Vegan Hot Dog Buns Recipe

Name: Vegan Hot Dog Buns Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cup oat milk (warmed to 100℉/38℃); 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast; 4 tablespoons vegan butter (melted and cooled); 2 tablespoons sugar; 3 cups all-purpose flour (or mixing bowl); 3/4 teaspoons salt

Vegan Hot Dog Buns | Soft, tender hot dog buns baked until golden and fluffy. Perfect for vegan hot dogs and all the toppings. Enjoy these vegan hot dog buns at summer BBQs, potlucks, and game day parties.

Hot dog buns stacked on a white marble slab.

These easy vegan hot dog buns are soft and fluffy on the inside with a slightly crusty exterior. They’re flavourful and perfect for pairing with vegan hot dogs and your favourite toppings.

Homemade vegan hot dog buns are made with just 6 ingredients! Oat milk and melted vegan butter make the dough tender and moist. The only thing missing is a vegan sausage and your favourite toppings!

Making homemade hot dog buns is incredibly easy and similar to any other bread or bun. Combine the ingredients into a smooth dough by hand or with a stand mixer, then let it rise for 60 minutes.

Form the buns and let them rise for 30 minutes, then bake for just 20 minutes until lightly golden.

How to Make Homemade Vegan Hot Dog Buns

Making homemade hot dog buns is an easy and simple process, similar to any other homemade bread recipe.

I prefer using a stand mixer for ease, but the dough can easily be made by hand.

Combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar with the oat milk and melted butter, and form into a dough.

Then mix on low, or knead by hand, for 5-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. To tell if your dough is elastic, it will bounce back when you press your finger into it.

Why do Hot Dog Buns Taste Different than Regular Bread?

Hot dog buns are made with a dough similar to that of regular white bread. The only differences are the shape and the hot dog bun dough being slightly more moist than regular bread.

Regular sandwich bread can be made with as few ingredients as yeast, flour, and water.

These vegan hot dog buns are also made with yeast, flour, and water, as well as salt and sugar for flavour. Oat milk and melted vegan butter provide not only moisture, but flavour.

The added moisture in hot dog buns yields a softer texture, and the sugar, a slightly sweeter taste.

Instant Yeast vs Active Dry Yeast

Instant yeast and active dry yeast both leaven dough, but require different steps. Active dry yeast consists of small beige granules that require proofing with warm water and sugar, which feeds the yeast.

Instant yeast looks even smaller than active dry yeast and doesn’t require proofing, hence the instant aspect. It can be added right in with the rest of the ingredients.

Instant yeast has a faster rising time and is a quicker alternative to active dry yeast.

Ingredients

More about the ingredients in this recipe. The exact measurements are below.

All-purpose flour-
Instant yeast- Instant yeast leavens the dough without the need to proof it beforehand.
Salt and sugar- For basic flavour.
Oat milk- Provides moisture and has a higher fat content than just water.
Vegan butter- Provides moisture and yields a tender dough.

Substitutions

If you don’t have oat milk, any other plant-based milk will work the same.
You can use active dry yeast, but you will need to add the warmed oat milk and sugar to it, and proof it for 5 minutes until foamy.

Instructions

Prep tips:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (190°C) once the formed hot dog buns are rising.

Flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar in a stand mixer.

Combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer.

Add oat milk and melted butter. Mix on medium speed until a shaggy dough forms.

Mix on low or knead for 10 minutes until the dough is elastic and smooth.

Cover the dough and rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled in size.

Formed hot dog bun dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Divide the dough into 8 pieces and roll each one into a smooth ball, then into about 6-inch strands. Cover and rise for 30 minutes.

Formed hot dog bun dough brushed with butter on a baking sheet.

Brush with melted vegan butter, and bake at 375°F/190°C for 20 minutes, until lightly golden.

Serve with vegan hot dogs, carrot dogs, vegan chili dogs, and more.

Top down view of hot dog buns stacked on a white marble slab on top of grey cloth napkins.

Tips for Making Vegan Hot Dog Buns

Rise the dough in a warm spot. I prefer inside an unused oven with the light on.
Allow the buns to cool before slicing to ensure a tender, fluffy texture.
Use a stand mixer for easy mixing and kneading.

What to Serve with Vegan Hot Dog Buns

Serve vegan hot dog buns with vegan hot dogs or homemade carrot dogs. Add your favourite toppings and condiments such as ketchup, mustard, onion, or pickle.

For more easy homemade vegan bread, try my Vegan Garlic Knots or Vegan Bagels.

Add a flavourful side dish with my Creamy Chickpea Salad.

Storage

Store the hot dog buns at room temperature for 3-4 days, or freeze in a large freezer bag for up to 6 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Hot dog buns stacked on a white marble slab with grey cloth napkins.

FAQ’s

Are hot dog buns vegan?

Hot dog buns are generally not vegan as they may be made with eggs and dairy.

How are hot dog buns different than regular bread?

Hot dog buns are generally more moist than regular bread. They are typically made with milk and melted butter, adding moisture to the dough.