Caramelized Onion Burger Buns
recipe adapted from Joy the Baker / makes 8 burger buns
for the caramelized onions
- 1 1/2 cups diced onions, about 1 1/2 onions
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
In a small frying pan melt butter over medium high heat. Add onions and salt and cook, stirring often for 15-20 minutes, until deep golden brown and caramelized. Allow to cool completely.
for the buns
- 1 cup warm water
- 3 tablespoons warm whole milk
- 2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 package)
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt + extra for topping
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 teaspoon water
- sesame seeds
In the work bowl of your stand mixer combine warm water, milk, granulated sugar, and yeast. Allow to sit for 5 minutes. The yeast will be foamy and frothy.
In a large bowl whisk to combine flours and salt. Using the tips of your fingers, work softened butter into the flour mixture. The flour will be slightly crumbly, like the beginnings of a pie dough.
Add dry ingredients to the yeast mixture in the stand mixer and mix on low speed using the dough hook attachment. When the ingredients are thoroughly combined, increase speed to medium and knead for 10 minutes. During the last minute, add cooled, caramelized onions. The dough will be somewhat sticky, but not overly so.
Turn the dough out unto a floured surface and shape into a ball. Place the dough in a large bowl greased with nonstick spray and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Place in a warm place and allow to rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until doubled in size.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and grease lightly with nonstick spray. Turn the risen dough out unto a floured surface and divide into eight equal pieces. Roll each piece of dough into a round ball and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Cover the buns loosely with plastic wrap and allow to rest for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In a small bowl prepare egg wash by whisking egg with 1 teaspoon water. Brush the tops of the risen buns with egg wash and sprinkle with salt and sesame seeds.
Bake the buns for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown.
Allow to cool before slicing and serving.
Enjoy!