Homemade Hot Dog Buns + Bowers Farm Hot Dogs = Summer Magic

Let’s talk buns. Not messy buns. Not honey buns. We’re talking about hot dog buns. The soft, warm, perfect boat for your Bowers Farm hot dog or sausage. And guess what? You can make them from scratch. I know you can! If I can - you can!

I know, I know, making your own hot dog buns might sound a little extra, but trust me - this is one of those “worth it” kitchen adventures. I followed King Arthur's recipe because let’s be real, they’ve never steered me wrong. I've made this recipe three times now and each one is, let's say, a little charmingly rustic (aka: lopsided and slightly different sizes). They may not have been perfect, but they were fluffy, tasty, and filled with that “I made this!” joy that store-bought just can't compete with.

The Ingredients Are Simple

You probably have most of what you need already:

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 4 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast or active dry yeast

• 1/2 cup of water, warm (105°F to 115°F)

• 2 cups milk, warm (105°F to 115°F)

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 2 teaspoons table salt

• 6 cups of flour (I used King Arthur Unbleached All Purpose Flour)

• 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water or milk (this is your egg wash, and may I recommend a Bowers Farm egg)

• sesame seeds, poppy seeds, caraway seeds, or coarse salt (this is optional but it was fun to play with some spices this time.

It all comes together pretty easily, it's like adult play-doh! But here’s the catch: don’t stress about the final look. Mine were far from bakery-perfect, but that wasn’t the point. The point was slowing down, connecting with my food more deeply, and preparing something special for my family.

So Why Bother?

Because there’s something really cool about pairing food you made yourself with food that was raised with intention and care. Our hot dogs, sausage, and brats aren’t just meat—they’re the result of pastures managed thoughtfully, animals respected, and a whole lot of early mornings and a whole lot of muddy pants and even some mud spattered on my face thanks to those super cute big ears

Whether you’re throwing some brats on the grill or heating up a few hot dogs a homemade bun just levels up the whole experience. Add some homemade kraut, mustard, or whatever toppings make your heart sing, and suddenly, you’ve created something that’s more than a meal. It's an outpouring of love and time.

Perfection Is Overrated

If you try this, let go of perfection. Embrace flour on your shirt, odd-sized buns, and maybe a few that turn out more like dinner rolls. If they do, trust me, they're DELICIOUS! But who cares? If you've been around any length of time, you know that the kitchen is not a place I have always felt comfortable and confident. But I was looking at it all wrong. To me, the kitchen is now a place to play, and when you’re working with real, quality food, the result is always worth celebrating.

So turn on the oven, flour your counter, and get ready to impress exactly no one but yourself—because that’s the best kind of win.

And hey—don’t forget to grab a Bowers Farm Pastured Pork Hot Dog or Brat to stuff inside those buns. We’ve got a few options you’re going to want to sink your teeth into. 😉

Shop now, bake later, and remember: your food should bring you joy.

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