Perfect Homemade Slider Buns
Are you tired of serving mediocre store-bought slider buns that lack flavor and texture? It’s time to up your slider game with these homemade buns. Imagine sinking your teeth into rich, irresistibly soft, and flavorful slider buns that will leave your guests wanting more.
Making homemade sliders has become a cherished tradition in my kitchen, inspired by fond memories of my mom’s homemade slider buns. As a child, I watched in awe as she effortlessly whipped up batches of soft, pillowy buns from scratch, filling our home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread.
Following in her footsteps, I embarked on my own journey of slider-making, determined to recreate the magic of her homemade buns. Armed with her cherished recipe and a sense of determination, I dove headfirst into the world of bread baking.
Why are these slider buns worth the effort?
- One of the key reasons why slider buns are worth the effort is the incredible taste and texture they bring to your sliders. Unlike their store-bought counterparts, homemade slider buns can be customized to your liking.
- Another factor that sets homemade slider buns apart is their freshness. When you bake your own buns, you can enjoy them at the peak of their flavor and texture.
- In addition to taste and freshness, homemade slider buns offer versatility in serving options. These mini buns are not limited to just sliders; they can serve as the perfect vessels for a variety of mouthwatering creations.
- Lastly, making your own slider buns is a rewarding experience. It allows you to immerse yourself in the art of baking while providing a sense of accomplishment when you see the final product.
Ingredients and substitutes
- First and foremost, the star of the show is all-purpose flour. However, if you prefer a healthier alternative, you can replace a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will add a slightly nutty flavor and boost nutrients to your buns. Just keep in mind that using solely whole wheat flour may result in a denser texture.
- Next up is instant yeast, which is essential for activating the dough and achieving that light and airy texture. If you don’t have instant yeast on hand, you can also use active dry yeast instead. But make sure to activate it in warm water first. Simply dissolve the required amount of active dry yeast in warm water and let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Egg – Adds a lot of flavor to the bread, gives a tender crumb, and strengthens the texture.
- Sugar is a key ingredient in adding a touch of sweetness and enhancing the flavor. You can even experiment with alternative sweeteners such as maple syrup or honey. Sugar is a key ingredient in adding a touch of sweetness and enhancing the flavor
- Lastly, the use of butter adds richness and moisture to the buns. If you’re following a vegan or dairy-free diet, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or another plant-based alternative.
Step-by-step: Homemade slider buns
- Yeast mixture – In a mixing bowl or measuring cup, combine warm water (110°F), yeast, honey, oil, and eggs. Stir and set aside to foam for 3 minutes.
- Dry mixture – Measure the flour and salt in a mixing bowl or stand mixer with the dough hook.
Pro tip – If you do not like kneading, I highly recommend using a stand mixer with the hook attachment. - Knead – Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and combine well on medium-low speed. Knead until smooth and elastic. This should take about 8 to 10 minutes on medium-low in the stand mixer or 15 to 18 minutes by hand on a lightly dusted work surface.
- Bowl – When the dough is smooth, soft, and elastic, shape it into a ball. Then, place the dough in an oiled bowl, seam side down. Coat the surface with oil to prevent drying. Cover with a clean kitchen cloth or plastic wrap.
- Rise – Leave in a warm place. Let rise for 40 to 50 minutes until it doubles in volume.
Pro tip – Alternatively, you can place the dough in the fridge to keep it cold overnight. Thaw at room temperature for an hour before shaping. - Punch – When the dough has doubled in volume, transfer it to a well-floured surface. Punch down and reshape into a ball. Then, roll it into a small log.
Pro tip – At this point, you don’t need any additional flour. So, use a light dusting of flour.
- Divide – Using a dough scraper, divide this log into three portions and then each of those portions into four again. This should give you 12 sliders.
Pro tip – These should be about 2 to 2.5 ounces (56 to 70 grams) each. - Proof – Shape the rolls into a tight ball. Place the rolls in a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap or clean kitchen cloth and let proof for 45 to 60 minutes.
Pro tip – Spray the plastic wrap with oil to prevent it from sticking to the rolls. - Oven – About 20 minutes before baking, preheat the oven to 350°F /177°C / Gas Mark 4
- Bake – Brush the bread with egg wash. Then, bake each loaf on the center rack of the oven for 12 to 15 minutes. When baked, leave to cool completely before filling and making sliders.
- Enjoy!
Easy Slider Buns from Scratch
Warm, soft, and flavorful challah rolls are not just for Shabbat. They're great for holiday dinners, parties, and weekday sandwiches. These single-braid challah buns are easy to make and look very impressive when served.
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Ingredients
Makes 12 sliders – 65 grams each
- 240 ml (1 cup) Water or Milk warm 110F
- 7 g (2¼ tsp) Instant dry yeast
- 30 g (2 tbsp) Sugar or honey
- 40 g (2 tbsp) Olive oil or unsalted Butter
- 60 g (1 large) Eggs Use ⅓ cup milk for an eggless recipe
- 437 g (3½ cups) Bread flour or 50% bread and 50% all-purpose flour
- 7 g (1 tsp) Kosher salt
Method
- Yeast mixture – In a mixing bowl or measuring cup, combine warm water or milk (110°F), yeast, honey or sugar, oil or butter, and eggs. Stir and set aside to foam for 3 minutes.240 ml Water or Milk , 7 g Instant dry yeast, 30 g Sugar, 40 g Olive oil or unsalted Butter, 60 g Eggs
- Dry mixture – Measure the flour and salt in a mixing bowl or stand mixer with the dough hook.437 g Bread flour, 7 g Kosher salt
- Knead – Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and combine well at medium-low speed. Knead until smooth and elastic. This should take about 8 to 10 minutes on medium-low in the stand mixer or 15 to 18 minutes by hand on a lightly dusted work surface.
