Bigbatchbuns Recipes

BIG BATCH BUNS

Steps:

• Mix the 1 3/4 cup water, sugar and yeast in a large container and let sit to raise.
• Mix the 3/4 cup sugar, dry milk, salt, oil, flour and hot water.
• Stir both mixtures together and add flour as needed to make dough that is not sticky. (This will be at least 8 cups, maybe more!).
• Kneed for 15 minutes until dough is elastic (this is where the fun family time comes in - let each kid kneed for 5 minutes -- ) Place in a LARGE oiled bowl, cover and place in warm, draft free area to rise. (We always used the large - 32 cup - Tupperware bowl with the lid sealed on. When the lid pops off, it's ready to punch down.).
• Punch down and separate, divide and create!
• Basic baking instructions are to bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.

MOM'S HOMEMADE BUNS

Steps:

• In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the warm water, yeast and sugar.
• Let sit for 10 minutes or until bubbly -- this is how you know your yeast is working. This step is technically not required when using instant yeast, but I do it always anyways, so that I know my buns will be a success.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a very large bowl if you are kneading by hand), whisk together the 2 cups warm water, butter, 1/3 cup sugar and salt.
• Add the bubbly yeast mixture and stir to combine.
• Place the bowl in the stand mixer and put the dough hook on the machine. You can also knead by hand.
• Add the flour, one cup at a time, and mix until nearly combined before adding more. You can use all purpose or whole wheat or a combination. Start with 4-5 cups flour, mixing until each is incorporated.
• The closer you get to your dough being ready, the less flour you will add at once. We want a smooth, soft dough, never stiff, so we need to watch and stop adding flour at just the right moment.
• Add up to 6-7 cups flour total, very gradually at the end, until the dough comes together in a smooth, soft ball and does not stick to the sides of the stand mixer. When you touch it, it should be smooth and slightly tacky but not sticky.
• Place dough in a large lightly greased bowl (you can use the same bowl and grease it), and cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
• Set in a warm spot (I use the oven with the light on -- turn the oven on to preheat for 2-4 minutes before turning off and adding the dough) and let rise until doubled, about 1.5 hours.
• Uncover dough, punch down, and roll out 20-24 rounds -- smoothing the top and pinching the seam in the back to smooth (see video for additional details).
• Place on a parchment lined baking sheet and let rise (you don't have to cover them) in a warm spot for 30 to 90 minutes (instant yeast will be quicker) until doubled.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, until light golden brown.