These Easy Homemade Hot Dog Buns are perfectly soft and delicious! The dough is super versatile and can be used to make hot dog buns, subs or hamburger buns. I have provided tips and explained the basics to help you get perfect results every time with this hot dog bun recipe!
Updated: April 2018
There’s a saying that the noblest of all dogs is the hot dog, because it feeds the hand that bites it. It may also be the most popular dog in America this time of year. Although hot dogs were not on our menu this past fourth of July weekend, we enjoyed quite a few the week before, with these delicious, soft, easy Homemade Hot Dog Buns that I made. I think that being able to handle and bake dough that’s versatile enough to be hot dogs, subs or hamburger buns is a basic yet fantastic skill to have and that’s why I’m so excited to share this recipe with you guys!
So, to all my American readers, how was your fourth?
I had never had chili dogs until I came to the US, and I have to say that my first experience of it here was a complete disappointment. It was this drive-in place close to home and we went there only because of the rave reviews it had received online, only to find out that it was the most sad and limp “chili dog” that you’d ever see. The chili was perhaps the only redeemable thing about it, but only because the rest of it belonged in the hot dog hall of shame. Makes you wonder about those online reviews though doesn’t it?
Since then, we have started making our own hot dogs (not the sausage, but the rest of it at least). My husband makes a killer chili and once we get our hands on some delicious sausages, we are all set! These hot dog buns are soft, but not too soft that they just collapse after that first bite, and the best part is you can make the buns as big or as small as you like. Or turn them into burger buns!
For these hot dog buns, I’m going to show you how to shape these buns with TWO different methods.
The first is a cutting method – where the dough is shaped into a slab and then cut into hot dog buns.
The second is to individually shape each hot dog bun into the desired shape.
Dough that has been proofed overnight in the fridge
But first, let’s talk about the bread dough.
Usually with dough, there are two proof cycles. This lets the yeast develop which adds air and flavor, and it also lets the gluten in the dough develop too. The dough in this homemade hot dog bun recipe does require an overnight rise. I have tried it with and without the overnight rise, and I have to say the overnight rise results in a better taste and also makes the dough easier to handle as well.
Another great advantage of this technique/recipe is that you can cover the dough and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake the bread, for up to 24 hours (I have kept it for up to 1 ½ days actually).
Gluten in flour is actually two molecules – Glutenin and Gliadin. These two together form the all important lattice strucure of bread. Glutenin is sort of like a coil that can be stretched out and Gliadin binds to these to create the bonds. More kneading and more protein in the flour, result in a more “organized” gluten structure, which in turn results in the kind of chewy bread we all like.
Proofing also gives the bread dough extra flavor. Who doesn’t love more flavor? It’s because the yeast ferments and multiplies, introducing CO2 (which creates more air pockets) and alcohol (which leads to the beer-like flavor).
By the way, do you know what the process of letting the dough rise slowly in the fridge is called?
It’s called retarding the dough. I know, right?
A colder environment (usually a fridge for us home bakers) means a slower rise due to the slowing down of yeast activity (metabolism). I do this for doughnuts as well, because it really does make it tastier and easier to handle.
how yeast works in bread
And even though the yeast activity slows down in the fridge, bacteria and enzymes keep working to break down proteins to develop more flavor in that colder environment. How neat is that? 😀
What are the TWO ways in which I can prepare these easy homemade hot dog buns?
The first method of shaping the dough is the cutting method. After the overnight rise, the dough is rolled out to a slab. This slab is cut into 10 – 12 sections, and then each section is placed on the baking tray, proofed for the second time and baked. This method is easier and less time consuming. With this method, the hot dog buns will have rougher edges where they were cut.
Rolled out dough following an overnight rise
This is because the buns need be placed close to each other while baking, so that the buns support each other to rise UPWARD while baking, rather than flattening out. This will also result in the hot dog buns having soft sides as well.
The shaped dough before the second rise. This is the best stage to freeze the dough as well. Once frozen, you can store in plastic bags in the freezer.
The second method of shaping the dough is to portion the dough, and then shape each portion individually. For this, the dough is portioned out equally (by weight), after an overnight rise.
