Homemade Burger Buns

Makes 16 to 18 medium burger buns

Ingredients:

• 2.5 tsp active dry yeast
• 1.5 cup milk
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 3.5 cups whole wheat bread flour
• 1 tsp salt
• white egg wash
• optional: poppy seeds

Directions:

1. Heat milk in microwave for 1 minute or until hot to touch. Add butter and sugar. Stir to melt/combine. This mixture should read about 105 to 115 F in order to successfully proof the yeast. Allow the yeast to bubble for 5 minutes.
2. In the stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add whole wheat bread flour and salt. Stir just to combine. With the mixer on low, slowly drizzle in proofed yeast (wet ingredients).
3. Increase the speed to medium-low and continue to knead the dough for the next 10 to 12 minutes.
4. Once the dough is smooth, oil a huge bowl and transfer the bread dough into the bowl. Cover bowl with a damp paper towel, place the bowl in a humid area of the kitchen to allow dough to rise (double in size) for at least 1 hour.
5. Once dough is doubled in size, punch it down and shape it. Evenly divide bread dough, roll it into desired shapes or size, place it on baking sheets (lined with parchment paper) with enough room between each dough ball, cover with a damp paper towel and allow to rise again for 30 to 40 minutes.
6. Preheat oven to 350F.
7. In a small bowl, add egg whites and 2 tbsp of water. Whisk to combine. Brush egg white wash over risen bread dough and sprinkle some poppy seeds.
8. Bake bread dough for 20 minutes or more, depending on how brown you want the burger buns or bread rolls to be.
9. Remove burger buns/rolls from oven and allow to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to cool on cooling rack.