Where Can I Get the Best Non-Brioche Burger Bun?

Searching for the perfect non-brioche burger bun? Not every city has a bakery outlet store, but if you do, it might just be your ticket to finding some amazing bread options. While commercial bakeries primarily supply supermarkets and restaurants, they often have leftover items that are sold at outlet stores. These stores offer a variety of baked goods, including buns, at a discount price, often the same day fresh. If you're lucky, you might strike gold here.

Commercial Bakeries and Their Outlet Stores

Commercial bakeries are not limited to supplying supermarkets and restaurants. They also cater to the needs of local bakeries and caterers. The surplus items, including buns and rolls, are often sold at discount in outlet stores. Instead of just being about day-old bread, these stores often have a larger variety of baked goods, ranging from fresh pastries to artisan breads.

Why Check Out Outlet Stores?

These outlet stores are a hidden gem for food enthusiasts. Many commercial bakeries intentionally overstock items to handle variations in demand. The surplus buns and rolls are sold the same day fresh, making them an excellent choice for those seeking quality breads without breaking the bank. While the selection might be hit or miss, there's always a chance you'll stumble upon some excellent buns, especially if you're familiar with the local bakery's offerings.

Personal Experience: The Burger Buns of My Childhood

In Chicago, where I was born and raised, I distinctly remember the buns I used to use for sandwiches and burgers. These were not the buttery, sweet, eggy brioche buns. No, they were just regular bread. They were tied in a knot, and there was a little nub on the top that I used to rip off and eat first, even though it made a hole in the top of my bun. Here's the best photo I could find of what they looked like:

Recipe for Knot Tied Buns

While I couldn't find a precise recipe for these knot tied buns, you can recreate a similar bun using basic bread dough. Here's a simple recipe you can follow:

Mix 2 and 1/4 cups of warm water with 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of active dry yeast and 2 tablespoons of sugar in a large bowl. Let it sit until it foams, about 10 minutes. In a separate bowl, mix 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Shape the risen dough into buns and tie them in a knot. Place them on a baking sheet and let them rise for another 20 minutes. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Conclusion

Restaurant-grade non-brioche buns are lifesavers for those looking to enhance their burgers. Whether you find them in a bakery outlet or through a homemade recipe, the right bun can make all the difference. So, next time you need a fresh, delicious, and non-brioche bun, make sure to check out those commercial bakery outlet stores. And if you're feeling adventurous, give my simple recipe a try. Your burgers will thank you!