One of the most important parts of any good burger is the foundation. You need a good bun. Otherwise, you just have a mess! Follow our handy guide to the best burger buns.
You have so many choices when it comes to types of hamburger buns. You can dress your burger up in style, and change it up frequently for variety and fun. From regular hamburger buns to Texas toast, you’ll love these ideas!
Overview
| Bun Type | Taste | Texture | Size | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Hamburger Bun | Neutral, slightly sweet | Soft, fluffy | Standard | Classic choice. Perfect for letting the flavor of your burger shine through. Goes well with any burger type. |
| Everything Bagel Flavored Bun | Savory, oniony, with a hint of garlic and poppy seeds | Soft, chewy | Standard | Bold Flavor Boost. Liven up your burger with a savory, oniony flavor. Consider pairing it with a cheeseburger or a veggie burger with strong flavors. |
| French Hamburger Bun | Slightly sweet, eggy | Sturdy, with a slightly crisp top and airy crumb | Varies, can be larger than standard buns | Sturdy & Gourmet. Ideal for holding up a hefty burger with all the fixings. Perfect for gourmet burger creations. |
| Sesame Seed Hamburger Bun | Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty flavor | Soft, fluffy interior with a slightly crisp sesame seed crust | Standard | Classic choice with a touch of added flavor. Great for any burger type. |
| Potato Roll | Buttery, slightly sweet, with a hint of potato flavor | Soft, fluffy, and denser than a hamburger bun | Varies, can be slightly smaller than standard buns | Rich Flavor Option. The potato flavor complements beef burgers and pairs well with creamy cheeses and sauces. |
| Pretzel Bun | Salty, with a hint of sweetness from the pretzel glaze | Chewy crust, soft interior | Varies, can be slightly larger than standard buns | Flavorful & Holds Up. The chew adds a unique texture and the pretzel flavor complements savory burgers. |
| Kaiser Roll | Slightly malty, with a hint of sweetness | Crusty exterior, firm, chewy interior | Can be smaller than standard buns | Textured Choice. The crusty exterior and firm texture hold up well to juicy burgers. Purchase on the day of assembly for best freshness. |
| Brioche Bun | Rich, buttery, slightly sweet | Very soft, airy crumb | Varies, can be richer than standard buns | Luxury Burger Experience. The rich, buttery flavor elevates gourmet burgers. |
| Ciabatta Bun | Slightly tangy, wheaty flavor | Crusty exterior, airy, chewy interior | Varies, can be larger than standard buns | Holds Up To Hearty Burgers. The crusty exterior is perfect for thick, juicy burgers. |
| English Muffin | Slightly yeasty, nutty | Toasted – crispy exterior, chewy interior; untoasted – soft and absorbent | Smaller than standard buns | Lower-Carb Option. Great for those watching carbs. Toasting is recommended for a better burger experience. |
| Bagel Thin | Slightly yeasty, with a hint of malt (depending on the bagel) | Chewy, dense | Smaller than standard buns | Lower-Carb Option with Unique Flavor. Consider a thicker patty or strategic topping placement to balance the smaller size and denser texture. |
| Texas Toast | Buttery, garlicky, slightly sweet | Thick, crispy | Varies, can be larger than standard buns | Flavorful & Crunchy Base. The thick, crispy texture creates a unique burger experience. Consider a thinner patty or open-faced burger to balance the thickness. |
| Kings Hawaiian Rolls | Sweet, slightly eggy | Soft, fluffy | Smaller than standard buns | Perfect for Feeding a Crowd. The sweetness complements salty burger flavors. Consider using a thicker patty or adding savory toppings to balance the sweetness. |
| Onion Bun | Savory, with a hint of sweetness and onion flavor | Soft, chewy (similar to everything bagel bun) | Standard | Flavor Boost Similar to Everything Bagel Bun. The onion flavor adds another dimension to your burger. Consider pairing it with savory toppings or a cheeseburger. |
| Pita Bread | Neutral, slightly yeasty | Soft, fluffy interior, with a slightly crispy pocket | Varies, can be larger than standard buns | No-Drip Option. Perfect for messy burgers or creating a fun wrap. Toasting is recommended for added structure. |
| Lettuce Wrap | Fresh lettuce flavor complements the burger ingredients | Crisp and refreshing | Varies | Low-Carb & Gluten-Free Option. Perfect for those following specific dietary restrictions. Use green leaf or another type of flexible lettuce to avoid tears. |
Regular Hamburger Buns
Classic hamburger buns are exactly what you want for traditional burgers. The buns have very little flavor so they really let the flavor of the burger and condiments shine through.