Each portion is then rolled out into a flat piece that’s about 5 – 6 inches long and 4 inches wide. The dough is then TIGHTLY rolled up, and the edges are tucked in and sealed, to form an evenly shaped cylinder that’s about 5 inches long and 1 inch wide.
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- First roll out the individual portion of dough
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- Tightly roll up the dough to form a cylinder
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- Pinch to seal the seams and edges for an evenly shaped roll of dough
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- The shaped hot dog bun is ready for the second proof
This method is more time consuming but yields neater results. You can let these hot dog buns rise with good spacing between each, in order to have smooth sides. OR you can let them rise in close proximity, so that the dough sticks together as they rise and bake, and you end up with pull-apart hot dog buns.
After rolling out and cutting/shaping the dough into hot dog buns or burger buns (following the first overnight rise), you can freeze them (on a lined pan) and then store these frozen dough rolls in plastic bags in the freezer until you’re ready to bake them. However, if you do this, the second proofing at room temperature will be longer because now the bread rolls will have to defrost first and then rise.
Here’s my favorite way to freeze these homemade hot dog buns
I actually BAKE the hot dog buns, but take them out about 5 – 10 minutes before they are completely baked. These buns are then frozen and stored in air-tight containers. Then when I need hot dog buns, I can defrost the buns and then bake them for about 10 – 15 minutes until they are heated through and golden brown.
In the end, you will have perfectly soft, delicious homemade hot dog buns or burger buns that you and your family will LOVE! Plus you know exactly what went into them, which is always nice. 🙂
I love how versatile these homemade hot dog buns are!
You can cut this dough into 8 portions for larger buns or hamburger buns, and into 10 – 12 portions for smaller hot dog buns. I prefer to shape the buns into 10 – 12 portions for hot dog buns, but have my burger buns be slightly larger.
This recipe always gives me ridiculously delicious and soft buns that are perfect for hot dogs, subs and hamburgers. These hot dog buns can also serve as a canvas for bigger, better and tastier creations like these curry chicken meatball sandwiches! 🙂
Ingredients
- 17.6 oz all purpose flour
- ½ cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup warm water plus an extra 1/4 cup of warm water
- 2 tsp dry active yeast
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp softened butter / oil
- Extra oil to lightly oil the bowl
- 1 egg for the egg wash
Instructions
In a mixing bowl (of your stand mixer), combine the flour, yeast, sugar and salt.
In another small bowl, whisk together the water, milk and egg.
With the paddle attachment in your stand mixer or a dough whisk, mix the dry ingredients and add the water-milk-egg mixture and mix to combine.
Switch to the dough hook of your stand mixer, and knead the dough to bring it together. Add more water if the dough is too dry. Knead for about 5 minutes, until you have a smooth ball of dough.
Add the oil or butter and knead for a further 5-10 minutes (I knead it for about 8 minutes), until the dough is shiny, smooth and a little tacky to the touch.
Lightly oil a big bowl and place the dough in it. Make sure the dough is lightly oiled on the surface as well.
For best results, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and store in the fridge overnight (8 hours) or for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, if you want to bake it on the same day, you can cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place, until it has doubled in size.
On the day you bake the bread rolls - turn the chilled dough out on to a lightly floured surface and lightly dust the surface of the dough as well. If the dough wasn't chilled, you may need extra flour on your hands and on your work surface to prevent the dough from sticking.
FOR THE CUTTING METHOD FOR HOT DOG BUNS
Roll out the dough into a rectangle that's about 16 inches in length and 4-5 inches in width. Cut the dough into 10 sections and place them on a parchment paper lined baking tray, with about 1.5 inches of space between each.
FOR THE SHAPING METHOD FOR HOT DOG BUNS
Cut the dough into 12 (or 10) equal sections. I usually weigh the bread dough so that I know how much each section should weigh.
Knead each portion for just a few seconds to form a smooth ball. Roll out each portion into a flattened piece of dough that's about 5 inches long and 4 inches wide. Then TIGHTLY roll up the dough to form a cylinder. Tuck in the sides/edges and pinch these edges and seams to seal. Place each portion on a parchment paper lined baking tray, about 2 inches apart.
