Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsSam Jones BBQSlider Buns Recipe

Slider Buns Recipe

Inspired by Sam Jones BBQ
Time2h 30m
Serves12

Make Slider Buns Recipe in just 2h 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Dough

Method

Dough

  1. 1

    Activate and combine

    Whisk together warm water (105–115°F) and 1 tsp of the sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle the instant yeast over the water, stir lightly, and let sit 5–8 minutes until foamy. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook (or a large mixing bowl if mixing by hand), combine flour, remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, and salt. Mix briefly to distribute.

  2. 2

    Mix wet ingredients

    Warm the milk slightly (should be lukewarm, about 95–100°F). Add the milk, foamed yeast mixture, softened butter (cut into pieces), and the whole egg to the dry ingredients.

  3. 3

    Knead

    Mix on low speed until ingredients come together, then increase to medium-low and knead for 6–8 minutes until a smooth, slightly tacky but not sticky dough forms. If kneading by hand, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If dough is too sticky add up to 2 tbsp flour, a tablespoon at a time.

  4. 4

    First rise

    Lightly oil a large bowl, shape the dough into a ball and place it seam-side down in the bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise in a warm draft-free spot until doubled in size, about 60–75 minutes.

  5. 5

    Portion and shape

    Punch the dough down gently to release gas. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 12 equal pieces (about 55–65 g each for small sliders). Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking edges underneath and rolling on the counter. Arrange the balls in two 9x13-inch baking pans or on a lined baking sheet leaving about 1/2 inch between each for close-baked slider buns, or slightly more if you want separated buns.

  6. 6

    Second rise

    Cover the shaped buns loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and proof at room temperature until puffy and nearly doubled, about 30–45 minutes. Meanwhile preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) with the rack in the center.

Topping / Finish

  1. 7

    Egg wash and seeds

    In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 tsp water. When the buns have finished the second rise, gently brush the tops with the egg wash — be careful not to deflate the buns. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or poppy seeds if desired.

  2. 8

    Bake

    Bake in the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 15–18 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the tops are golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into a center bun reads about 190–200°F (88–93°C).

  3. 9

    Finish and cool

    Remove buns from oven and immediately brush lightly with melted butter if desired for a soft, rich crust. Let the buns cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool another 20 minutes before slicing and using for sliders.

More from Sam Jones BBQ