Black burger buns

1 h
Black burger buns

Give your burgers a unique twist with these eye-catching black burger buns. Thanks to squid ink, they are soft and fluffy and have a rich, savoury taste. Black sesame seeds add a nutty crunch while keeping the dark theme on point. Have fun making black burger buns!

Ingredients

Burger buns

100 ml Cold milk
25 g Yeast
5 Eggs
1 tbsp Black food colouring
2 tsp Sugar
1½ tsp Salt
600 g Wheat flour
200 g Soft butter in small pieces
Water, for brushing
Black sesame seeds

Instructions

  • Pour milk and yeast into the bowl of a mixer and stir until the yeast has dissolved.
  • Add eggs and food colouring. Beat the mixture briefly before adding sugar, salt, and flour (reserve about 50 g of flour).
  • Knead the dough with the dough hook on the lowest setting for about 10 minutes. (Wear gloves to avoid stained hands)
  • Add the butter and the remaining flour to the dough and knead on the lowest speed for about 2 minutes until the butter is fully incorporated.
  • Continue kneading at medium speed for about 10 minutes, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and forms a lump around the dough hook.
  • Divide the dough into 20 equal pieces and roll them into balls. There is no need to flour the countertop. Gently press the balls to flatten them.
  • Place the rolls on two sheets of baking paper and let them rise, covered, in the refrigerator for 8–24 hours.
  • Remove the rolls from the refrigerator and let them rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
  • Brush the buns with water, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and bake in the middle of the oven for 10–12 minutes at 200 °C (conventional oven).

Recipe tips

It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes

To prevent your black burger buns from overbaking, watch them carefully in the final minutes. Start checking if they are done at the 10-minute mark, since the squid ink makes it hard to tell when they are fully done. Tap them gently to see if they sound hollow, or insert a skewer; it should come out clean. Make sure they have enough space to bake evenly, and let them cool before slicing to keep their shape.

Cool the black burger buns quickly by transferring them from the oven to a wire cooling rack using tongs or a spatula. This allows air to circulate around them, preventing sogginess by stopping condensation from forming underneath the buns. Do not leave them on the hot baking sheet, as the residual heat can produce steam. Let the buns cool at room temperature for 30–60 minutes before slicing or storing to keep the crumb soft and the crust tender. If you are storing them, make sure they are fully cooled first so they stay fresh longer.

FAQ: Questions about black burger buns

Black burger buns are not that different from regular buns, but if you want to get them just right, check out our FAQ section. Here, you will find answers to common questions that will help you achieve perfect buns time after time.

Why do the black burger buns need to rise in the refrigerator overnight?

Black burger buns need to rise in the refrigerator overnight to allow the yeast to slowly break down sugars and proteins in the dough. This is called cold fermentation and gives the dough a deeper flavour with a hint of sweetness. Additionally, it results in a lighter, softer crumb, making the buns tender and airy.

How do I know when my dough has been kneaded enough?

Your dough is kneaded enough when it has a smooth, shiny surface and elasticity. When gently pulled, the dough should stretch several centimetres without tearing, which is a sign of good gluten development. Try the windowpane test and stretch a small piece of dough thinly to see if light can pass through without it tearing. Also, the dough should pull away cleanly from the sides of the mixing bowl and wrap around the dough hook after adding the butter. This usually takes about 10 minutes of kneading on medium speed.

How can I make the black burger buns even fluffier?

To make your black burger buns even fluffier, add a bit more yeast or let the dough rise for longer. Another easy trick is to place a little warm water in the oven to create steam while baking. This helps keep the buns light and airy while giving them a nice crust.

Can I make black burger buns ahead of time?

Yes, you can make black burger buns ahead of time. After shaping the buns, let them rise in the fridge for 8–24 hours. For longer storage, freeze the shaped dough in an airtight container. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge, let them rise at room temperature, and then bake them as usual. Baked buns can also be frozen. Wrap them well and freeze for up to three months. Reheat from frozen in a 150 °C oven wrapped in foil or thaw at room temperature. For short-term storage, keep them in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to four days.

Nutritional values

Nutritional value, per

3974 Kcal

Fibre - 21.6 gram fibers
Protein 9.2 90.2 gram
Fat 44.5 199.9 gram
Carbohydrates 46.3 452.8 gram

Recommended information

Serving suggestion

Make devilish black burger buns for Halloween

Turn up the mischief this Halloween with homemade black burger buns. Their deep, jet-black colour comes from Black food colouring and gives any burger a wicked twist, perfect for stacking with fiery beef patties or bold veggie fillings. The subtle savoury flavour adds depth, while the dark look makes them feel like they have come straight from a villain’s kitchen. A fun way to turn ordinary burgers into something deliciously devilish.

There are more Halloween-themed dinner options to enjoy this autumn. A spooky, scary Halloween pasta with mozzarella eyeballs will catch everyone’s attention immediately. If you are after a more pleasant, cosy autumn meal, try our Pumpkin quiche or Hasselback pumpkin for heartwarming flavours.

Tender and airy crumb with sesame seeds on top

Despite their dark, almost gothic appearance, these black burger buns are light, soft, and delicately enriched with butter and eggs. Their pillowy crumb gives just enough structure to hold juicy patties and hearty toppings, while a sprinkle of black sesame seeds adds a lovely nutty crunch. And do not worry, the sesame seeds are also black because for Halloween, we are not afraid of the dark.

Find the right patties and sides

These black burger buns work with almost any burger filling, but they truly shine when paired with flavours that pop against the black backdrop. Try a classic beef patty with sharp cheddar, similar to our tasty monster burgers, or go fiery with chilli-infused lamb patties topped with creamy yoghurt sauce. For a seafood twist, a crispy tempura prawn patty with wasabi mayo will stand out beautifully.

For an Asian-inspired filling, make your burgers with grilled teriyaki chicken, crisp lettuce, and pickled ginger. The umami-rich teriyaki goes well with the blank food colouring, creating a captivating fusion of flavours. Veggie-only options also work equally well, such as grilled portobello mushrooms, a spicy black bean patty with garlic aioli, or a spiced chickpea patty topped with avocado.

And if you are looking for some tasty sides, you can serve your burger with crisp fries or your favourite dip. Or mix it up with spicy jalapeño poppers, zesty coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad for some crunch.

Play with colours, shapes, and decorations

Halloween is the perfect excuse to get creative with your plating. You can dye your burger buns in other colours too! For a Halloween party, green “zombie buns” are a perfect fit. Just swap the Blank food colouring, for green food colouring to give them a toxic glow. Or try purple, red, or even blue to match the buns to any occasion. Brightly coloured buns make the fillings pop even more and turn your burger into a real showstopper. For extra wow factor, make mini buns in different colours and serve them together on one eye-catching plate.

Try topping your buns with poppy seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chia seeds for more texture and taste. You can also mix spices into the dough, like a little garlic or onion powder, which adds a savoury kick that pairs well with bold burger fillings.

If you want to get extra creative, shape the buns differently. Try eyeball buns by forming a small dent in the centre, filling it with white sesame seeds, and adding a pupil made from black sesame or an olive slice. Or dust spooky handprints on top using a bit of flour and a steady hand. With ideas like these, your black burger buns are guaranteed to get attention.

https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/black-burger-buns/