Classic Burger with Homemade Buns

Classic Burger with Homemade Buns

What could be better than a burger on a homemade bun? Try these at your next cook-out or try the Monster Burger variation at the end of the recipe for your next Halloween party

Ingredients for the Homemade Buns:

• 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water (110°-115°)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 egg
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
• sesame seeds (optional)

Ingredients for the Classic Burgers:

• 3 pounds ground sirloin
• 2 tablespoons Montreal steak seasoning
• 12 slices cheddar cheese
• red onion, sliced
• tomato slices
• lettuce
• ketchup
• mustard

Directions for the Homemade Buns:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Add yeast and water to bowl of electric mixer. Mix until combined. Add sugar and let stand for 5 minutes or until mixture begins to foam.
3. Add butter, egg, flour and salt. Knead on low speed for 3 to 5 minutes, or until dough is smooth and elastic. (This will be a soft and sticky dough.)
4. Turn dough out onto floured board. Divide into 12 pieces for sliders or 6 pieces for regular sized buns. Roll each piece into ball. Place on sheets, 3 inches apart. Cover sheets with towel or lightly greased plastic wrap. Let rest for 10 minutes.
5. Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle tops with sesame seeds. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown, rotating pans during baking. Transfer to cooling rack to cool completely.

Directions for the Classic Burgers:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Divide the sirloin onto 12 or 6 portions. Shape them into burgers about 3/4 inch thick. Season both sides liberally with steak seasoning. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side (depending on what temperature you like them at). Top each patty with a slice or two of cheese. Cover grill for a minute to melt cheese.
2. Add patties to burger buns and dress with lettuce, tomato, onion, ketchup and mustard.

Version: Halloween Monster Burger: Perfect presentation for your Halloween party. Follow the directions above. Choose white cheddar cheese cut with a jagged edge on one side to form teeth. Assemble the burger with a dill pickle oval shaped chip for the tongue, olives on toothpicks can be placed to look like eyes, Onions can be stuck in to look like claws. Lettuce and bacon can be used to look like hair.