A high-quality brand will be strong enough to take a big burger stacked with toppings while still having a soft texture on the inside. These buns grill up perfectly with a little butter for a restaurant-quality finish.
- Taste: Neutral, slightly sweet
- Texture: Soft, fluffy
- Size: Standard burger size
- Best Use: Classic choice. Perfect for letting the flavor of your burger shine through. Goes well with any burger type.
Everything Bagel Flavored
When you want incredible flavor on a burger bun, go with the buns that have Everything Bagel seasoning. This savory seasoning blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, onion, garlic, and salt is the perfect complement to your burger.
Buttered and toasted, this less-traditional bun will wow your guests precisely because it is different.
- Taste: Savory, oniony, with a hint of garlic and poppy seeds
- Texture: Soft, chewy
- Size: Standard burger size
- Best Use: Bold Flavor Boost. Liven up your burger with a savory, oniony flavor. Consider pairing it with a cheeseburger or a veggie burger with strong flavors.
French Hamburger Buns
French bakery buns are the gourmet go-to burger bun when you want to get fancy. You’ll find them in the bakery aisle unsliced, so don’t grab them on your way to a picnic or you’ll be slicing buns with plastic knives. Been there, done that!
These sturdy buns will stack a big burger without falling apart and have a crusty exterior and soft interior. They can be a bit chewy so a little toasting on the grill really makes a difference.
- Taste: Slightly sweet, eggy
- Texture: Sturdy, with a slightly crisp top and airy crumb
- Size: Varies, can be larger than standard buns
- Best Use: Sturdy & Gourmet. Ideal for holding up a hefty burger with all the fixings. Perfect for gourmet burger creations.
Sesame Seed Hamburger Buns
The texture is almost as important as the flavor when it comes to eating, and sesame seed buns are big on that. Basically, this bun is the same as a classic bun with sesame seeds added to the top. The seeds on top can make the bun a bit firmer and a little crunchy.
These buns also tend to be a bit larger in diameter, which is perfect when you want hefty amount of beef. Of the best burger buns that made our list, this is one of our favorites. It is a classic!
- Taste: Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty flavor
- Texture: Soft, fluffy interior with a slightly crisp sesame seed crust
- Size: Standard burger size
- Best Use: Classic choice with a touch of added flavor. Great for any burger type.
Potato Rolls
Potato rolls are really common in the mid-Atlantic states, but you can find them almost anywhere nowadays. These are made by replacing some of the wheat flour with potato flour.
The rolls are soft and a bit sweeter than traditional buns. The potato flavor is mild and their texture is denser compared to regular hamburger buns.
- Taste: Buttery, slightly sweet, with a hint of potato flavor
- Texture: Soft, fluffy, and denser than a hamburger bun
- Size: Varies, can be slightly smaller than standard buns
- Best Use: Rich Flavor Option. The potato flavor complements beef burgers and pairs well with creamy cheeses and sauces.
Pretzel Rolls
When you visit a restaurant known for high-quality burgers, you will almost surely find a pretzel burger on the menu. This bun is made from traditional pretzel dough with all the flavor and structure of a good bakery pretzel but in the shape of a bun.
This is pretty much the quintessential bun – it’s sturdy and chewy on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of flavor. You can stack it high or keep it simple. It holds together extremely well, even when stacked with tomatoes, lettuce, onions and all of the other fixings.
