These Homemade Hot Dog Buns are some of my favorite things to make! I promise that once you make these, you’ll never buy them packaged at the grocery store again. They are tender and don’t have the dry texture that you typically find with store-bought. Plus, it helps that they taste fresh and delicious, too!
Jump to:
Look no further for the best hot dog buns recipe ever! It’s so simple, even if you’ve never made bread from scratch. I highly recommend making them to anyone I can, because they are just that amazing. If you want to take an everyday hot dog to the next level, you can with these hot dog rolls.
If you like easy homemade bread recipes, you will love Subway Copycat Bread and Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They have better flavor: Fresh bread will always taste better than store-bought. This is especially true for these hot dog rolls. I find that packaged buns are drier and have an almost chemical-like taste so I try to make the homemade version as often as I can.
- It’s budget-friendly: It’s surprisingly inexpensive. Making things from scratch can sometimes be pricey. However, I tend to keep my kitchen well stocked with baking staples so this recipe for hot dog buns fits into my everyday grocery budget.
- It’s simple to prepare: Don’t be discouraged by the homemade bread aspect of this recipe. It’s actually very easy to understand and follow even if you aren’t an experienced baker.
Ingredients
Below are all of the components needed to make homemade hot dog bread. They are common baking ingredients that are easy to find and kept in stock in the average kitchen.
- Sugar: All baked goods need a little sugar to balance the flavors and aids in activating the yeast. I use simple white granulated sugar in this hot dog bun recipe.
- Water and yeast: The combination of warm water and rapid-rise yeast is crucial in this recipe. It will help the hot dog bread rise properly so it results in fluffy rolls.
- Flour: I use all-purpose flour in this recipe. You may give it a try with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. It should come out similar, but I haven’t personally tried it.
- Salt: A little salt goes a long way. Simple kosher salt or table salt is just fine here. It helps to balance the flavors without making the hot dog rolls salty.
- Butter: I highly recommend unsalted butter in this recipe. If you only have salted butter, omit the extra salt. Don’t worry about softening it because you will melt it in the microwave.
- Milk: I recommend whole milk for this recipe because of the fat content but you may use 2% instead if you prefer.
- Eggs: You will need two eggs for the buns; one will go into the dough and the other will be used in the egg wash. This helps the tops of the bread brown perfectly in the oven. You will add a little water to the egg wash, too.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
How to Make Hot Dog Buns
Here are the steps needed to make hot dog buns from scratch. I recommend preheating your oven to 400 degrees toward the end of the second proof to ensure it’s hot and ready when you needed. You should also line the baking sheet with parchment as well.
Step 1: Make the yeast mixture. Add the warm water, sugar, and yeast to a small mixing bowl. Gently stir it to dissolve and then let it hang out on the counter for 10 minutes or until it becomes bubbly.
Step 2: Combine the dry ingredients. Pour the flour and salt into a separate large bowl and whisk until they are well combined.
Step 3: Heat the butter and milk. Heat the butter and milk in the microwave in 30-second intervals until the butter is fully melted.
Step 4: Add the egg. Whisk the egg into the yeast mixture when it’s ready. Then add the butter and milk mixture and stir to combine.
Step 5: Combine all the ingredients. Gradually pour the wet mixture into the flour mixture. Lightly stir it until a sticky dough forms.
Step 6: Shape the dough. Gently knead the dough, ensuring all the ingredients are well mixed, and roll it a ball and place it into a large bowl.
Step 7: Let it rise. Cover the bowl and place it in a warm place for at least 1-2 hours. It’s ready when it has doubled in size.
Step 8: Roll it into a ball. Pour the dough onto a floured surface and add additional flour until it becomes easy to handle. Form it into a ball.
Step 9: Divide and form the rolls. Cut the dough into about 10 even pieces. Flatten each out and roll it into the shape of a hot dog bun.
Step 10: Arrange on the pan. Place all of the buns onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space in between them.
Step 11: Let them rise again. Cover them and allow them to rise for another hour or until they come puffy.
