News & Stories / Burger Bun Basics: Types, Tips and Hamburger Bun Recipe Ideas
Freddy’s Prime steakburger on a plate

Burger Bun Basics: Types, Tips and Hamburger Bun Recipe Ideas

April 13, 2026

To enhance your burger experience, you may be searching for the perfect bun for your next burger or interested in trying a recipe for homemade burger buns. Below, you’ll find an overview of different types of buns for hamburgers, as well as tips on choosing the best bun for your burger. Plus, you’ll also be able to explore some recipes for hamburger buns to try at home, inspired by various steakburgers on the Freddy’s menu.

 

Types of Buns for Hamburgers

 

There are many types of buns for hamburgers, as well as other rolls, sliced bread and even leafy greens that may also be used for this purpose. Classic buns for hamburgers are often available with or without sesame seeds. For use with burgers at home or at restaurants near you, potato and brioche buns, as well as ciabatta or onion rolls, are some other popular options. However, in searching for hamburger bun recipes or otherwise experimenting with your burger creations, you might also consider specialty hamburger bun selections, such as pretzel buns or Hawaiian buns, or even substitutions like lettuce wraps. To determine the best type of bun for your hamburger, check out the following tips for choosing the ideal recipe for hamburger buns.

 

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Hamburger Bun Recipe

 

In reviewing a selection of burger bun brands that you may find at a grocery store near you, Serious Eats highlights several factors contributing to the ratings for each burger bun, such as texture, sturdiness and flavor. Similar considerations as employed in this bun taste-testing exploration may also apply to choosing a hamburger bun recipe. Aside from any preferences regarding a softer bun versus a firmer bread component, here are three tips to think about as you determine which types of bun or homemade hamburger bun recipe will work for you:

 

Choose a sturdier hamburger bun recipe for multi-layered burgers. If you plan to enjoy a homemade burger with multiple patties, toppings or sauces, then you’ll want to pick a hamburger bun that can hold up to all that goodness, like a brioche bun or pretzel bun.

 

Determine what role your chosen hamburger bun recipe will play in terms of flavor or the visual appeal of your burger. To let the flavors of the patty or a specialty sauce shine, you may want to pick a recipe for hamburger buns that’s more mild in flavor. For eye-catching appeal, you might choose a recipe that includes directions for a glowing golden top or extra seasoning and textural additions like spices and seeds.

 

Pick the right bun size for your burger. Whether you are buying hamburger buns or choosing a recipe, be sure to coordinate your buns and burgers. This effort helps make the assembled burgers easier to eat and ensures a more consistent experience with each mouthful!

 

3 Freddy’s-Inspired Hamburger Bun Recipe Ideas

 

To assist you in choosing the hamburger buns for your own homemade burgers, consider taking inspiration from some of the bun and steakburger pairings that are on the Freddy’s menu now or may be available as limited-time only specials. Below, find three different ideas that you might want to try.

 

Classic Hamburger Bun

 

Often, Freddy’s steakburgers are served simply on a toasted bun. Classic burger buns are relatively neutral in flavor in comparison to other types of buns for hamburgers like onion rolls. As such, they provide the perfect platform for showcasing the featured components and combinations in steakburgers and other sandwiches. A hamburger bun recipe like this one from Allrecipes details how to make a burger bun and includes guidance for including sesame seeds on top.

 

Hawaiian Bun

 

Served on a King’s Hawaiian Bun, the Smoky Bacon Cheddar Stack is a limited-time only special that includes two steakburger patties topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese, several slices of crispy bacon, grilled onions and Freddy’s Smoky Fry Sauce®. In addition to its softer texture, the subtle sweetness of this type of bun is often selected to provide a palate-pleasing contrast to a burger’s savory layers. If you are looking for a similar option for your burger, a homemade hamburger bun recipe like this one from New York Times Cooking may be the perfect choice.

 

Pretzel Bun

 

Freddy’s celebrated limited-time menu items have also featured toasted pretzel buns, such as the Pretzel Bacon BBQ Steakburger. With slices of crispy bacon, a smoky bourbon BBQ sauce and Fat Tire Beer Cheese, there’s a lot to love inside of the bun for this steakburger preparation. This type of hamburger bun not only provides a unique look and taste but also a sturdier foundation for heartier hamburger constructions like ones with multiple toppings. Want to take your next batch of burgers to new levels of deliciousness? Consider making homemade pretzel buns like the ones shared in this recipe from Taste of Home.

 

While the freshness of homemade hamburger buns can be one way to impress your fellow diners, making recipes for hamburger buns will add even more time to your meal preparation. For a quicker meal option and a variety of steakburgers and other menu items to choose from, just head to your local Freddy’s!