I am a sucker for a quick and simple dinner. But I never want that to mean we are sacrificing quality. It would be easy enough to buy some generic hamburger buns from the store for burger night. But that would mean compromising on taste! Making burger buns from scratch is super easy, and let’s be so for real… they taste a million times better.

No fancy steps, no long rise times, and they’re on the table fast. Perfect for backyard burgers, sloppy joes, or even sandwiches!

Soft on the inside, lightly golden on the outside, and made with basic pantry staples. This is a win‑every‑time kind of recipe.

Why I Love This Recipe

  • No long rise times (because usually burger night is a last minute decision)
  • Simple, everyday ingredients
  • Ready in under an hour
  • Freezer‑friendly
  • Way better than store‑bought

If you’re newer to baking bread, this is a great beginner recipe too (it uses yeast which is easy to work with!)

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons active dry yeast*
  • 1 cup warm water (95°–105°F)
  • ⅓ cup cooking oil
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 to 3½ cups bread flour (or all‑purpose flour)
  • See notes below if using instant yeast.

How To Make Quick Hamburger Buns

  1. Activate the yeast. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Add the oil and sugar and let it sit for about 5 minutes until slightly foamy.
  2. Make the dough. Stir in the beaten egg, salt, and 3 cups of flour. Mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour ¼ cup at a time until manageable.
  3. Knead. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook) for about 3–5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  4. Shape the buns. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and shape into balls. Place them about 3 inches apart on a greased baking sheet or one lined with parchment paper.
  5. Rest + preheat. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Cover the buns and let them rest for 20 minutes.
  6. Bake. Bake for 8–12 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden. Remove from the pan and let cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Tips + Notes

  • Instant yeast: You can substitute instant yeast—just skip the proofing step and mix everything together.
  • Even buns: Use a kitchen scale if you want perfectly even sizes.
  • Softer tops: Brush the buns with melted butter right after baking.
  • Freezer friendly: Let buns cool completely, then freeze in an airtight bag for up to 3 months.

Serving Ideas

These buns are perfect for:

  • Classic hamburgers or cheeseburgers
  • Sloppy joes
  • Pulled pork or BBQ chicken
  • Breakfast sandwiches

Once you make these from scratch, it’s hard to go back to store‑bought. Simple, cozy, and homemade! Just the way my family likes it!


Get even more quick and easy recipe ideas for busy moms here!

hey there!

I'm Sarah Elrod

HomesteadingHomemaking

I'm one half of Elrod Ranch and the person you will likely hear from the most! I am the creative marketer behind our brand. I'm a photographer, social media lover, and entrepreneurship nerd. 

I'm super passionate about sharing our faily story and day to day lives which is exactly what you can expect around here!

Everything from recipes I am cooking up, to the animals we have, my best hacks for raising cow kids and more!
I'm so glad you're here!

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