If you want to dress up plain hamburgers or other types of sandwiches for a special event, consider serving them on brioche, rather than traditional, buns. Soft and fluffy on the inside with a toasted crust on the outside, brioche buns are durable to hold even the messiest of hamburger toppings.
Brioche buns are typically made with a combination of whole milk, water, yeast, eggs, flour, salt, and a pink of sugar for a slightly sweet taste, and then topped with sesame seeds to finish. Butter is sometimes brushed on top of the buns prior to the baking process to ensure a golden crust.
Since they are a bit more gourmet-looking and tasting then regular hamburger rolls, brioche buns are ideal for both casual and elegant events, such as birthday parties, family and office holiday celebrations, baby and bridal showers, and even wedding receptions. The buns are also just as appropriate for serving at outdoor soirees as they are at indoor ones. No matter if your event is held at a park pavilion or a country club, brioche buns will fit right onto the menu.
Here are some ways that you can serve brioche hamburger buns for either a lunch or dinner event.
1. Build-Your-Own-Burger Bar
Perfect for backyard barbecues with close friends and loved ones or a beachfront wedding, a build-your-own-burger bar will please and engage guests of all ages. Start by grilling a mix of turkey, beef and veggie burgers, and allow guests to customize their toppings on fluffy brioche buns. You can also include grilled chicken breasts and portobello caps for variety.
Include a combination of classic and gourmet burger toppings, such as cheddar, American, and feta cheese, sliced tomatoes and red onions, sun-dried tomatoes, pickles, and lettuce, to please all of the party-goers.
Serve the customized burgers alongside homemade potato chips, French fries, potato salad, and other traditional barbecue fare.
2. Brunch Party
If you're hosting a sophisticated soiree, such as a bridal or baby shower, in the early afternoon, treat guest to a gourmet brunch featuring freshly made brioche buns. As one option, make thick French toast using halved buns instead of traditional bread as a delicious twist.
Make the toast as you normally would, and top with high-end ingredients such as fresh berries, homemade whipped cream, and real maple syrup. You can also make stuffed French toast by putting a sweet cream cheese mixture between the bun halves before cooking.
Accompany the main course with a selection of breakfast and lunch items, including hard-boiled eggs, omelettes, hashbrowns, French fries, shrimp, and grits.