How to Shape Hamburger Buns
Shaping bread is probably the most fun part of the bread making process. Shaping your bread into just the right little bun or loaf while sometimes adding fun designs can be downright therapeutic. I like to keep my bread-making very relaxed and low pressure knowing that even if it doesn’t look perfect, it will still taste great.
With that being said, this how-to on shaping hamburger buns will make the bread shaping process simple and easy to understand for even the most inexperienced baker. I am certainly no professional chef or baker, but I am passionate about good food. Follow along with me as we make bread shaping an easy, stress-free process.
I use this hamburger shaping technique to make my sourdough hamburger bun recipe. You can find that recipe here. These buns come out so soft and fluffy and are perfect for a backyard barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner. Whether you are an expert bread maker or a complete beginner, you will find this hamburger shaping guide useful and easy to implement. I’ve included pictures of the important steps of the process so it’s easier to visualize how to perform the shaping.
In this recipe, I explain how to portion out your hamburger buns by weight. To me, this is the best way to divide up the dough equally. It also ensures that the hamburger buns are more similar in size so you don’t end up with some buns that are way smaller or bigger than the others. Now, let’s get to baking!
What You'll Need
- Dough
- Scale
- Clean, floured surface
Steps
Step 1: First, weigh out the dough you will be using to make your hamburger buns to get a total weight.
Step 2: Next, divide that weight by how many buns you want to make to get the weight per bun. Example: Total weight of dough is 1,270 grams and you want to make 8 hamburger buns. You divide 1,270 by 8 to get about 158 grams. This means each of your hamburger buns will weigh 158 grams.
Step 3: Then, using the weight calculated in the example, weigh out 158 grams worth of dough (one bun) and roll it around in your hands into a decently smooth ball. It doesn’t need to be perfect.
Step 4: Choose what side of the dough ball will be the top and fold the edges underneath the ball all the way around.
Step 5: Next, place the folded side of the dough ball onto a floured surface and cup your hand around the ball.
Step 6: Slide the dough around the floured surface in a circle until the bottom of the dough ball is smooth. All you’re doing here is smoothing out one side of the dough so it can serve as the bottom of the bun. Smoothing it out ensures it will be cohesive and hold together well.
Step 7: Place the dough ball back on the floured surface.
Step 8: Using a flat hand, press the dough ball down for a flatter bun shape. If you prefer the rounded ball shape for your buns, you can skip this step. Don’t worry about the finger marks. They will disappear as the dough rises!
Step 9: Repeat steps 3-8 with the rest of the dough.
Step 10: Finally, place the dough on your prepared baking sheet of choice and let rise before finally baking. You can also place the dough directly on the prepared baking sheet for the pressing step instead of returning it to the floured surface.
That is it! It truly is a simple process to make your own hamburger buns completely from scratch. There is also something about this process that is so rewarding because you used your own two hands to create these amazing buns for your family, friends or even as a treat for yourself. Everyone will be impressed with your nicely shaped, delicious hamburger buns!
Why Make Your Own Hamburger Buns?
Today’s bread products contain so many unnecessary ingredients and fillers. In addition, making your own bread with your own ingredients gives you control over what goes into your bread products and ultimately what goes into your body. You can also ensure the nourishment of your family.
Many think making your own bread products is complicated, but it is truly a simple process, often using simple ingredients. It is especially easy once you’ve practiced it a few times and get into a regular routine of making bread products for the week or the month.
Isn't Bread Making Time Consuming?
Bread making does not need to be time consuming! In fact, the most hands-on parts of sourdough bread baking is mixing up the dough and shaping the bread. If you plan your bread making out, you’ll find it’s pretty easy to fit it into your day. Once you get accustomed to it, it becomes second-nature.
One thing I love to do is spend a weekend baking all kinds of different items like sandwich bread, hamburger buns, pizza crusts, etc to then freeze and use throughout the month. Using this technique, all we have to do is pull it out of the freezer, reheat and use to make an incredible from-scratch meal. Additionally, my family does not notice the difference between fresh baked and reheated from the freezer. I also know many people who bake each week and eat their bread fresh, so this is another option if you have a little more time.
Cooking and baking from scratch does not have to be complicated and can even be very enjoyable. To me, one of the best parts of making my own bread products is the hands-on process. Another great part is feeding them to my family knowing there are no harmful ingredients in the mix. It’s a great feeling of accomplishment when you get to tell people you made the bread from scratch by yourself! It’s even greater providing something nourishing to those you love. Happy baking!
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