These homemadewhole wheat hamburger bunswill make your next cookout feel like a gourmet affair. They’re soft and slightly nutty, with just the right amount of structure to hold all your favorite burger toppings.

A wooden bowl filled with round, homemade whole wheat hamburger buns topped with oats. The bowl rests on a marble surface, accompanied by a beige cloth and additional rolls nearby, creating a rustic and cozy presentation.

Whole wheat buns are the best way to elevate a classic cookout! While store-bought buns are great when you’re in a hurry,if you have extra time to make these whole wheat buns you definitely should.Thewhole wheat flour, oats, and all-purpose flour work together to ensure a light and fluffy dough that will turn into soft and delicious buns.

I love that these bunsfreeze wellbecause it is easy to make a double batch and store them for the next barbecue! Not only are whole wheat buns yummy, but they are alsonutrient-dense and will keep you feeling satisfied.If you are looking to take your burgers or sandwiches to the next level then give this recipe a try!

A close-up of freshly baked whole wheat hamburger buns topped with oats. The buns are stacked on a marble surface with a hint of a white, round container in the background.

Why You’ll Love This Whole Wheat Hamburger Buns Recipe

Cost Effective: Save money bymaking your own fresh buns at homeinstead of buying premium bakery ones.
Kitchen Pride: Nothing beats the satisfaction of pullingperfectly golden, fluffy buns from your ovenand knowing you made them from scratch. Theamazing aroma of fresh-baked bread wafting through your kitchenis just an added bonus that will make everyone eagerly anticipate dinner.
Total Control: Customize the size, ingredients, and toppings to match your family’s preferences –from sesame seeds to oats to herbs.You can use them for all sorts of delicious sandwiches or burgers.
Fresh Always: These bunsstay fresh for days and freeze beautifully, so you can always have homemade quality on hand.

🥖 I’m kind of known for making the bestsourdough hamburger bunsaround here—once you try them, there’s no going back! You should totally make them next!

Recipe Ingredients

Old Fashioned Oats
Flour —A mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour.
Eggs
Milk
Water
Butter
Yeast
Honey
Salt

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

portion bowls each with digitally labeled raw ingredients to make whole wheat buns.

How to Make Whole Wheat Buns

A bowl with melted butter and cinnamon sits on a marble countertop, surrounded by ingredients: a bowl of flour, oats, sugar, and an empty wooden bowl—perfect essentials for crafting whole wheat hamburger buns.

A glass mixing bowl brimming with flour and dry ingredients sits on a marble countertop, ready to craft homemade whole wheat hamburger buns. Nearby, small wooden bowls accompany a bowl of oats, while an empty glass bowl awaits its culinary duty.

Step 1:In a medium bowl, mix water, milk, and butter. Microwave until warm, then stir in yeast and honey until butter melts.

Step 2:Add salt, egg, whole wheat flour, oats, and half of the all-purpose flour. Gradually add the remaining flour, stirring until a dough forms.

A glass mixing bowl containing flour and oats sits on a marble countertop, ready to be transformed into whole wheat hamburger buns. Surrounding it are small wooden bowls and empty glass bowls, all eager to join the culinary symphony of baking preparation.

A clear glass bowl filled with freshly risen dough for whole wheat hamburger buns sits on a marble countertop. Surrounding it are small wooden bowls and two empty glass bowls, suggesting a baking preparation scene.

Step 3:Knead dough on a floured surface until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise.

Step 4: Divide risen dough, shape into circles, place on a lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise again.

Six round whole wheat hamburger buns are arranged on a parchment-lined baking sheet. The sheet rests on a marble countertop, with small bowls and a plate partially visible in the background.

Six freshly baked whole wheat hamburger buns topped with oats are arranged on a parchment-lined baking sheet. The buns are golden-brown and sit on a marble countertop. Nearby, there are small brown bowls and a white mug.

Step 5:Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with oats, and bake until golden brown.

Step 6:Let buns cool, slice in half, and enjoy!

Recipe FAQs

What is the benefit of using whole wheat and all-purpose flour?

Whole wheat flour adds a delicious, hearty taste to any homemade bread. Sometimes when used alone, whole wheat flour can result in a slightly dense or heavy product. All-purpose flour does not add as much flavor but still adds a good structure and texture to pastries or bread. By using both, you will get the classic wheat bread flavor along with the light feeling that you would expect in a bun!

Why does dough need to rise?

Dough needs to rise, or proof, for the yeast to develop. As the yeast feeds on the sugar in the dough, it releases gas that gets trapped by the dough. This creates air bubbles that are responsible for the nice structure of the buns and will improve the flavor of the bread. The reason we allow the dough to rise two times is to ensure the best texture with even distribution of air pockets! It is best to let your dough rise in a warm, draft free area covered with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.

My dough feels super sticky – did I mess up?

Actually, this dough should be slightly sticky! A wetter dough results in softer buns. If you can handle it with oiled hands, you’re on the right track. Resist the urge to add more flour unless it’s completely unworkable.

Can I skip the egg wash?

While you technically can, the egg wash does three important things: creates that gorgeous golden brown crust, helps toppings stick, and keeps the crust soft rather than crusty. Try milk as an alternative if you’re avoiding eggs.

Expert Tips

ToppingsVariety:Instead of sprinkling oats on top of the bunsyou can also use sesame seeds for a subtle flavor!
Spacing Matters: You will want about2 inches of space in between each bun.This will give them enough room to spread out a bit as they cook without touching.
Prevent Over-Browning: To prevent the bottom of the buns from browning too much,you can use a baking mat on your tray.
Customize the Size: These burger buns are pretty big,so you could make 18 smaller buns or 24 slider size buns! Be sure to adjust the cooking time if you adjust the size.
Egg Wash for Shine: Before baking,brush the tops of the buns with an egg wash(1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water or milk). This gives them a glossy, golden-brown crust.

A plate of freshly baked oat rolls topped with oats rests on a marble surface, resembling whole wheat hamburger buns. One roll sits beside the plate. A folded cloth is on the left, and the edge of a milk jug is visible in the background.

Serving & Storing

These buns are perfect to use for ajuicy burgerwith all the fixings,pulled pork sandwich, or a grilled chicken sandwich! I also like to serve them on the side of pasta, roast beef, or soup, along with some butter. If you are looking for a light snack, you can simply spread some raspberry jam onto a bun and enjoy.

You can store any leftover whole wheat buns in an airtight container or ziploc bag on the counter for up to2 to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.Additionally, these buns freeze well and are delicious grilled or toasted before using!