Garlic buns are a delightful addition to any meal, whether served alongside a hearty pasta dish, used as sandwich buns, or simply enjoyed on their own as a savory snack. The aroma of freshly baked bread infused with garlic is irresistible, and making them at home allows you to customize the flavor and ensure they’re exactly to your liking. In this article, we’ll guide you through an easy-to-follow recipe for homemade garlic buns that will have your kitchen smelling heavenly and your taste buds singing with joy.
Ingredients:
- 400 grams (about 3 1/4 cups) of all-purpose flour
- 50 grams (about 1/4 cup) of sugar
- 5 grams (about 1 teaspoon) of salt
- 7 grams of dry yeast
- 250 milliliters (about 1 cup) of lukewarm milk
- 1 large egg
- 55 grams (about 1/4 cup) of butter
- 8 grams (about 1 tablespoon) of minced garlic
For Garlic Butter:
- 8 grams (about 1 tablespoon) of minced garlic
- 1 gram (about 2 teaspoons) of dried parsley
- 55 grams (about 1/3 cup) of salted butter, melted
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and dry yeast.
- Pour in the lukewarm milk and add the egg to the dry ingredients.
- Use a mixer to knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it’s well combined. Cover the bowl with a towel and let it rest for 20 minutes.
- Add the softened butter and minced garlic to the dough. Continue kneading until the dough becomes elastic.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a work surface and shape it into a square. Divide it into 25 pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Cover them and let them rest for 15 minutes.
- Slightly deflate each ball of dough by tucking in the edges and then place them in a greased baking pan or mold. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the garlic butter by combining minced garlic, dried parsley, and melted butter in a bowl. Mix well.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Brush the tops of the risen rolls with the prepared garlic butter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes or until the buns are golden brown.
- Once out of the oven, brush the warm buns with a little more garlic butter for extra flavor.
- Enjoy your homemade garlic buns warm and fresh!
Tips and Variations:
- Cheesy Garlic Buns: Sprinkle grated cheese on top of the garlic butter before baking for an extra cheesy kick.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil to add layers of flavor to your garlic buns.
- Spice it Up: For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder to the garlic butter mixture.
- Sweet and Savory: Try adding a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the dough for a hint of sweetness that complements the savory garlic flavor.
- Custom Shapes: Instead of traditional round buns, shape the dough into knots, twists, or rolls for a fun presentation.
How to Store:
- Room Temperature: Store the garlic buns in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving to regain their freshness.
- Refrigerator: If you want to keep them longer, store the buns in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm them in the oven or toaster oven to restore their texture and flavor.
- Freezer: Garlic buns can also be frozen for longer storage. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven before serving.
FAQs:
- Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced garlic? Yes, you can substitute fresh garlic for minced garlic. Simply finely chop the garlic cloves to achieve a similar flavor.
- Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast? Yes, instant yeast can be used as a substitute for dry yeast. However, you may need to adjust the rising time slightly as instant yeast tends to rise faster.
- Can I make these buns ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight for a slow rise. Simply shape the buns and let them rise at room temperature before baking.
- Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough after shaping it into balls. Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag or container. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight, then let it come to room temperature before baking as directed.
- Can I make these buns vegan? Yes, you can make vegan garlic buns by substituting dairy milk with plant-based milk, eggs with flax eggs or commercial egg replacers, and butter with vegan butter or margarine.
Conclusion:
These homemade garlic buns are a simple yet satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience, you can whip up a batch of these aromatic delights to impress your family and friends. Whether served alongside your favorite dishes or enjoyed on their own, these garlic buns are sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
