Enhance your culinary repertoire with these Homemade Garlic Buns, a delightful fusion of soft, fluffy bread and rich, savory garlic butter. Perfect as a side dish or a standalone snack, these buns are sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk, warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Shape the Buns:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and roll each into a smooth ball.
- Arrange the balls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise again for 30-40 minutes.
3. Bake the Buns:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the buns for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
4. Prepare the Garlic Butter Topping:
- While the buns are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Stir in minced garlic, parsley, and salt.
5. Apply the Topping and Serve:
- Once the buns are out of the oven, immediately brush them with the garlic butter topping.
- Serve warm and enjoy the aromatic, savory flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 210
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 6%
- Calcium: 3%
- Iron: 8%
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast? Yes, but dissolve it in the warm liquid with sugar for about 10 minutes until frothy before adding to the dough.
2. How should I store leftover garlic buns? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
3. Can I freeze these buns? Yes, freeze baked buns in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and warm them before serving.
4. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! Refrigerate the dough after the first rise for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature and rise slightly before shaping and baking.
5. Can I add cheese to the buns? For a cheesy twist, sprinkle grated Parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar on top of the buns before baking or incorporate shredded cheese into the dough.
Recommendations
- Pair with Soups: These buns complement creamy soups like tomato, mushroom, or broccoli cheddar.
- Experiment with Herbs: Try using rosemary, thyme, or oregano for a different flavor profile.
- Make Mini Buns: Shape smaller portions of dough for bite-sized garlic buns, perfect for appetizers.
