Buns of joy: Three easy homemade burger buns to take delicious to the next level

Say goodbye to store-bought buns and hello to a world of flavour, texture and artisanal delight. Whether you're a classic enthusiast, a whole-grain lover, or an adventurous spirit, there's a whole world of perfect buns out there for you. Here's our top favs for the perfect burger creations.

1. Classic Brioche buns: A timeless indulgence

What you'll need

• 1 cup warm milk

• 2 tablespoons active dry yeast

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 3 large eggs (2 for the dough + 1 for the wash)

How to make them

1. In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, softened butter, salt, and eggs. Add the yeast mixture and knead until a soft, elastic dough forms.

3. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise until doubled in size (about 1-2 hours).

4. Preheat your oven to 190°C. Shape the dough into 8 equal balls and place them on a baking sheet.

5. Create the egg wash by beating an egg (or just the yolk) and brushing it over the surface of the brioche before baking. It gives the bread a beautiful golden colour and a shiny finish.

6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Let the brioche buns cool before slicing and assembling your burgers.

2. Whole wheat honey buns: A nutritious twist

What you'll need

• 1 cup warm water

• 2 tablespoons active dry yeast

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• Melted butter and seeds for topping

How to make them

1. Combine warm water, yeast, and honey. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes.

2. In a large bowl, mix whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, olive oil, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms.

3. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise until doubled in size (about 1-2 hours).

4. Preheat your oven to 190°C. Divide the dough into 10 portions and shape them into buns.

5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the buns are golden brown.

6. A minute or two before they come out of the oven, you can brush them with melted butter and sprinkle on some sesame seeds or rolled oats.

3. Pretzel buns: A soft and salty sensation

What you'll need

• 1 1/2 cups warm water

• 2 tablespoons active dry yeast

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 cup baking soda

• Coarse salt for topping

How to make them

1. Mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit until frothy (about 5-10 minutes).

2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and knead until the dough is smooth.

3. Allow the dough to rise until doubled in size (approximately 1-2 hours).

4. Preheat your oven to 220°C. Shape the dough into 8 buns.

5. In a separate bowl, dissolve baking soda in warm water. Dip each bun into the baking soda solution and sprinkle with coarse salt.

6. *Optional: Score the top of the bun with a sharp knife making a cross pattern.

7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the buns are golden brown. Cool before using for your burger creations.

Now, you've got these three incredible bun recipes in front of you, don't be afraid to roll up your sleeves and give it a go. Whether you're into the decadent brioche, the hearty whole wheat honey buns, or the no-nonsense pretzel buns, these recipes are quick and bloody simple. So, get stuck in, make those buns with confidence and enjoy a burger that's not just delicious but screams homemade awesome. It's that simple, don't overthink it.

Life's too short to eat boring buns...

Bun appetit!