FOR BURGER BUNS
Cut the dough into 8 sections (for larger buns) or 10 sections (for smaller buns) and roll these portions in your hands to form smooth balls. Place them on the parchment paper lined baking tray, about 3 inches apart.
Preparing the dough for the second proofing
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rise for 45 min in a warm place, until it has just about doubled in size. In winter, this can take a little longer than 45 min, and on very hot summer days, it can take less than 45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F about 30 minutes prior to baking.
Brush the hot dog rolls with the egg wash (lightly beaten egg) and bake in the preheated oven until they are golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped, which should take about 15-20 mins. (Optional - sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on the egg wash brushed dough before baking). SEE NOTES FOR FREEZING INSTRUCTIONS.
Remove from the oven and let the buns cool down enough to be handled comfortably. Best eaten on the same day. Will keep longer in an air-tight container in the fridge.
Recipe Notes
NOTES on freezing - bake the hot dog buns until they are just starting to turn golden brown - about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the buns from the oven, and allow them to cool down. FREEZE the hot dog buns at this point, and then place them in an air-tight container (or freezer bag).
When you're ready to bake, allow the buns to thaw out in the fridge first. Preheat oven to 350°F and place the thawed out hot dog buns on the tray and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes until the buns are golden brown on top.
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Followed the recipe to the letter. It turned out great. Wanted something a little larger than a regular Bun. Cut into 10 pieces, and came up with these. Sprinkled with Onion Seed. Nice Sausage Buns now. Thanks
Thanks so much for letting me know Jerry! I’m glad they turned out great for you! 🙂
So I ended up with logs of hard unrisen buns. They were awful. I am not new to bread, but this was the first buns I have tried. You don’t mention to proof the yeast first, so it doesn’t activate. Was I supposed to use instant yeast instead? Or proof in water and sugar?
I had spots of unactivated traditional yeast throughout the dough and little to no rise.
clearly I did something wrong.
Hi Ben
I used active dry yeast. If the active dry yeast is new and fresh, then it activates as it’s mixed in. I’ve made this multiple times and never ended with unrisen hot dog buns. If I feel that my yeast is not fresh (older than 3 months), then I might mix it with some of the water and sugar to activate/proof it first, to make sure the yeast is still active, but I’ve never needed to activate it for this recipe. It will also help to combine the dry ingredients in the bowl so that they are mixed together well before adding the wet ingredients too. Hope that helps!
Hi. Is it ok to knead this dough by hand. Don’t have a dough kneading machine!
Hi Ruchi,
Yes, you can knead the dough by hand, but you’d have to knead it longer to achieve the smooth and soft consistency required. Also, take care to dust the dough as little as possible (the dough is a little sticky), and the more flour you add to dust, the less soft the hot dog buns will be. I hope that helps.
These were fantastic! They look, smell and taste amazing! I’m not sure I can ever buy a hot dog roll again!
Also, it’s so great to see an American blogger who clearly understands the problematic issue with measuring cups and who advocates the use of a scale! So many times I look at a recipe and decide not to try it because I know how varied the outcome might be!
What is the convertion of cups in the flour?
Hi Nancy,
17.6 oz or 500g is about 4 cups. But because of variations in how the flour is measured, there can be fluctuations in how much flour is actually measured with a cup, so it would be difficult for me to guarantee consistent results, which is why I prefer to provide the actual weight measurements.
You can check this page on conversions and how to measure ingredients accurately for consistent results. https://www.theflavorbender.com/measurement-conversions/
I hope that helps!
I wish I would have asked before. I got it started with 2 1//4 cups and had to keep adding flour. I have my dough resting and will be baking it today. I will let you know how they turn out. Thank yoi for the quick response
They worked out!!! Delicious
Thank you so much for letting me know Nancy! I’m very happy that it worked out! 🙂
Can we make this recipe in our bread machine? We dont have a mixer and this is my first time doing this seeing that im only 11 years old! It wold be great if you could reply soon please!
