Soft golden sourdough hamburger buns arranged on a flour-dusted kitchen table.

Savory & Snacks - Fallen starter

Sourdough Hamburger Buns

Soft sourdough hamburger buns made with fallen starter, milk, bread flour, and grated butter, then egg-washed for a golden top.

Total time
About 8–11 hr
Hands-on
35 min
Yield
8 buns
Starter
Fallen starter
Difficulty
Intermediate
Heat
400°F / 204°C
Pan or vessel
Parchment-lined sheet pan

Gather first

Ingredients

Ingredients

Dough

  • 3/4 cup sourdough starter (past peak and fallen)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 tbsp sugar or 2 tbsp honey
  • 3 1/2 cups bread flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 4 tbsp grated unsalted butter

Shaping & Finish

  • A little spring water, as needed while mixing
  • As needed flour for shaping and sprinkling
  • 1 egg
  • A little water for the egg wash
  • 1 sheet parchment paper

Method

Step by step

Part 1

Mixing

Bulk Rise
  1. Mix the sourdough starter and milk together well.
  2. Add the sugar, or use 2 tablespoons honey instead, and mix well.
  3. Add the bread flour and salt. Start mixing, adding a little spring water if the dough needs it.
  4. Incorporate the grated unsalted butter into the dough and mix everything together really well.
  5. Knead the dough until everything is fully worked in.
  6. Cover the dough for about 5 hours, until the dough has doubled and is ready to shape.

Part 2

Shaping

Makes 8
  1. Make the dough into a round shape and sprinkle it with a little flour.
  2. Divide the dough into 8 pieces.
  3. Shape each piece into a ball. If the dough is a little sticky, add just enough flour to get the buns shaped.
  4. Pinch the bottom of each bun to create a smooth top.
  5. As each bun is shaped, place it on the prepared parchment paper.
  6. After all the buns are shaped, cover them and let them do a second rise for 2 to 4 1/2 hours.
    Set a check timer
    Choose when to check; the step's visual cues decide when it is ready.

Part 3

Baking

Golden Top
  1. After the final rise, beat 1 egg with a little water.
  2. Brush the egg wash on top of the buns.
  3. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 23 minutes, until the buns have a golden top.

For next time

My Kitchen Notes

Keep track of changes, room temperature, proofing cues, or anything you want to repeat next time.

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Finish well

After baking

Doneness, storage, and reheating notes for this recipe.

Doneness

Smooth, risen, and golden on top

Storage

Keep cooled buns airtight for up to 2 days or freeze individually.

Reheat or serve

Warm covered in a low oven, or split and toast.