A burger is a burger, right? Not hardly.
Every good burger aficionado knows that the bun absolutely makes the dish. Choose the wrong one, and even the juiciest, most perfectly grilled patty could be rendered inedible. You need one that’s soft enough to give when you bite into it, but firm enough to hold up to all those delicious toppings you know you’re going to add.
If you’ve been sticking to the standard hamburger buns at your grocery store, we’re here to widen your horizons. Today, we’re sharing eight popular varieties to try, including some you might not have considered!
1. Brioche Bun
We’re going to start this list of burger buns out strong. Brioche bread makes an incredible bun and should be a staple at all of your summertime cookouts.
Brioche is denser than other types of bread because it contains more eggs and butter. It’s this ratio that gives it a decadent, gourmet taste, which pairs perfectly with your favorite hamburger. If you’re looking for a bun that adds another dimension of flavor to the dish but doesn’t overpower or compete with what’s inside of it, brioche is the way to go.
These buns used to be a little harder to find, but most supermarkets now carry them in the bread aisle. You can also find similar egg buns in many subscription-based burger boxes, such as the Burger Box.
2. Kaiser Roll
When you think of a traditional hamburger bun, you likely picture a good, old-fashioned kaiser roll. These buns have existed in some form since the 18th century, and they originated in Austria.
You can find kaiser rolls with or without sesame seeds, and they’re often used in place of sliced bread at delis. While these don’t have a ton of flavor, they do have a slightly thick texture that holds up well to an especially meaty patty.
Another benefit to springing for a kaiser roll? If you can find premium ones, they’ll have a flaky crust on top that soaks up sauces and condiments beautifully!
3. Onion Roll
When you go to In-N-Out Burger, do you always order your hamburger Double Double Animal Style? This classic dish come with two beef patties (mustard-fried, of course), along with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and the best topping of all: grilled onions.
These tend to be quite polarizing in the burger world. Either you love grilled onions on top of your patty, or you think they’re a crime. If you love them, then you’ll really love an onion roll.
These are classic rolls, but with a twist. On top, you’ll find small, chewy pieces of cooked onion studded into the bread. It might not sound like much, but it’s that extra jolt of flavor you need when you can’t make it to the West Coast.
4. Ciabatta Roll
If you’re looking for something a little different, ciabatta bread can be a unique substitute for a standard hamburger bun. Once reserved primarily for deli-style sandwiches, it’s become more versatile thanks to the still-surging craft burger craze.
Like the kaiser bun, ciabatta rolls are flaky and layered enough to absorb even the biggest schmear of mayonnaise or mustard you can add to your sandwich. They’re also wide and usually rectangular, which gives you more room to really pile on the toppings.
One drawback to note is that ciabatta can get chewy and even a little hard. While the inside of the bun tends to stay soft and flaky, the outer crust can be too dense for some. Not only does this make it a little harder to eat, but you also risk your patty slipping right out if you grab it the wrong way!
5. Pretzel Roll
How did a beloved German side dish become an American snack staple? The actual history of pretzels is long and fascinating, but today we’re talking about buns for burgers!
That said, have you tried a pretzel roll? It tastes just like you’d imagine it would. It’s slightly salty, chewy, and thick.
You might want to pair this one with a tall glass of water or your favorite cold beverage, but you can’t beat the taste. For the best experience, look for soft burger buns, as some pretzel varieties can be a little tougher.
6. Sesame Seed Bun
Like the classic kaiser roll, sesame seed buns are practically synonymous with the act of cooking hamburgers. You can grab a pack of these at any local market, and you know exactly what you’re going to get.
While you can find some great varieties in the store, most standard buns are going to be a little smaller and flatter than most. While the sesame seeds add a small amount of texture and flavor, they’re mostly there for looks. Still, if you’re craving some comfort food and want to get out for less than a few bucks, you can’t beat this perennial favorite.
7. Potato Roll
What pairs especially well with a juicy cut of meat? Potatoes, of course! That’s the philosophy behind potato rolls, which are surprisingly perfect. They’re made with at least a portion of potato flour, which gives them a dense texture and deep, yellow color.
In many ways, potato rolls are similar to regular sliced bread, but they’re a little sturdier and have a rich, starchy taste you can’t replicate. They’re also fairly affordable, so if you want to elevate your sesame seed bun experience just slightly, start here.
8. Lettuce Wraps
OK, so they’re not technically buns. However, lettuce wraps are growing in popularity as a healthier alternative to the carb-heavy options on this list.
Stick with sturdy varieties that can hold all of your toppings, such as iceberg, romaine, or bibb lettuce. Leave the spinach at home, along with more fibrous options like arugula. Then, simply build your burger as normal!
Try These Hamburger Buns Today
The days are getting longer and the temperatures are rising. This can only mean one exciting thing: Summer is just around the corner, and it’s time to usher in barbecue season!
As you plan your cookouts, keep these eight different hamburger buns in mind. It can be fun to offer a few varieties to please everyone, and you might discover a new favorite along the way!
Looking for more new flavors to try? Check out our Food blogs!