- Taste: Salty, with a hint of sweetness from the pretzel glaze
- Texture: Chewy crust, soft interior
- Size: Varies, can be slightly larger than standard buns
- Best Use: Flavorful & Holds Up. The chew adds a unique texture and the pretzel flavor complements savory burgers.
Kaiser Rolls
A traditional Kaiser roll is split into five segments that meet in the middle on top and form a crusty, sturdy bun, a little on the firmer side. This can be a great gourmet bun choice with enough strength to pile on the toppings.
You’ll find these unsliced in the bakery at your local grocery store. They go stale faster than other types of buns. I recommend buying them not longer than one day ahead. However, for the freshest burger experience, consider purchasing them on the same day you plan to assemble your burgers.
Also, keep in mind that Kaiser rolls can be smaller than a traditional bun, so plan your patty size accordingly.
- Taste: Slightly malty, with a hint of sweetness
- Texture: Crusty exterior, firm, chewy interior
- Size: Can be smaller than standard buns
- Best Use: Textured Choice. The crusty exterior and firm texture hold up well to juicy burgers. Purchase on the day of assembly for best freshness.
Brioche Buns
These bakery-style buns are soft, smushy, and a fan favorite. They are already buttery and moist, so they butter up and grill beautifully but probably won’t hold up to a big pile of toppings.
These buns are best for simple burgers that don’t require much structure and are great when you don’t want to detract from the flavor of the burger itself. Brioche buns can also be a bit sweet depending on the recipe used, so they can be used for both savory and sweet burger recipes. If you’ve ever had a burger with a sunny side-up egg and a little bit of maple syrup on top you know how amazing that would be on a brioche bun.
- Taste: Rich, buttery, slightly sweet
- Texture: Very soft, airy crumb
- Size: Varies, typically larger than standard buns
- Best Use: Luxury Burger Experience. The rich, buttery flavor elevates gourmet burgers.
Ciabatta Sandwich Rolls
It doesn’t get any crunchier than a buttered and toasted ciabatta roll when it comes to building a big burger pile. That can be a very good thing. Ciabatta rolls are also great at taking up flavor so if you want a garlic roll for your burger, add a little powdered garlic with the butter when you grill your ciabatta “buns”.
This option is very sturdy, crusty on the outside, and would be a big help to something like a salmon burger which doesn’t have much structure on its own. Without toasting, ciabatta rolls can be a little on the chewy side.
- Taste: Slightly tangy, wheaty flavor
- Texture: Crusty exterior, airy, chewy interior
- Size: Varies, can be larger than standard buns
- Best Use: Holds Up To Hearty Burgers. The crusty exterior is perfect for thick, juicy burgers.
English Muffins
This lower-carb option is a great choice when you want structure for a juicy burger or one with lots of sauce. English muffins toast up beautifully and will have a crunchy surface to build your burger on.
They can be a little chewy and difficult to eat if left unheated, so they should always be grilled or toasted. English muffins often come unsliced, so be prepared with a good bread knife.
- Taste: Slightly yeasty, nutty
- Texture: Toasted – crispy exterior, chewy interior; untoasted – soft and absorbent
- Size: Smaller than standard buns
- Best Use: Lower-Carb Option. Great for those watching carbs. Toasting is recommended for a better burger experience.
Bagel Thins
Another great low-carb choice with more structure is the bagel thin. This is just like a traditional bagel but half the thickness. The dough is chewy and firm but will toast up nicely.
The hole on top and bottom can be a slight challenge when assembling a burger with a lot of toppings. However, nothing beats the crust of a toasted bagel for building a sandwich of any kind.
- Taste: Slightly yeasty, with a hint of malt (depending on the bagel)
- Texture: Chewy, dense
- Size: Smaller than standard buns
- Best Use: Lower-Carb Option. A good choice for a lower-carb burger. Consider a thicker patty or choose your favorite toppings strategically to balance the smaller size and denser texture.
Texas Toast
Build your next burger on Texas toast for an extra buttery garlic flavor and the perfect crunch. If you use the cheesy version you’ll even have built-in cheese on your burger!
