Sourdough Hamburger Buns (Soft, Fluffy & Full of Flavor)

Jump to Recipe

This post contains affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. You can view my affiliate disclosure here.

These sourdough hamburger buns are soft, fluffy, and lightly golden with just a hint of that signature sourdough flavor. They hold together beautifully for burgers, sandwiches, or even pulled pork, making them a staple recipe for any from-scratch kitchen.

If you’ve been looking for an easy sourdough bun recipe, this one is reliable, beginner-friendly, and well worth the time. If your looking for more sourdough favorites, check out my sourdough pizza crust and sandwich rolls (coming soon!). These buns also go well with my easy slow cooker sloppy joes.

Why Make Hamburger Buns With Sourdough?

Sourdough adds more than just flavor; it transforms the texture and quality of your bread.

Using sourdough starter helps create a soft, tender crumb, add depth of flavor without heaviness, improve digestibility with natural fermentation, and reduce reliance on commercial yeast.

And once you taste a homemade sourdough bun, it’s hard to go back to store-bought.

Ingredients for Sourdough Hamburger Buns

• 1 cup active sourdough starter
• ¾ cup warm milk
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 2 tablespoons honey (or sugar)
• 1 egg
• 3 to 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt

Optional Egg Wash

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• Sesame seeds (optional)

How to Make Sourdough Hamburger Buns

1. Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine:

• Sourdough starter
• Warm milk
• Melted butter
• Honey
• Egg

Mix until smooth.

Add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.

2. Knead the Dough

Knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

You can knead by hand or use a stand mixer.

3. First Rise (Bulk Fermentation)

Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover.

Let rise at room temperature for 6–8 hours, or until doubled in size.

4. Shape the Buns

Divide the dough into 6–8 equal portions.

Shape each portion into a smooth ball and gently flatten into a bun shape.

Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

5. Second Rise

Cover the buns and let them rise for 1–2 hours, until puffy.

6. Add Egg Wash

Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.

7. Bake

Bake at 375°F for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown.

Allow buns to cool before slicing.

Tips for Soft, Fluffy Sourdough Buns

Use active starter
This helps ensure a good rise.

Don’t add too much flour
A slightly soft dough creates a lighter bun.

Give it enough time to rise
Sourdough takes longer than yeast, but the flavor is worth it.

Brush with egg wash
This creates a soft, golden crust.

Same-Day Option (With a Little Yeast)

If you’re short on time, you can add 1 teaspoon of instant yeast to speed up the process.

This reduces rise time to about 2–3 hours total, while still keeping some sourdough flavor.

Long-Fermented Overnight Option

For deeper flavor and better digestibility:

1. Mix dough and let it rise overnight (8–12 hours).
2. Shape buns in the morning.
3. Let rise again and bake.

This method creates richer flavor and softer texture.

How to Store Sourdough Hamburger Buns

Room temperature:
Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days.

Freezer:
Freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat, warm in the oven at 300°F for 5–10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sourdough Hamburger Buns

Can I make sourdough hamburger buns without commercial yeast?

Yes! These buns can be made using 100% sourdough starter. They will take longer to rise, but the flavor and texture are well worth the wait.

Why didn’t my sourdough buns rise well?

Poor rise is usually caused by:

• Weak or inactive starter
• Not enough fermentation time
• Cold room temperature

Make sure your starter is active and bubbly before using, and allow enough time for both rises.

How do I get soft sourdough hamburger buns?

For soft buns:

• Use milk and butter in the dough
• Avoid adding too much flour
• Don’t overbake
• Cover buns while cooling to retain moisture

These steps help create a tender, fluffy texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes. You can mix the dough and let it ferment overnight (8–12 hours) in the refrigerator. This improves flavor and makes the process more flexible.

Can I freeze sourdough hamburger buns?

Absolutely. Once cooled, store buns in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven before serving.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, but for best results, substitute only 25–50% whole wheat flour. Using all whole wheat may make the buns denser.

How do I shape hamburger buns evenly?

Divide the dough into equal portions using a kitchen scale if possible. Roll each piece into a smooth ball, then gently flatten for an even bun shape.

Can I add toppings to the buns?

Yes! Before baking, brush with egg wash and sprinkle with:

• Sesame seeds
• Poppy seeds
• Everything bagel seasoning

This adds both texture and flavor.

How long do sourdough hamburger buns stay fresh?

They stay fresh for:

• 2–3 days at room temperature
• Up to 1 week refrigerated

For best texture, warm slightly before serving.

Ways to Use Sourdough Hamburger Buns

These buns are incredibly versatile.

Use them for:

• Classic hamburgers
• Pulled pork sandwiches
• Chicken sandwiches
• Breakfast sandwiches
• Sloppy joes

They’re sturdy enough to hold fillings, yet soft enough to bite into easily.

A Simple Upgrade to Everyday Meals

Making your own sourdough hamburger buns might take a little extra time, but it’s one of those small changes that transforms an ordinary meal into something memorable.

The texture, the flavor, the satisfaction of baking from scratch: it all comes together in a way that feels both practical and special.

And once you’ve made them a few times, they’ll likely become a regular part of your kitchen rhythm.

If you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a star rating and a comment below. Share what you made and tag me on Instagram@keepingitholistic! For more simple sourdough recipes & guidance, small-space gardening tips, and cozy, slow living inspiration, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on YouTube and Instagram!

Bake Your First Loaf in 7 Days

This free, simple sourdough starter guide walks you step-by-step through creating, feeding, and baking with your very own sourdough starter without overwhelm. Simple, everyday sourdough recipes included.

Download

By signing up, you agree to receive emails from us. Your information will be used in accordance with our

You can unsubscribe at any time.

Built with Kit

📖 Recipe