Thanks!
Hi Seth!
Unfortunately I haven’t made this recipe in a bread maker before, so it would be difficult for me to say with certainty. If your bread machine has the capacity (volume) to hold the dough without a problem, you should be able to mix the dough in the machine. You will have to follow the manual to see in which order you would have to add the ingredients into the machine as well. You may have to transfer the dough to a oiled bowl, so it can be refrigerated too. I wish I could help more, but I hope this helped at least a little! Good Luck!
Cheers
Dini
your recipe, photos and notes are outstanding. However, the site “the flavorbender.com” has so many ads that kept getting updated that I could not tolerate it for long. It is sad when advertising ruins something so wonderful. There are many better sites to post your fantastic recipes. I will not return to this site because of the ads taking over the site and ruining the enjoyment of following the recipe.
Hi Cheri!
Thank you for the lovely compliment regarding the recipe, photos and notes!
This is actually my personal website, and I run this site, create, test, write and photograph all of these recipes by myself, so that I can guarantee the quality and accuracy of the recipes. As you can imagine, this is a time consuming and expensive process, from buying ingredients and testing recipes repeatedly, to maintaining my photography equipment and the myriad back-end/technical expenses of maintaining a website.
This website is my source of income and the advertising is what helps me generate that income. I provide these recipes to my readers for free, without asking for a subscription fee or anything of that sort, and in exchange, I do unfortunately have to run ads. In fact, the ad frequency is set quite low on this website. However, if you do feel like that’s keeping you from enjoying the recipes, I completely understand. Unfortunately, this is a necessary part of running a website, and this is how I’m able to provide free recipes to all my readers with detailed tips and notes.
Thank you again!
Cheers,
Dini
Well after the first rise I punched down my dough and split it half by weight. I then proceeded to make six hot dog buns and four hamburger buns because we like a big burger. the results were fantastic although my hot dog buns came out twice the size I was looking for yet fantastic none the less.
Thank you for the recipe,
Robert
Hi. Has anyone converted these to sourdough, and if so, how did they turn out? I’m planning to do so but curious if they were too tangy or not.
Thanks,
Patricia
Hi Patricia!
I’ve never converted this recipe into a sourdough recipe unfortunately, so I can’t answer your question. I would very highly recommend following a recipe that is specifically for sourdough hot dog buns, so that you are more likely to get favorable results, like the recipe at King Arthur Flour! 🙂
Hello I can’t wait to make these but could u tell me please my friend says u can’t use plain flour (all purpose flour) for bread she said it dosent taste as nice but im going to try it it sounds really good thank you
Hi Lynn,
I can’t wait to find out how they came out for you! 🙂
These can be made with bread flour too, but you will need more water or milk to make the dough as soft as it would be with AP flour. The difference between the two flours is that AP flour has less protein and gluten content than bread flour, which can result in a softer dough. But I’ve had good results with either flour as long as I adjust the liquids that are added. 🙂
PS – I’ll be sharing a new way to shape the hot dog buns on the post very soon too!
Cheers,
Dini
I am so excited to try this recipe My Christmas gift was a pan for making New England Style Buns. The first recipe I tried did not turn out well. I am going to be trying these soon. I need to have the recipe down before spring :).
Thanks for sharing your recipe Dini,i made burger buns with mine and I must say that they were my best batch ever!
The recipe looks very nice, will try it this weekend and give my comment.
Not sure how you make hit dog buns. Doesn’t say how to roll other than cut into sections.
Hi Tricia!
I find it easier to cut it into long sections so that they are suitable for hot dog buns, because then there is less work for me. However you are absolutely welcome to shape each section into the size you desire as well. I pinch the long edges of the cut sections together and roll it gently to have a smooth hot dog bun and place it on the tray with the pinched seam at the bottom. Hope that helps! 🙂
My ” hot dog” buns turn to be sub buns hahahaha
I didn’t even read past the hot dog bun part because that’s what I was making… was I supposed to also let the hot dog buns rise for 1 hour? They are in the oven already and then I saw for the hamburger buns it says to rise an hour. :O
Hi Patsy!
