Homemade Hamburger and Hotdog Buns
1 package active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
3 cups all purpose flour
1 large egg
4 tablespoons melted butter
3 tablespoons white sugar
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon olive oil
1. Add warm water and yeast to mixing bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes, or until yeast looks puffy and soft.
2. Add egg, butter, sugar, salt, and oil. Stir with whisk.
3. Add flour, one cup at a time. Stir with whisk until mixture becomes thick. Then, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, or knead by hand for several minutes until dough is firm and all the flour has been incorporated into the mixture.
4. Remove dough from mixing bowl. Rinse bowl until clean, and then lightly coat inside of bowl with oil.
5. Return dough to bowl, cover with a light towel and allow dough to rise for approximately two hours, or until mixture has doubled in size.
6. Remove risen dough from bowl and turn out onto floured work surface. Knead dough by hand for several minutes, until all air bubbles have been removed.
7. Divide dough into approximately 10 equal pieces. Form dough pieces into desired shape. Make flat circles for hamburger buns, or long "snake" shaped pieces for hot dog buns.
8. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or coat pan with butter and flour, to prevent dough from sticking to pan.
9. Set dough pieces approximately 1/2 inch apart, cover with a light towel, and allow buns to rise until almost doubled. Allow about one hour.
10. Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F until lightly browned, about 15-17 minutes. Buns will stick together along the edges.
11. If possible, remove buns from pan and allow them to cool on a cooling rack or on a towel on the counter.
12. Once cooled, separate individual buns, and use a bread knife or other serrated knife to cut buns in half. Then serve with desired toppings.
Enjoy! This recipe makes absolutely delicious hamburger and hotdog buns. They would also be great used for meatball subs, or lunchmeat subs.