Step 12: Bake. Combine the remaining egg with a tablespoon of water and generously brush the mixture on top of the hot dog rolls. Pop them in the oven for 12 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Recipe Tips
- Put it in a warm place: When you let the dough rise, it must be in a warm environment. If your kitchen is cool, place your dough covered inside your oven (while it’s off) to allow it to rise to the proper size.
- Don’t add too much flour: Watch when you measure your flour and when you use it to roll it out. Using too much flour can make the hot dog bread dry and dense.
- Make hamburger buns: Shape them into round hamburger buns instead of hot dog buns!
- Make them cheesy. Fold in finely grated cheddar cheese and brush the top with butter for a unique cheesy version.
If you love recipes like these homemade buns, you may also enjoy these Homemade Dinner Rolls.
Storage Directions
- Storing: Store the buns in a large Ziploc bag at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Freeze them for up to 4 months.
- Reheating: If you want to warm them up, wrap them in a damp paper towel and heat them in the microwave for 30 seconds. You may also place them in a 350-degree oven for 3-5 minutes.
- Make Ahead: These are great to make in advance because they have a great shelf life! I like to prepare and bake the rolls in bulk and place them in the freezer until I need them.
Serving Suggestions
These make a fun and tasty addition to all your summer grilling gatherings! Enjoy them with sausage and hot dogs and all your favorite toppings. You can also use them in some other ways!
- Creatively use these and make hot dog bun French toast for breakfast.
- Make a batch of these air fryer bacon wrapped hot dogs and serve them in homemade hot dog rolls with some hot dog chili on top. Use them with air fried sausage and peppers or a chopped Italian sandwich for a unique recipe.
Recipe FAQs
This can happen for two reasons. The first, the place where you set the dough to rise, wasn‘t warm enough. The second, the yeast was old and nonreactive. If the yeast doesn’t foam when it mixes with warm water, it needs to be replaced.
Yes! Instant and rapid-rise yeast are the same. It sometimes goes by more than one name.
The milk must be warm, which is why I recommend warming it while melting the butter. It ensures that neither ingredient becomes too cold while waiting for the other.
Video
More Delicious Hot Dog Recipes
Do you like hot dog recipes? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section, I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Homemade Hot Dog Buns
Ingredients
- 1 cup lukewarm water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons rapid-rise yeast
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 2 large eggs 1 for the dough, 1 for egg wash
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve, then cover and set aside for 10 minutes, or until the mixture is frothy and bubbly.
- While the yeast mixture activates, whisk together the flour and salt in a large bowl to aerate. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the butter and milk. Heat in the microwave just until the butter is melted. Set aside to cool slightly (this is important to avoid killing the yeast).
- Once the yeast mixture is ready, add one egg and the melted butter and milk mixture. Stir to combine.
- Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and stir until just combined, forming a sticky dough. Cover the dough and place it in a warm area to rise for 1–2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. (See notes for rising tips)
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Gently add small amounts of flour - only enough needed to handle the dough. Divide it into 10 even pieces, each weighing about 95–98 grams.
- Flatten each dough ball, then roll it out into a hot dog bun shape.
- Place the shaped buns onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and allow them to rise for about 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). To make the egg wash, whisk together the second egg and 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the egg wash over each bun.
- Bake for 12 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool before slicing for your hot dogs.
Notes
- Store the homemade hot dog buns in a plastic bag for up to 4 days at room temperature or 1 week in the refrigerator.
- Ensure the area where you place the dough to rise is warm enough. Otherwise, it won’t double in size the way you need it to.
- Only add enough flour to ensure you can easily handle the bread dough. Adding too much will make the rolls dense and dry.
Kayla says
I’m never spending another dollar on a store bought hotdog bun. This recipe is great. Made it a few times now and I wish I found it sooner. TFS
Karin and Ken says
I feel the exact same way. All the best. Karin
Millie says
Taste great. Freeze beautifully. Made a double batch this time and froze the rest. Such a great idea. Thx for sharing
Karin and Ken says
As always you’re most welcome. I try my best. I have some in the freezer too! All the best. Karin
Sam says
WOW. So easy and absolutely wonderful. Love fresh bread and these buns are better than the hotdog lol Thanks for another keeper. You’re the best. 💕
Karin and Ken says
Thank you for your kind words. You just made my day. All the best. Karin