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Best Mini Football Slider Buns with Caramelized Onions

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Soft, slightly sweet mini slider buns shaped like footballs, topped with caramelized onions for a savory-sweet crust. Perfect for game day, these buns are sturdy enough to hold any filling and disappear before halftime.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) instant yeast
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warm (110°F)
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 ½ teaspoons (9g) fine sea salt
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) balsamic vinegar (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • Flaky sea salt for finishing

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until deep golden brown and jammy. Add balsamic vinegar in the last 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Activate the yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk (110°F), sugar, and instant yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
  3. Mix the dough: Add flour, salt, softened butter, and egg to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed with the dough hook until a shaggy dough forms, about 2 minutes.
  4. Knead the dough: Increase speed to medium and knead for 6-8 minutes (or 10 minutes by hand) until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
  5. First rise: Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1-1½ hours until doubled in size.
  6. Shape the buns: Punch down dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 12 equal pieces (about 65g each). Roll each into a ball, then gently elongate into an oval shape. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, 2 inches apart.
  7. Second rise: Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.
  8. Score and top: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a sharp knife, make a shallow slit lengthwise down the center of each bun. Brush with melted butter, then spoon a small amount of caramelized onions into the slit. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and flaky sea salt.
  9. Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F. Bottoms should be lightly browned and sound hollow when tapped.
  10. Finish: Brush with melted butter immediately after removing from oven. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Don’t rush the caramelized onions—they are the heart of this recipe. For best results, use a kitchen scale for consistent dough. If dough is too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time. Buns can be made ahead through first rise and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: mini football slider buns, caramelized onions, game day recipe, slider buns, football shaped buns, homemade buns

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