Garlic Parmesan Hamburger Buns

Directions

1. 1
   Add lukewarm water to a large mixing bowl. Add yeast and sugar and mix well. Allow to stand 10 minutes.
2. 2
   Add flour, salt, softened butter, and egg and mix until all is combined and dough comes together. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead only until dough is smooth and elastic.
3. 3
   Gather dough into a ball and place dough into a large bowl. Cover with a clean damp towel and allow to rise until double, about 2 hours.
4. 4
   While dough is rising, prepare the topping. Melt butter in a very small sauce pan. Add vegetable oil and pressed garlic and cook over very low heat for 1 to 2 minutes until garlic is fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. 5
   Preheat oven to 350°F.
6. 6
   Gently punch down the dough and divide it into 10 pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and flatten to about 3 inches across.
7. 7
   Place buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If desired, use a sharp serrated knife and cut a cross in the top quarter of each bun. Brush buns from edges to center with half of the garlic oil. Let buns rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
8. 8
   Drizzle the buns with the remaining garlic oil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and chives. Bake buns for 15 to 18 minutes, until lightly golden brown. Remove the buns from the oven and cool on a wire rack.
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   Notes:
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    1. This recipe can be made by hand or with a kitchen mixer. If using a kitchen mixer, use a dough hook or paddle attachment. A dough hook is the best choice for mixing this bread dough.
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    2. A kitchen scale is a great tool to help portion the dough out evenly.
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    3. Cutting a cross in the top quarter of each bun will allow for more nooks and crannies for the garlic oil. Be careful not to cut too deep.
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    4. This recipe can also be used to make garlic knots. Divide the dough evenly into 20 pieces and shape each piece into a rope and then a knot. Place the garlic oil into a small bowl and dip each knot into the garlic oil to cover completely. Place each knot on a parchment covered baking sheet and finish the same as the instructions for the buns. If any garlic oil remains after the second application, you can drizzle it over the baked knots for extra flavor.
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    Substitutions:
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    1. Parsley can be substituted for the chives. I prefer to stay within the same flavor profile of garlic, so I use chives. You can also omit the chives entirely.
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    2. If you do not have grated parmesan cheese, a light sprinkling of fine sea salt is a great and, also, economical substitute to get a kick of saltiness on the top of the buns.