Hot DOG Buns

Making homemade hot dog buns is a rewarding and relatively simple process. Here’s a recipe to make delicious hot dog buns from scratch:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water) for brushing
• Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly.

2. Mix the Dough:

1. Add the milk, melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
2. Gradually add 3 cups of all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, stirring until the dough comes together.
3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, adding more flour as needed until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should be slightly tacky but not too sticky.

3. First Rise:

1. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat the dough with oil.
2. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.

4. Shape the Buns:

1. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air.
2. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 8-10 equal portions, depending on the size of the buns you desire.
3. Roll each portion into a smooth ball, then elongate it slightly to form a hot dog bun shape, about 6-7 inches long.

5. Second Rise:

1. Place the shaped buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each bun.
2. Cover the baking sheet with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the buns rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.

6. Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 15 minutes of the second rise.

7. Bake the Buns:

1. Once the buns have risen, gently brush the tops with the egg wash.
2. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds over the egg wash.
3. Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

8. Cool and Serve:

1. Remove the hot dog buns from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
2. Once cooled, slice each bun horizontally and serve with your favorite hot dogs and toppings.

Enjoy your homemade hot dog buns for a delicious and fresh addition to your favorite hot dog recipes!