Texas toast is definitely not a traditional burger bun choice, but the added flavor is worth going outside of your comfort zone. Try this hamburger bun option with any recipe that would benefit from more garlic flavor. And, seriously – what recipe doesn’t get better with more garlic?!?
- Taste: Buttery, garlicky, slightly sweet
- Texture: Thick, crispy
- Size: Varies, can be larger than standard buns
- Best Use: Flavorful & Crunchy Base. The thick, crispy texture creates a unique burger experience. Consider a thinner patty or open-faced burger to balance the thickness.
Kings Hawaiian Rolls
The soft and sweet Hawaiian rolls can be a great option when you are building burgers for a crowd. When you are thinking about different types of buns, this is not one that comes quickly to mind but it’s really a great choice for several reasons.
In addition to building burgers in mass, the size is perfect for sliders when you are serving appetizers, guests with varied appetites, or small children.
We cut the whole sheet of rolls in half, layer all the patties and toppings, add the top of the buns, and then cut along segments. This gives everyone a bite-sized BBQ treat!
- Taste: Sweet, slightly eggy
- Texture: Soft, fluffy
- Size: Smaller than standard buns
- Best Use: Perfect for Feeding a Crowd. The sweetness complements salty burger flavors. Consider using a thicker patty or adding savory toppings to balance the sweetness.
Onion Rolls
Similar to the everything bagel bun, the onion bun comes with it’s own unique oniony flavor that works really well with most burger recipes. Bigger than a regular bun, these rolls have toasted onion flakes on the top.
It’s an especially nice choice with any burger that includes caramelized or grilled onions. Let’s face it – onions are a favorite burger topping for many. You can see lots of options in our best onions for burgers guide. But when you don’t feel like adding onions as a topping, these buns will give you a touch of their flavor.
Because of the size, these buns can be a bit soft and lack the structure needed for a large number of toppings.
- Taste: Savory, with a hint of sweetness and onion flavor
- Texture: Soft, chewy (similar to everything bagel bun)
- Size: Standard burger size
- Best Use: Flavor Boost Similar to Everything Bagel Bun. The onion flavor adds another dimension to your burger. Consider pairing it with savory toppings or a cheeseburger.
Pita Pockets
When you want something hand-held that can be eaten without any dripping, pita pockets are a fun bun option. As to be expected, pita pairs really well with lamb burgers, but can be a great idea for other burgers as well. This is a neutral tasting bread, after all.
The pockets can tear easily when cold, so a little time on the grill is a good idea. You don’t really want them toasted, just softened. Everything for the burger fits into the pocket and really cuts down on the mess, which is great for kids (or klutzy parents like me!)
The soft interior and handy pocket perfectly contain messy burgers, while the size allows for creativity. Toasting is recommended for added structure and a touch of crispness.
- Taste: Neutral, slightly yeasty
- Texture: Soft, fluffy interior, with a slightly crispy pocket
- Size: Varies, can be larger than standard buns
- Best Use: No-Drip Option. The soft interior and handy pocket will perfectly contain messy burgers or allow you to create a fun wrap. Toasting is recommended for added structure.
Lettuce (Low Carb)
If you want to go extremely low-carb with your next burger or you are looking for a tasty gluten-free option, a lettuce wrap is the best option for your burger. A flexible lettuce such as green leaf is the best choice.
A large leaf of lettuce will fold over and allow you to hold your burger without dripping.
Iceberg lettuce is not flexible enough to fold. Romaine lettuce is usually not large enough for a burger when folded with the spine and will break if folded against the spine.
As a topping, you have more lettuce varieties to choose from compared to using the leaves as burger buns/wraps. Check out our best lettuce for burgers comparison to find your favorite one!
- Taste: Fresh lettuce flavor complements the burger ingredients
- Texture: Crisp and refreshing
- Size: Varies
- Best Use: Low-Carb & Gluten-Free Option. Perfect for those following specific dietary restrictions. Use green leaf or another type of flexible lettuce to avoid tears.
