If you’re looking to jazz up your homemade burgers with a vibrant and nutritious twist, this Spinach Burger Buns Recipe with Topping Recipe is just what you need. Infused with fresh spinach, these burger buns are not only a feast for the eyes with their naturally green hue but also bring a subtle earthiness that pairs wonderfully with juicy patties and fresh toppings. The addition of a flavorful, crunchy topping takes these buns from delightful to downright irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a cookout or just craving something different for dinner, this recipe offers an exciting way to elevate your burger game.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four stages of baking small round green dough balls placed in two columns on a baking tray lined with white parchment paper, all on a white marbled surface. The top left quadrant shows nine smooth green dough balls evenly spaced on the tray. The top right quadrant captures a close-up of a woman's hand holding a blue brush, applying a shiny glaze on one dough ball. The bottom left quadrant shows the dough balls now topped with a sprinkle of black and white seeds, giving a speckled look. The bottom right quadrant displays the baked green buns, golden brown on top with the seed mix still visible, creating a slight shine and a soft texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Creating these spinach-infused burger buns is easier than it sounds because the ingredients are straightforward and thoughtfully chosen to achieve the perfect softness, flavor, and color. Each component plays an essential role in making the dough fluffy and lightly green, ensuring every bite is a treat.

Baby Spinach or Chopped Regular Spinach: Provides that fresh green color and adds subtle vegetable flavor; fresh baby spinach works best for tenderness.
All Purpose Flour: The backbone of your dough, providing structure and chewiness; measure carefully to keep the dough from getting too dry or sticky.
Instant Yeast: Responsible for the dough’s rise and airy texture; instant yeast saves time since it doesn’t require proofing.
Nonfat Dry Milk: Adds a subtle sweetness and improves the bun’s crumb and shelf life.
Egg Replacer Powder: Binds the dough and enriches flavor without using eggs; great for a vegan-friendly option.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and controls yeast activity.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the buns soft and moist, contributing to a tender crumb.
Water: Hydrates the dough; adjust the amount as needed based on flour absorption.
Unsweetened Non-Dairy Milk (for topping): Helps toppings stick beautifully while adding a subtle creaminess.
Everything Bagel Seasoning: A savory blend of sesame, poppy seeds, and more adds crunch and bursts of flavor on top.

How to Make Spinach Burger Buns Recipe with Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach Puree

Start by blanching the baby spinach or chopped regular spinach in boiling water for just a minute until wilted, then immediately transfer to ice-cold water to preserve the bright green color. Drain and squeeze out as much water as you can before blending the spinach into a smooth puree. This puree will gently tint your dough and add subtle flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, nonfat dry milk, egg replacer powder, and salt. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures even distribution of yeast and flavor throughout the dough.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Spinach Puree

Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the vegetable oil, water (start with the lesser amount and add as needed), and the prepared spinach puree. Stir together until the dough starts to come together. The spinach will color the dough a lovely green shade that hints at the freshness inside.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and just slightly tacky. Kneading develops gluten which is essential for that soft, yet chewy texture we want in a burger bun.

Step 5: Let Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. This rest allows the yeast to work its magic, giving you light and airy buns.

Step 6: Shape and Proof the Buns

Once risen, punch the dough down gently and divide it into equal portions—usually 8 for standard-sized buns. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let the buns proof for another 30 to 45 minutes until puffy and almost doubled.

Step 7: Add the Topping

Brush the tops of the buns with unsweetened non-dairy milk to give the seasoning something to stick to. Sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning for that irresistible nutty, crunchy finish. This touch gives the Spinach Burger Buns Recipe with Topping Recipe an exciting flavor topping that complements the greens inside perfectly.

Step 8: Bake the Buns

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown on top and cooked through. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack—this helps avoid soggy bottoms and keeps the texture just right.

How to Serve Spinach Burger Buns Recipe with Topping Recipe

The image shows two green sandwich buns with sesame seeds on top resting on brown parchment paper on a white marbled surface. One bun is whole, and the other is opened, showing its soft, green interior. At the top right, there is a white bowl filled with fresh green spinach leaves. To the top left, another white bowl holds more green buns with sesame seeds. A small white container of creamy beige sauce is placed near the buns. The scene is arranged neatly, with natural lighting highlighting the fresh and vibrant colors of the food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These spinach buns pair beautifully with fresh garnishes like crisp lettuce, ripe tomato slices, and thinly sliced red onion, all adding crunch and color that harmonize with the mild earthiness of the buns.

Side Dishes

Serve your burgers with sweet potato fries or a vibrant coleslaw for contrast. The warmth and hearty nature of these sides play wonderfully against the fresh, green spin on the bun.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the buns in half and lightly toasting them with garlic butter before assembling your burger. Or for a fun twist, serve mini sliders using these buns at your next party, making the Spinach Burger Buns Recipe with Topping Recipe the star that sparks conversation and compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover buns in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their softness. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry them out.

Freezing

Spinach burger buns freeze very well. Wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the oven.

Reheating

To bring frozen or leftover buns back to life, sprinkle a little water on them and wrap in foil, then heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This will refresh their softness and bring out the fresh spinach flavor.

FAQs

Can I use regular eggs instead of egg replacer powder?

Absolutely! One large egg can be used in place of the egg replacer powder. It will enrich the dough similarly and make it slightly more tender.

Is baby spinach better than regular spinach for the buns?

Baby spinach tends to be more tender and milder in flavor, resulting in smoother dough and a more appealing color, but chopped regular spinach works just fine if properly blanched and pureed.

Can I add other herbs or spices to the dough?

Yes! Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can complement the spinach flavor beautifully. Just fold them into the dough during mixing or sprinkle on top with your seasoning.

What does the nonfat dry milk do in the recipe?

Nonfat dry milk adds richness and helps with the dough’s texture and browning, giving the buns a soft crumb and slightly sweet flavor without added fat.

Is everything bagel seasoning necessary for the topping?

While it adds wonderful flavor and crunch, the topping is optional. You can substitute with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even coarse sea salt depending on your taste.

Final Thoughts

I really hope you give this Spinach Burger Buns Recipe with Topping Recipe a try! It’s an easy, fun way to introduce a little green goodness and extra flavor to your burgers. The vibrant color makes every meal feel special, and the topping adds a satisfying crunch that everyone will love. Homemade burger buns might seem intimidating, but this recipe breaks it down into simple steps—perfect for sharing with friends or family. Get ready to impress your taste buds and those at your table!