McDonald’s burgers might seem unseemly in a post-Super Size Me world, but admit it: there’s something delectably nostalgic about that super-soft, squishy bun. And its not just Mickey D’s. Whatever fast-food joint you fancyWhite Castle, In-N-Out, Five Guysthe common denominator is that crazy-tender, white-and-tan roll.
Ironically enough, this kind of bread is far more technically challenging than an artisanal, rustic bun, and you probably haven’t ever seen a recipe for one in a baking book. So let’s break it down: What is it about the squishy slider bun that makes it so delicious? And how can you recreate it?
For starters, the shape lends itself to a very pleasant eating experience. Unlike large, pillowy brioche buns or hearty kaiser rolls, the slider bun is shaped like a macaron cookie: flat on top, uniform in size from top to bottom, and much easier to fit in your mouth. Its also soft and spongy, a perfect vehicle for a thin, tender patty. You can only get those kinds of results with a really wet, flowing dough. And while wet, flowing doughs are sticky and really hard to work with, they’re easy to make.
The key to success is simple: keep it cold. Cold dough will feel less gummy, and will slack out more slowly on a work surface. Adding more flour to your hands or your work surface will only yield a harder, crustier, bun, so just refrigerate it periodically if it warms up too much, and be sure to work quickly.
ChefSteps is here to make you a better cook. Drawing on our years of combined culinary experience, we create hands-on online classes and original recipes that are both informative and entertaining. We don’t tell you how to sharpen your knife or make macarons from scratch, we show you. Whether you’re a home cook, a professional chef, or just love watching cooks work, we can help you cook smarter.