Sourdough Hot Dog Bun Recipe for Soft, Flavorful Buns

There’s something undeniably satisfying about sinking your teeth into a perfectly soft, fluffy hot dog bun that has just the right amount of chew and flavor. If you’re a fan of sourdough bread and love homemade baked goods, this sourdough hot dog bun recipe is going to become your new favorite way to enjoy hot dogs, sausages, or even veggie dogs.

Unlike store-bought buns, these are made with a natural starter, giving them a subtle tang and incredible texture that pairs beautifully with all your favorite toppings.

Making sourdough buns might seem intimidating, but with a bit of patience and love, you’ll be rewarded with bakery-quality results right at home. Whether you’re gearing up for a summer BBQ or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner, these buns will impress your family and friends alike.

Plus, the recipe is versatile and adaptable—perfect for anyone looking to master the art of sourdough baking without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First, this recipe takes the classic hot dog bun to the next level by incorporating a sourdough starter, which adds a distinctive flavor and improves the bread’s digestibility. You’ll appreciate the soft crumb and slightly chewy crust that make these buns perfect for holding any kind of filling without falling apart.

Second, the recipe is designed to be approachable. You don’t need advanced baking skills or fancy equipment—just some basic tools and patience for the natural fermentation process.

It’s an enjoyable project that fills your kitchen with the comforting smell of fresh bread.

Finally, making your own buns means you control the ingredients, avoiding preservatives and additives commonly found in store-bought bread. This makes the buns healthier and customizable, whether you want to add seeds, herbs, or switch to whole grain flour.

Ingredients

• 250g active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
• 400g bread flour
• 50g all-purpose flour
• 250ml lukewarm water
• 30g unsalted butter, softened
• 30g sugar
• 8g salt
• 1 large egg (for dough)
• 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Dough scraper or spatula
• Kitchen scale
• Proofing basket or large bowl for rising
• Baking tray or hot dog bun mold
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush
• Oven
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Feed your sourdough starter about 4-6 hours before starting the dough to ensure it is bubbly and active.
2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Add the active sourdough starter, lukewarm water, softened butter, and the whole egg. Mix until all ingredients are combined and a rough dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6-7 minutes on medium speed.
4. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it ferment at room temperature for 4-6 hours or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the buns: Gently deflate the dough and divide it into 8 equal portions (about 90g each). Shape each piece into an elongated oval to resemble a hot dog bun and place them on a parchment-lined baking tray or in hot dog bun molds, spaced evenly.
6. Second rise: Cover the shaped buns loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let them proof for 2-3 hours at room temperature, or until puffy and almost doubled.
7. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 190°C (375°F) about 30 minutes before baking to ensure it’s fully heated.
8. Egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk with a teaspoon of water. Gently brush the tops of the buns to give them a golden, shiny finish.
9. Bake: Place the buns in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
10. Cool: Remove the buns from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Let them cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Variations

“Patience is key when working with sourdough. Let your starter be active, and give the dough enough time to ferment well for the best flavor and texture.”

• For a softer crust: Place a small oven-safe dish filled with hot water on the bottom rack of your oven while baking to introduce steam.
• Add seeds: Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on the egg wash before baking for added texture and flavor.
• Whole wheat variation: Substitute up to 50% of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier, heartier bun.
• Vegan option: Replace the egg in the dough with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), and use a plant-based milk wash instead of egg yolk.
• Storage: Store buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer keeping.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These sourdough hot dog buns are incredibly versatile. Use them to hold your favorite grilled sausages, classic hot dogs, or plant-based veggie dogs.

For a fun twist, try topping your hot dog with caramelized onions, sauerkraut, or a spicy mustard sauce to complement the tangy sourdough flavor.

If you enjoy experimenting, try pairing these buns with other sandwich fillings like pulled jackfruit or BBQ tempeh. They also make excellent mini sub rolls for a casual lunch or picnic.

For inspiration on plant-based meal ideas that go well with homemade bread, check out our Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals or our Best Vegetarian Hot Dogs Recipes for Easy Meatless Meals.

Conclusion

Making your own sourdough hot dog buns is a rewarding baking project that elevates your casual meals into something special. The natural fermentation adds depth of flavor, while the soft crumb and golden crust make every bite delightful.

These buns are perfect for summer cookouts, weekday dinners, or whenever you crave a comforting, homemade bread experience.

With just a handful of ingredients and a little time, you’ll have fresh, artisan-quality buns that your family and friends will love. Don’t hesitate to personalize the recipe by adding seeds or using different flours to suit your taste.

To keep expanding your homemade bread repertoire, take a look at our Veggie Bread Recipes That Are Easy and Delicious or try some fresh and light ideas from our Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.

Happy baking and enjoy every bite!

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