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–+ servings

Overnight Method Using Active Starter

These homemade sourdough hot dog buns are soft, fluffy, and easy to make from scratch. A simple recipe that uses discard or active starter and creates perfect buns for cookouts, weeknight dinners, and freezer prep. This is the Overnight Method using ACTIVE starter.

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Fermentation/Rise 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 50 minutes
Serving Size 10

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup starter
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • 2 eggs
  • 2½ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • 4 cup flour

Egg Wash (Optional)

  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tbsp water

Instructions

Mix the Dough

  • In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the water, active sourdough starter, honey, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
  • Add the flour and salt. Mix on low speed (or by hand) until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms and no dry flour remains.
  • Knead for 6–8 minutes in the mixer (or 8–10 minutes by hand) until the dough is smooth and elastic. However, keep in mind that the dough may be a little sticky. 

Overnight Bulk Fermentation

  • Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise at room temperature for 10–12 hours, or overnight.
  • By morning, the dough should be noticeably puffed, airy, and roughly doubled in size.

Shape the Hot Dog Buns

  • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 8–10 equal pieces, depending on your preferred bun size.
  • Shape each piece into a log by gently rolling it under your palms. Place shaped buns onto a parchment-lines or non-stick baking sheet, leaving space between each one so that the dough can rise.

Final Rise

  • Cover the buns loosely and let rise for 1–2 hours, or until visibly puffy and soft to the touch.

Bake

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • If using egg wash, whisk together the egg yolk and water and gently brush over the tops of the buns.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the buns are lightly golden and baked through.

Cool and Serve

  • Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack. For extra softness, brush the tops with melted butter while still warm.
  • Slice once cooled and serve with hot dogs, sausages, or sandwich fillings.