How to Make Soft, Fluffy Hot Dog Buns at Home

Hot dog buns are often associated with being dense and dry, but this easy recipe transforms them into soft, fluffy rolls that melt in your mouth. You can recreate these irresistible, pillow-soft bread rolls at home with just six basic ingredients—most of which you likely already have in your pantry.

This guide will walk you through every process step, from preparing the dough to baking perfectly golden hot dog buns that pair wonderfully with your favorite sausages. Let's get started!

Ingredients You'll Need

To make these hot dog buns, you’ll require:

Milk: Slightly warm, not too hot, to activate the yeast.

Sugar: Helps feed the yeast and subtly sweetens the bread.

Salt: For balance and flavor.

Instant Yeast: Ensures the bread rises beautifully.

Butter: Softened at room temperature to give the rolls a rich texture.

Flour: The base of the dough, provides structure and softness.

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the slightly warm milk, sugar, salt, instant yeast, softened butter, and flour.

Mix and Knead: If you’re using a stand mixer, knead the dough at a medium-low speed for about 8 minutes. For those kneading by hand, work the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth, soft, and slightly sticky.

Tip: Avoid adding extra flour if the dough feels sticky. Bread dough improves as you knead it, so keep working on it patiently. If it's unmanageably sticky, you can add just a teaspoon or two of flour, but don’t overdo it. Remember, the smoother the dough, the softer your bread will be.

Step 2: First Rise

Once kneaded, transfer the dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes. During this time, the dough will become light and airy as the yeast does its job.

Step 3: Preparing the Hot Dogs

While the dough is rising, prepare your hot dogs. You can cook them in two ways:

Fry in a little oil: This gives them a golden, slightly crispy texture.

Boil in water: A healthier option, though less flavorful.

Personal Preference: Frying adds a touch of caramelized flavor to the hot dogs, which pairs perfectly with the soft bread.

Step 4: Shaping the Dough

Divide the Dough: After the first rise, punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal parts. For consistency, weigh each piece to ensure they are about 74 grams each. If you don’t have a scale, you can simply estimate by eye.

Shape into Balls: Roll each portion into a smooth ball.

Roll Into Cylinders: Flatten each ball slightly, then roll it into a thin, elongated shape. Pinch the ends to seal them, ensuring the middle remains slightly thicker than the ends. The dough cylinder should be around 10-12 inches long.

Step 5: Wrapping the Hot Dogs

Take one prepared dough cylinder and wrap it around a hot dog, tucking the ends under to secure it.

Repeat this process for all the hot dogs.

Place the wrapped hot dogs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Step 6: Second Rise

Allow the wrapped hot dogs to rest in a warm place for about 45 minutes. During this time, the dough will puff up further, creating light and airy rolls.

Step 7: Preparing for Baking

Egg Wash: Before baking, brush the rolls with an egg wash (a mixture of beaten egg and a splash of water). This step gives the buns a shiny, golden finish.

Toppings (Optional): Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added flavor and an appealing look.

Step 8: Baking

Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).

Bake the hot dog buns for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

Step 9: Finishing Touches

While the buns are still warm, brush them lightly with melted butter. This step not only enhances the flavor but also ensures the buns remain ultra-soft.

Enjoying Your Homemade Hot Dog Buns

The result? Perfectly soft and fluffy buns that are a delight to eat fresh out of the oven. If you plan to enjoy them later, simply reheat them in the microwave for about 25 seconds, and they’ll taste as good as new.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to achieving bakery-style hot dog buns lies in the details:

Proper kneading: Develop gluten for a soft, elastic dough.

Two rises: Ensures the bread is light and airy.

Egg wash and butter: Provide a professional finish and extra softness.

A Note to Home Bakers

If you enjoyed this recipe, consider experimenting with variations. Try stuffing the rolls with cheese or adding herbs to the dough for a unique twist. Baking at home is not just rewarding but also allows you to customize recipes to suit your taste.