The rise hour is for both the burger buns and the hot dog buns, which is why it’s included in the same step. The only difference between the two is how it’s shaped. It should be fine to be baked in the oven soon afterwards, and eaten while warm, but may be denser than intended because it hasn’t had time to rise.
I tried this recipe and they didn’t rise in the oven at all. Where did I go wrong? I proofed in the fridge overnight and then again for an hour before baking. Thanks for the help!
Hi Mari!
I am so sorry that the buns didn’t rise. Did the dough rise when it was proofed in the fridge and then for an hour before baking?
Yes, although I noticed it rose in the fridge at night, but then had flattened by morning. They rose again before baking but not nearly as pillowy as yours did.
Hi Mari
If dough flattens after rising, it’s because it was over proofed. I’m not sure how it would have over proofed since the fridge was meant to keep the yeast underactive, so that you only have one slow cold proof in the fridge, and one room temperature proof after you’ve shaped the dough before baking. Unfortunately when bread over proofs, it usually needs to be re-kneaded to re-form the gluten and then risen at the final proof before being baked. I hope that makes sense! Please let me know if you have any questions 🙂
It makes sense! Thank you so much for the info. I will try again!
My first ever comment on food – being from South Africa, hotdog buns are nearly part of our culture. These are dirt easy and better than shop-bought. I cheated a bit, being on the lazy side, and prepared the dough in my bread machine using the ingredients here. After the first rise in the machine, I flattened the dough, and then placed the dough in an oiled bowl to give it another rise (nicely covered with a blanket – it’s winter now…). Then I followed the steps about rolling it out and forming the (long) buns. Baked it same day, and what a raving success!! Only thing I’ll do differently next time, is once I’ve rolled the dough, I’ll place the whole slab in the baking tray and then cut the portions deeply with a knife to mark each individual bun (remember the comment about being lazy…). If it works, I’ll post again 🙂
Thanks, from cold South Africa…
Hi Maria! Thank you so much! I am so honoured and grateful that you are letting me know about my recipe! I am so glad that you loved these and I agree – I love these more than store bought too! 🙂 Plus I say, if there is an easy way that works – you should absolutely go for it 😉 hahaha! and I definitely want to try your idea of cutting the portions deep and breaking them apart once baked! It’s a fantastic idea! 😀
Please definitely let me know if it does work!
These are soooo good and so easy to make! I have tried A LOT of recipes for hot dog buns, but they were never quite right. Until now! Definitely saving this in my recipe binder. Thanks!
Hi Stefanie!
Thank you so much! I am really glad and very honoured that you loved these hot dog buns! They are our favourites too 🙂
I followed everything and they came out awful…They were tough, heavy ….Sorry, but they were awful!
Hi Pat!
I’m sorry they came out awful! It’s the first time I’ve heard them coming out heavy and tough with this recipe.
It’s hard for me to be able to understand what might have gone wrong though, because they haven’t come out tough before. I hope you will be able to help me figure out what might have gone wrong.
The dough (before baking) is very soft and delicate (which is why I minimize handling to keep it that way) Was the dough sticky and soft before you baked them? Or was the dough firm? Thank you!
Love the information on gluten and retarding dough. Love your method of shaping the buns.
I’d love to try it, but I’ve always cooked with cups and the conversions from grams to cups on the internet is everything from 2 cups to 4 cups to over a pound. There are differences in sifted flour and different packed flours. So could you please tell how much flour you’re using in cups?
Hi P. Taylor!
I would be happy to give you cup measurements, however cup measurements are never as accurate as weighed ingredients (as you mention, it varies so much by how it’s placed into the cup!), and some slight changes in the final product MAY occur.
The way I ALWAYS measure to convert to cups is by scooping fluffed flour into a 1 cup measuring cup by spoon, and then level it out using the flat side of the knife or palette knife. This way I know I get fairly reliable measurements (with little variation) each time.
If measured this way – 1 cup of Flour is approximately 120 – 125g. For 500g of Flour this would mean about 4 – 4.2 cups of flour. I would recommend starting with 4 cups and then adding the rest if it’s needed. I hope this helped!
