For those embracing a ketogenic lifestyle, the simple pleasure of a burger can seem like a distant memory due to the high carbohydrate content of traditional buns. However, with the right recipe, you can enjoy a delicious, keto-friendly burger without sacrificing your dietary goals. This comprehensive guide will walk you through creating the perfect keto burger buns, ensuring a satisfying and guilt-free experience.
Why Keto Burger Buns?
Hamburger buns are incredibly versatile. They allow you to sandwich any topping and any sauce between two soft buns. Mainstream low carb buns have a TON of fillers and sweeteners like psyllium husk powder and high fructose corn syrup. They’re gluten-free. Replacing traditional buns with keto-friendly alternatives allows you to enjoy your favorite burgers while maintaining a low-carb diet. Many store-bought low-carb options contain undesirable fillers and sweeteners. Making your own ensures a healthier, tastier option.
Key Ingredients for Keto Burger Buns
The foundation of any great keto burger bun lies in its ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Almond Flour: The perfect grain-free, gluten-free alternative to regular flour. Use finely ground blanched almond flour for best results. Almond flour serves as the base, providing structure without the carbs.
- Shredded cheese: Mozzarella cheese works best, as it is mild tasting and works well into the dough.
- Cream Cheese: This adds moisture and richness to the buns, contributing to a softer texture.
- Eggs: These act as a binder, holding the ingredients together and adding to the bun's structure.
- Baking Powder: A full tablespoon seems like a lot, but we tested this with varying amounts. This is crucial for achieving a light and airy texture.
- Sesame Seeds: For that classic burger bun look and added flavor.
- Psyllium Husk Powder: For optimal results, use blanched almond flour, psyllium husk powder, and full-fat Greek yogurt. This helps to bind the ingredients and improve the texture, preventing the buns from being too crumbly.
- Full-Fat Greek Yogurt: This adds moisture and a slight tang, enhancing the overall flavor.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Keto Hamburger Buns
This simple recipe makes four perfect KETO HAMBURGER BUNS that are soft, fluffy, and topped with sesame seeds. These are easy enough for anyone to make with just a handful of ingredients.
Preparation
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Melting the Cheese
Add the mozzarella and cream cheese to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for one minute. Stir to combine and return to microwave until cheese has melted, about 30 more seconds. Melt the Cheese - While your oven is pre-heating you can get started by adding the cream cheese and the mozzarella cheese to a mixing bowl and heating in your microwave for about a minute. Stir together and return it to the microwave for another half a minute or so until both cheeses have melted. Make sure the cheese is warm but not hot. Transfer the warm cheese mixture into a food processor.
Making the Dough
Stir to combine the cheeses and then add the egg, almond flour, and baking powder to the mixture. Stir well to combine. Add dry ingredients and hot water to wet ingredients. Stir until well combined. Let dough sit for 5 minutes. Transfer the cheese mixture to a food processor. Add the dry ingredients, along with the eggs, and pulse until a thick dough remains.
Shaping the Buns
Lightly oil your hands and knead the dough until smooth and pliable. Use wet hand to shape your dough (I keep a small bowl with water next to me). With wet hands, shape dough into hamburger buns and place onto lined baking sheet. Separate dough into 4 evenly sized balls and shape into buns. When combined you can begin kneading the dough. Use lightly oiled hands for best results, and knead the dough until it is smooth and pliable! When ready you can begin separating the dough into balls of equal size and shape. There should be enough to make four buns. The dough is mostly going to hold it’s shape, with just a bit of movement. Go ahead and press these out into the shape that you want for buns. If you leave them in a ball shape, they’ll bake up more like dinner rolls. Flatten them into a rounded disc. With this recipe you can me 4 large buns or 8 smaller buns (or combination of). The dough will rise during baking, so you can flatten the buns out a bit (just not too much).
Baking
Place dough on prepared baking sheet and brush with the second beaten egg. Brush the dough with the beaten egg, which will help give it that traditional golden brown hamburger bun look. Also, it helps keep the sesame seeds in place. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top, and bake for 14-17 minutes or until golden brown on top. Bake - When it is formed and ready you can place the balls of dough onto a prepared baking sheet. Almost done! Finally, go ahead and place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about ten minutes or until they are golden brown on the top. Depending on the size of your buns, bake time may vary a bit. These should be golden brown on top and the sides should look fully set when you pull them from the oven.
Cooling and Serving
Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes after removing from the oven and then slice in half with a serrated knife. Use a serrated knife to cut the buns in half. Let them cool for 5 minutes, before slicing in half and serving. Serve them warm. These buns are best served warm.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Microwave Keto Burger Buns: A Quick Alternative
For those short on time, a microwave version offers a speedy solution.
Ingredients
- Butter
- Egg
- Almond Flour
- Water (optional, for a lighter texture)
- Baking Powder
- Sesame Seeds (for topping)
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe cup or bowl.
- Add the remaining ingredients and mix well. Add a bit of water if the mixture is too thick.
- Microwave for 90 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on your microwave's power.
- Slice and use as a burger bun.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Keto Buns
- Use Wet Hands: The psyllium husk powder needs that time to absorb the moisture. Use wet hands to shape your dough (I keep a small bowl with water next to me). When working with the dough, wet hands prevent sticking and make shaping easier.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can lead to dry buns. Keep a close eye on them in the oven.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add some chia or poppy seeds for a contrast of colour. You could add some grated cheese, onion powder or herbs for extra flavor.
- Make slider buns: With this recipe you can me 4 large buns or 8 smaller buns (or combination of).
- Quality of Ingredients: Quality of ingredients can vary and my medium sized egg may be smaller than the one you use. So, add a bit of water if the mixture is too thick.
- Recipe Tips: For the cup, make sure it is microwaveable and has no metal pattern on it. If you don’t have a large teacup, a small dessert bowl will still give you the burger bun shape. Cooking times MAY vary slighter between different microwaves. I have no idea what strength mine is, all I know is that it cooks quick! We don’t have the latest, all singing, talks back to you and makes you a cup of coffee microwave, so if your keto burger bun is too dry after 2 minutes, I would recommend your next one cooks for 90 seconds.
- Coconut Flour Variation: Yes, it can but you would need to only use one tablespoon of coconut flour. Additionally, water may be needed as coconut flour loves to soak up the liquid like an Uncle at a wedding!
Serving and Storing Your Keto Burger Buns
Serving Suggestions
You can use them for all sorts of things too, obviously, not just hamburger buns but also buns for breakfast sandwiches, pulled pork, sandwiches, etc. My Arby’s chaffle or Big Mac Chaffle would be a great option for these buns, if you’re not into chaffles or don’t have a mini waffle maker. These loose meat sandwiches are another perfect dinner recipe.
Storage Tips
You can store these buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week, and they should stay good in the freezer for a few months. However, these buns are best eaten when a bit warm so if you do store them it’s recommended that you re-heat them in the microwave or they won’t be as soft.
Overcoming Common Challenges
- Dry Buns: Ensure adequate moisture by using full-fat ingredients and not overbaking.
- Crumbly Texture: Psyllium husk powder and xanthan gum can help bind the ingredients.
- Dense Buns: Make sure to use enough baking powder and avoid over-mixing the dough.
The Versatility of Keto Burger Buns
Once you've mastered the basic recipe, feel free to experiment. Add cheese, herbs, or spices to the dough for a customized flavor. These buns aren't just for burgers; use them for sandwiches, breakfast buns, or even as a side for soups and salads.
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