A Sprinkle Of Sesame Seeds Will Transform Store-Bought Burger Buns

Plenty of chefs painstakingly craft every detail of their burgers, from the type of meat and spices used to how the patties are formed. You can apply the same dedication to homemade burgers, but we recommend also taking time to improve one of the other key players — the bun. Fortunately, there's an easy way to add a restaurant-style spin to store-bought buns; you only need some sesame seeds and a tiny bit of oil. 

First, toast the seeds in an oven set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit until golden brown, which takes around 10 minutes. This enhances the rich nuttiness of sesame seeds by imparting a subtle, roasted crispness. Combined with the traditional yeasty, slightly sweet flavor of the bread, the finished product highlights a far more complex bun flavor than if you skipped this simple trick. To get the toasted seeds to adhere to the bread, a light brushing of oil may be the quickest and easiest method, but some opt for using butter instead of oil for additional flavor.

Alternatively, burger lovers can apply a light egg wash to the top of the buns, sprinkle on sesame seeds, and pop them in the oven for a few minutes to finish. This technique, which can also be used to add a variety of other flavor-enhancing toppings, offers the advantage of producing warmed, gently toasted buns. This is a perfect strategy for avoiding the limp, room-temperature experience of buns straight out of the bag.

However, adding sesame seeds isn't the only way to improve otherwise uninspiring store-bought buns. Steaming and toasting can provide delightful textural experiences on opposite ends of the spectrum. A drizzle of garlic or chili oil can bring some big flavor without taking up any space between the buns. Finally, don't limit yourself to standard packaged options. Keep things interesting at your next cookout by considering all the available types of buns for your burger and trying a new choice.