What are the different types of burger buns available, and what is the best bun to use for your burger? That is the question many of us ask and there are truly a lot of choices, but it is actually up to you and the type of bread you like. But to help you out, we have listed some of the best burger buns and why we think they are a good choice for your burger.
The best burger bun can also depend on the type of burger you are making. So give them all a try. The choices are almost endless. The great thing about buns is you can, of course, purchase them already packaged or if you are the adventurous type, make them yourself!
A Few Good Choices of Burger Buns
Pretzel Bun – pretzels were originally made as a snack food and is one of the world’s oldest snacks. It’s a big market so why not make a bun out of it and add that pretzel goodness to your burger?
This bun with its salty and crispy brown shell and light and fluffy sweet interior will add a distinctive flavor to your burger. Go minimal with the toppings and use on a burger with just cheese and mustard. In this case, what else do you need?
If you like your pretzels with different flavor ingredients, try a bun with the same! You may just develop a new burger taste treat!
Kaiser Roll – with a harder crust, but still soft on the inside this roll serves a burger well. The Kaiser roll is usually separated on top into five sections meant to represent a crown, which originated with a German Emperor. You may occasionally see a Kaiser roll sprinkled with seeds or possibly fried onion.
This bun serves a thick burger well and feel free to pile on the toppings as it will hold up under the pressure. You will find Kaiser rolls come in a few varieties so you can pick the one you like best.
They are traditionally chewier than a plain bun, so they meet the texture element if that is one thing you are looking for.
Brioche Bun – Brioche is a very buttery, soft bun and has a light consistency. It is essentially made the same way as bread but is sometimes considered a pastry due to the increase of ingredients such as eggs, butter, and some form of dairy liquid.
Brioche is like a French pastry and some consider it not the best of the different types of burger buns. But we personally love it due to the buttery flavor it adds to the whole burger experience.
The bun already starts with a golden brown crust. Even though they are thought of as a pastry they are good for both sweet and savory recipes.
While the bun is soft, when toasted it will hold up to any grilled burger or whatever protein you choose. And the brioche bun’s flavor is mild enough to not overtake the burger. It actually enhances the burger with the buttery flavor of the bun!
Potato Bun – as these are very soft buns they are thought of as being along the lines of a traditional hamburger bun. Due to the soft nature of the bun, they are best used when making thinner burgers.
One of the main ingredients – not oddly enough – is mashed potatoes. This is what gives the bun the lightness characteristic. The potato bun is a favorite among the various types of burger buns.
A nice thing about this bun is that is has a longer shelf life. This is due to the starch in the potatoes keeping the wheat starch from getting stale.
It will also absorb the wonderful burger juices, but won’t become soggy. And we definitely don’t want the soggy bun thing!
Ciabatta Bun – a ciabatta bun is traditionally shaped as a square, has a crisp crust and a soft texture. You will also find the bread more porous, light, and airy.
Don’t let the square bun put you off. What a great difference to your burger experience. And you could shape your burgers in a square. We all know a restaurant that has done that and that has worked out pretty well!
The ciabatta is also a flatter type of bread with huge holes in the interior. Its chewy exterior and soft interior with a buttery, toasty and nutty smell will add just a depth of flavor to your burger.
English Muffin – you probably didn’t really think about using an English muffin for your burger. Well, we all know the nooks and crannies of the English muffin and that great toastiness coming out of the toaster.
But is it one of the types of burger buns you might choose? Give it a try. The muffin can capture any condiments you throw its way, and the flavor and texture of the muffin can’t be denied.
It won’t overtake the burger and its different texture adds a nice difference to the burger. English muffins come in different varieties so think about adding a different taste dimension to the burger.
Onion Bun – very much like your traditional plain hamburger bun, this bun is baked rich with egg and oil and filled and covered with caramelized onions.
If you are looking to stay with your fail-proof bun, but want a bit of added flavor, you can’t go wrong with the onion bun. Some consider this the best bun for a perfect burger because of the onion flavor.
Sesame Seed Bun – your traditional hamburger bun with the sesame seeds added.
This bun is good for wet or sloppy fillings or goopy toppings. The texture is not too soft so it won’t get soggy or fall apart and it is not too dense or chewy.
Many have asked the question if the seeds actually make any difference on the bun, however, this is the question that has not necessarily been answered. Some think it does add to the flavor of the burgers, but it appears to be an opinion-based thought.
Others have thought they are there to add texture. Well, they will add texture being they are crunchy seeds, but is it enough to make a difference? Some just like the added seeds. Like all of the buns, it is your taste as to what you prefer for your choice in the types of burger buns.
Conclusion
One thing to always remember no matter what bun you choose, be sure to always toast the bun. This gives structure to the burger and keeps the bun from getting soggy.
Are there other types of buns or bread that you use? Let us know! We love to hear your take on what we talk about and if there is anything you want us to test, let us know. We love finding new ways to enjoy the wonderful burger!