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–+ servings

Soft Buns

This savory, light, and fluffy dough is a versatile base for rolls, filled pastries, and sandwich buns. Made without butter and lightly balanced with sugar and salt, it delivers a clean, soft crumb that works beautifully with both simple and hearty fillings.
Shared notes will appear here.
All-Day Breakfast
International
Kitchen Pace : 🕒🕒🕒
Servings: 20
Recipe by NAVA Kitchen
Soft golden buns topped with sesame and nigella seeds on a parchment-lined baking tray.
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Ingredients:

  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 cup oil
  • 2 egg whites, yolks reserved for topping
  • 1 tbsp instant yeast
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 2 ½ tsp salt
  • 6 cups flour, add gradually

Method:

Start Cooking
Mix the Liquids
  • In a large bowl, combine: warm milk, warm water, sugar, instant yeast. Stir to dissolve.
  • Add: egg whites, oil. Mix until smooth.
Add the Flour
  • Add: 5 cups flour, salt. Mix until combined.
  • Gradually add the remaining flour until the dough becomes: soft, smooth, slightly tacky, not wet, not stiff.
  • Knead for 6–8 minutes, until elastic and smooth.
First Rise
  • Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel.
  • Let rise for 45–60 minutes, until doubled in size.
Shape
  • Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  • Divide the dough and shape as desired: filled pastry, plain rolls, braided bread, sandwich buns.
  • Place shaped dough on the prepared tray.
Second Rise
  • Cover lightly and let rise 20–30 minutes, until puffy and slightly expanded.
Bake
  • Brush the tops with reserved egg yolks. Sprinkle with sesame or nigella seeds, if desired.
  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes, until golden. Do not underbake. Bon appétit.

Kitchen Tools:

Notes:

From the kitchen
  • Instant yeast can be mixed directly into warm liquids.
  • Use warm, not hot liquids to protect the yeast.
  • Add flour gradually to avoid a stiff dough.
  • The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky, never wet.
  • For best results, let the dough rise until doubled in size before shaping.
  • Do not underbake — fully baked rolls prevent gumminess.
  • Cover loosely after baking for extra softness.
 
Make it yours
  • Topping options: Egg yolk (for brushing), sesame seeds, nigella seeds, shredded mozzarella, everything seasoning.
  • Filling options: seasoned mashed potato, feta and parsley, mozzarella, sliced hot dog, ground beef (cooked & cooled), spiced beef filling.
  • Shapes: round rolls, oval sandwich buns, braided loaf, pull-apart tray rolls.
  • For a buttery flavor, use ½ cup melted butter and ½ cup oil instead of 1 cup oil.
 
At the table
  • Serve warm or at room temperature.
  • Perfect for lunchboxes, breakfast spreads, or as sandwich bread.
  • Freezes beautifully and reheats like freshly baked.

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Nutrition:

Calories: 248 kcal | Carbohydrates: 30 g | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 12 g | Saturated Fat: 1 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7 g | Trans Fat: 0.04 g | Cholesterol: 2 mg | Sodium: 54 mg | Potassium: 74 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 1 g | Vitamin A: 21 IU | Vitamin C: 0.02 mg | Calcium: 22 mg | Iron: 2 mg
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