FOOD NEWS
To Toast Or Not To Toast? How To Handle Types Of Hamburger Buns
By Angel Albring
There's no denying that grilling a juicy, perfectly cooked burger with all the best toppings and condiments brings an immense feeling of satisfaction. However, one question that comes to mind when building the perfect burger is if the bun should be toasted or not, and the answer may depend on the type of bun being used.
In an interview with Food & Wine, Mark Rosati, the Culinary Director of Shake Shack, said that he chooses firmer rolls, like a Kaiser roll, for grilling because they hold up to the heat and leave perfect grill marks. Rosati avoids lighter, fluffier rolls because they don't grill well, and dense or heavy rolls, such as bagels or ciabatta, may not absorb the grill marks as well as other breads.
To grill hamburger buns, brush both sides of each slice of bread with a light layer of olive oil or melted butter to prevent it from sticking to the grill and to add extra flavor. Then, slice them in half and place them on the grill, cut-side down, for about 30-60 seconds, or until grill marks appear and the bread is lightly toasted. Add some herbs or spices to the bread for added flavor.