Please let me know if it came out well, or if you do have any other questions! 🙂
Dining can I make these today and just proof the dough now
Hi Mary!
I’m not exactly sure what you wanted to know, but you can make the dough and proof it any time 🙂 It can be proofed in the fridge from 8 hours upto 24 hours.
If you want a shorter proofing time, you will need to knead the dough longer to develop the gluten, and it will need to be proved in a warm area till it doubles in size. I hope that helps.
This looks like a great recipe to try for Superbowl party. I’m planning a pretty big feast, and hot dogs are on the menu. I’ve never tried making my own buns before, but this recipe looks pretty easy. I’m sure everyone will enjoy them, thanks for sharing.
This is BEYOND fab Dini!! Too good 🙂
Fantastic rolls!! I really like the soft texture 🙂
I have been told that businesses often write their own reviews which explains the discrepancy between the review and the reality. Thanks for the tips on making these soft buns. I think the overnight rise must make a big difference and will give it a try. Mine are always a bit too dense for me.
Those are the cutest little hot dog buns ever! There is nothing like hot dog on grill in a bun on 4th of July… no worries there were not celebrating that too much over here in Hong Kong either. LOL However, every once in awhile my boys like sausage in a bun and I can’t find hot dog buns, you know the usual issues… Pinning and sharing! However, the best news ever!!! Guess who won the Bam’s Kitchen Teasenz giveaway!?! You did my dear! Can you please respond back to my e-mail in the next 24 hours so we can ship your prize to you. Take Care, Bobbi
YAAAYYY!!! 😀 Secretly I was REALLY hoping I would win! Your recipes inspired me! 😀 I will DEFINITELY reply today! Thank you so much Bobbi for the fantastic news (and the perfect surprise for the weekend!)!
Bookmarked!!! What a great idea! I bet lobster rolls would be amazing served on these.
Thank you so much! 😀 Lobster rolls would be fantastic!! I made Chicken meatball subs… maybe lobster rolls should be on the menu next!
Aw ya! I remember the HOT DOG and HAMBURGER BUNS my dad used to buy when I was younger, I used to just eat them as snacks and then my dad would get so mad at me because we were a bun or two short for the BBQ lol!
You. Are. A. LEGEND!! I can only begin to imagine how fabulous these are. they would transform any plain ole’ hot dog into incredible!! 🙂
Thank you Nagi! 🙂 I made Curry Chicken Meatball sandwiches with them (my latest post) but we did enjoy quite a few hot dogs using these rolls too! 🙂
Thanks, Dini! Wonderful recipe! Thanks too for the nitty gritty of how it works, you took me back to my chemistry days.
I must admit I am rather lazy to make bread. But this time, I may even make it!
Zita
Thank you Zita! I always wish I paid more attention in my chemistry class when I’m reading about how all of this works! 😀 Or at least save my chemistry books!
I hope you do make it… I am biased, but I absolutely love to bake bread! 🙂
I LOVE making breads… and it’s funny you posted this recipe because I was just thinking that I wanted to find a great recipe to make my own hotdog and hamburger buns! Now I have one 🙂 These look so fabulous with that slightly golden crust on the outside and pillowy softness on the inside! And the science nerd in me LOVES the science behind the bread baking process 🙂
These honestly look like the best hot dog rolls I’ve ever seen, Dini! I’m thinking how great it would be to make a big batch of these and put them in the freezer to pull out all summer! 🙂
I love a good hot dog too 🙂 I myself always wonder about the internet reviews…I have gone to a few restaurants that were highly recommended online and I was like…WHAT?! But this place sucks 🙁 Oh well You live and learn…You are so talented with dough! The texture on these babies looks fantastic
This is such a great skill to have, Dini! I would love to be able to make my own hot dog and hamburger buns. I’m always a little afraid it won’t turn out, but I want to give it a try. Pinning to make when I’m feeling brave! 🙂
I love this, Dini!! Perfect for this time of year and what helpful tips!! Great post!