- Bowl – When the dough is smooth, soft, and elastic, shape it into a ball. Then, place the dough in an oiled bowl, seam side down. Coat the surface with oil to prevent drying. Cover with a clean kitchen cloth or plastic wrap.
- Rise – Leave in a warm place. Let rise for 40 to 50 minutes until it doubles in volume.
- Punch – When the dough has doubled in volume, transfer it to a well-floured surface. Punch down and reshape into a ball. Then, roll it into a small log.
- Divide – Using a dough scraper, divide the log into three portions, and then each of those portions into four again. This should give you 12 sliders.
- Proof – Shape the rolls into a tight ball. Place the rolls in a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap or clean kitchen cloth and let proof for 45 to 60 minutes.
- Oven – About 20 minutes before baking, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C)/ Gas Mark 4.
- Bake – Brush the bread with egg wash. Then, bake each loaf on the center rack of the oven for 12 to 15 minutes. When baked, leave it to cool completely before filling and making sliders.
- Enjoy!
Notes
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- Firstly, when it comes to shaping the buns, consistency is key. Make sure to divide the dough into equal portions so that each bun is roughly the same size. This will give your sliders a consistent appearance and also ensure they cook evenly.
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- Secondly, consider the texture you want for your buns. If you prefer a softer texture, you can place the formed buns close together on the baking tray to let them rise and bake into each other, creating a pull-apart effect. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly crispier exterior, leave more space between the buns to allow for individual expansion.
-
- Next, during the baking process, keep an eye on the buns to prevent overbrowning. Slider buns are typically smaller in size, so they tend to brown more quickly. To avoid this, you can cover the buns loosely with aluminum foil halfway through baking to prevent them from getting too dark on top.
-
- Another tip is to add flavor and aroma to your slider buns by sprinkling a pinch of your favorite seasoning or herb on top before baking. This simple addition can elevate the overall taste experience and make your sliders even more irresistible.
-
- Lastly, don’t forget to let your freshly baked slider buns cool completely before slicing them. This will help them maintain their structure and prevent them from becoming squished or falling apart when assembling your sliders.
Equipment you will need
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Mention @veenaazmanov_kitchen or tag #veenaazmanovkitchen!Tips for Success
- Firstly, when it comes to shaping the buns, consistency is key. Make sure to divide the dough into equal portions so that each bun is roughly the same size. This will give your sliders a consistent appearance and also ensure they cook evenly.
- Secondly, consider the texture you want for your buns. If you prefer a softer texture, you can place the formed buns close together on the baking tray to let them rise and bake into each other, creating a pull-apart effect. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly crispier exterior, leave more space between the buns to allow for individual expansion.
- Next, during the baking process, keep an eye on the buns to prevent overbrowning. Slider buns are typically smaller in size, so they tend to brown more quickly. To avoid this, you can cover the buns loosely with aluminum foil halfway through baking to prevent them from getting too dark on top.
- Another tip is to add flavor and aroma to your slider buns by sprinkling a pinch of your favorite seasoning or herb on top before baking. This simple addition can elevate the overall taste experience and make your sliders even more irresistible.
- Lastly, don’t forget to let your freshly baked slider buns cool completely before slicing them. This will help them maintain their structure and prevent them from becoming squished or falling apart when assembling your sliders.
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Frequently asked questions
How can I achieve a soft and fluffy texture for my slider buns?
To create soft and fluffy slider buns, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. First, make sure your yeast is fresh and active. This will help the dough rise properly and give you that light texture you desire. Additionally, be cautious not to overknead the dough, as this can result in a denser bun. Lastly, allowing the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area will help it become soft.
Can I make slider buns in advance?
Absolutely! Slider buns can be made in advance and stored for later use. Once the buns have cooled completely, you can place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will stay fresh for a couple of days at room temperature or up to three months in the freezer. Just make sure to thaw them before using them if frozen.
Can I make gluten-free slider buns?
Certainly! If you or your guests have dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt the recipe to make gluten-free slider buns. There are various gluten-free flour blends available that can be used as a substitute for regular flour. Make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging for the best results.
Can I customize the toppings on my slider buns?
Absolutely! One of the great things about slider buns is their versatility. Feel free to experiment with different toppings and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Consider adding sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even a sprinkle of garlic powder on top of the buns before baking for an extra burst of flavor.
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This recipe is perfect as written, thank you! I make bread often, and this is, by far, the best slider/roll recipe I’ve ever made. It’s going in my recipe rotation. I highly recommend you try it, I know I’ll be using it again and again.
Thank you so much, Jean, for the lovely feedback. I really appreciate it very much.
Hi, can you freeze these pls? if so how long for? thanks!
Hi Rachel – you can freeze these sliders in the fridge for up to 3 months. Make sure to cover them properly.
I usually wrap mine in parchment, then in plastic wrap, and put it in a ziplock bag. I usually wrap that in aluminum foil so it does not pick up odor from other foods in the freezer.
Hope this helps.