Sourdough Discard Burger Buns: Quick and Easy Recipe Your Family Will Love!

Name: Sourdough Discard Burger Buns
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 380 grams warm water (about 1 ½ cups); 200 grams sourdough discard (about ¾ cup); 30 grams granulated sugar (2 Tablespoons); 20 grams instant yeast (2 Tablespoons); 1 large egg (about 50 grams); 55 grams unsalted butter, melted (about 4 Tablespoons); 20 grams salt (1 Tablespoon); 830 grams bread flour (about 5.5 – 6.5 cups); 1 large egg (for egg wash, about 50 grams); Sprinkle of sesame seeds (optional)

Posted on May 2, 2026

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This Sourdough Discard Burger Buns recipe comes together in about 60 minutes and requires no special techniques for a easy weeknight meal that your family will love! Perfect for those random leftover ingredients you don’t want to waste. So whether it’s a Tuesday night or a weekend BBQ, these buns will have everyone begging for more!

Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make these amazing burger buns from sourdough discard. It’s all fairly straightforward, and you might already have most of these items on hand!

380 grams warm water (about 1 ½ cups):
200 grams sourdough discard (about ¾ cup)
30 grams granulated sugar (2 Tablespoons)
20 grams instant yeast (2 Tablespoons)
1 large egg (about 50 grams)
55 grams unsalted butter, melted (about 4 Tablespoons)
20 grams salt (1 Tablespoon)
830 grams bread flour (about 5.5 – 6.5 cups)
1 large egg (for egg wash, about 50 grams)
Sprinkle of sesame seeds (optional)

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a stand mixer, combine 380 grams of warm water with 200 grams of sourdough discard (don’t skip this trust me, you’ll want that flavor!). Stir well, then add in 30 grams of sugar and 20 grams of instant yeast, mixing until everything is combined.

Next up, toss in 1 large egg, 55 grams of melted butter, and 20 grams of salt. Now for the fun part, gradually mix in about 6 cups of bread flour, just until a tacky dough forms. You might need to add a bit more flour, depending on humidity. Once mixed, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Shape the Buns

Now, turn the dough out onto a floured surface. I like to flour my hands too; trust me, it helps! Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces (use a bench scraper if you have it, it really helps) and shape each piece into a round ball. Press down slightly to form wider buns; you want them to be nice and fluffy but not too flat.

Step 3: Proof the Buns

Cover your freshly shaped buns and let them rise in a warm spot for about 30 minutes. This step is magic, watch them puff up like little clouds!

Step 4: Preheat and Prepare

While your buns are proofing, go ahead and preheat your oven to 425°F. Let’s prepare that gloriously shiny egg wash: whisk together 1 large egg with a splash of water. Brush the tops of the buns generously with the egg wash, this is where you create that glossy finish! If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top.

Step 5: Bake

Now it’s time for the oven! Pop those buns in and bake for 15-18 minutes or until they’re golden brown and the internal temperature hits about 190°F. The aroma that will fill your kitchen? Absolutely divine! Let them cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

If you loved these Sourdough Discard Burger Buns, be sure to check out my Sourdough Sandwich Rolls, my Sourdough discard pizza dough, or discover our best 21 sourdough recipes! You won’t be disappointed, they’re all perfect for a fun family dinner.

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This recipe really comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights! You’ll love how effortlessly these buns turn out, ready for whatever you want to pile on top.

Comfort Food

Let’s be real, there’s nothing quite like a homemade bun for your burgers, right? They’re soft and fluffy, loaded with tons of flavor, and so much better than store-bought options.

Customizable

The secret to a delicious bun is the ability to personalize it! Feel free to add spices, herbs, or even garlic, all kinds of variations work wonderfully here.

Homemade Goodness

You know exactly what goes into these buns, making it a fun weekend project to do with the kids, or just a fabulous way to pamper yourself.

Uses Sourdough Discard

Not only does this recipe rescue your sourdough discard from the fridge, but it also makes you feel good about reducing waste. Yay for eco-friendly baking!

Serving & Storage Tips

How to Serve This Recipe

These delicious burger buns are fantastic served warm, fresh out of the oven, or toasted lightly. Pair these beauties with your favorite burger recipes, grilled veggies, or even sandwiches! Seriously, the options are endless.

Storage

If you have any leftovers (unlikely, but we’ll pretend), they’ll stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3 days. Honestly, though they’re best enjoyed right away!

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, I recommend popping them back in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes or until they’re warmed through. This way, you’ll bring back their fluffy goodness!

Freezer Friendly

Yes, these buns are freezer-friendly! Just let them cool completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and then pop them into a freezer bag. They’ll stay good for about 3 months. Just thaw and warm them whenever you’re ready!

FAQ

Can I use regular yeast?

You can use active dry yeast, but you might need to prove it first in water with a bit of sugar for about 5 minutes before incorporating it into the dough.

What can I use instead of butter?

If you need to avoid butter or want a dairy-free option, using coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute works just fine!

How do I make these buns whole wheat?

You can substitute half the bread flour for whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and a bit of extra nutrition.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No worries! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. It just takes a little elbow grease, but the love is worth it!

In conclusion, crafting delicious Sourdough Discard Burger Buns is easier than you might think! Perfect for any family gathering (or just your weeknight dinner), these buns will have everyone begging for seconds. I’m thrilled to share this with you, let’s get baking! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.