♨️ How To Grill Perfect Burger Buns
When it comes to the best buns for hamburgers, a big part of the magic is in the preparation. If you want a one that tastes as good as the best burger joint you’ve visited, you will need to grill your buns.
Grilling buns can be accomplished on a grill, on a griddle, or even on a skillet. All you will need are the buns of your choice and butter. Butter both insides of the bun and place those face down on your hot surface for 3-5 minutes until they crisp up a bit.
If you need to make a large number of “grilled” buns, butter the buns and place them on a sheet pan. Pop them in the oven on broil (buttered side up) or convection bake (buttered side down) at 400ºF for 2-4 minutes. Keep a close eye on them so you don’t burn your buns.
While each different type of burger bun has pros and cons, a lot of the cons (soft, no flavor) can be overcome simply by buttering and toasting it. It makes a huge difference and takes very little time.
🍔 Best Burger Recipes
⭐Grilled Chicken Burger. A light version that’s always a hit with the kids!
⭐Grilled Turkey Burger. Heartier than chicken burgers but still lighter than the classic beef burger.
⭐Smoked Hamburgers. You are going to love smoking burgers. It adds a great depth of flavor.
⭐Grilled Kobe Beef Cheeseburger. This recipe is for kebabs but can also be used to make fabulous burger patties.
⭐Grilling Frozen Burgers {15 Minutes}. If you purchased frozen burger patties, you know what a challenge those can be. Follow our step-by-step instructions for grilling them perfectly every single time!
⭐Travis Scott Burger. Make this McDonald’s Copycat that is no longer available at the restaurants on your stovetop or on your grill in under 10 minutes.
FAQs
Regular classic buns are all well and good, but when you want variety consider Everything Bagel buns, French hamburger rolls, sesame seed buns, potato rolls, pretzel rolls, Kaiser buns, Brioche buns, Ciabatta sandwich rolls, English muffins, bagel thins, Texas toast, Kings Hawaiian Sweet Rolls, Onion Rolls, Pita pockets, or lettuce wraps.
Brioche buns are very moist and buttery and work well with turkey burgers or chicken burgers which tend to need moisture and added flavor.
In order to make sure your burger bun is vegan you will need to check for milk, eggs, butter, whey, and casein. These are all dairy products typically used in bread baking. The Arnold brand regular bun is a common favorite among vegans, but you should always read the label to be sure because brand recipes can change.
Ciabatta rolls are a great choice for salmon burgers, which are delicate, flaky, and lack structure on their own. Bakery French rolls are also a good option.
Brioche is both buttery and moist which makes it a great choice for chicken burgers.
Green leaf is the best choice because you can find large leaves that are flexible enough to be folded while strong enough to carry the burger to the last bite.
Lettuce wraps may be the way to go when it comes to gluten-free buns, because the flavor is on point. You can also purchase gluten-free buns from your favorite brand such as Canyon Bakehouse Bakery but many people prefer the lettuce wrap approach instead since gluten-free bread lacks strength.
Butter the cut sides of each bun and slap them face down in a hot skillet, griddle, or grill surface to toast up your buns for burgers restaurant-style. In a pinch, use the oven.
Lettuce wraps are probably the lowest-carb option, followed by gluten-free buns from your favorite brand, English muffins, and bagel thins. Be sure to read the labels on your keto bun of choice.
We are partial to pita pockets for lamb burgers, but honestly you can’t go wrong with any of the best burger buns on this list.
Potato buns are very complementary in flavor for a pork burger and have enough structure without being too stiff.
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Have you tried something completely different from our list? We’d love to hear about it in the comments!
Ginny Collins is a passionate foodie and recipe creator of Savor and Savvy and Kitchenlaughter. Indoors she focuses on easy, quick recipes for busy families and kitchen basics. Outdoors, she focuses on backyard grilling and smoking to bring family and friends together. She is a lifelong learner who is always taking cooking classes on her travels overseas and stateside. Her work has been featured on MSN, Parade, Fox News, Yahoo, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and many local news outlets. She lives in Florida where you will find her outside on the water in her kayak, riding her bike on trails, and planning her next overseas adventure.
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