! Next time you’re staring at that jar of sourdough discard, don’t throw it away—bake up these heavenly buns instead. Perfectly golden, soft, and rich in flavor, they’ll take your burger nights to the next level.

Give this recipe a try and let us know how you like it! Happy baking! 🍔✨

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