These homemade pav buns are light, airy, buttery, and soft enough to use for sandwiches, sliders, pav bhaji, or a simple warm snack with butter. I like making them when I want bakery-style buns at home with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
3 cups all purpose flour
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
2 tsp instant yeast
1 cup warm milk
2 tbsp butter, melted
2 tbsp oil
1/4 cup warm water
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, I combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. I let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
I add melted butter, oil, and salt to the yeast mixture and mix well.
Then I gradually add flour and knead everything into a soft dough.
I knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
I cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Next I punch down the dough and divide it into equal small portions.
I shape each portion into a smooth ball.
I arrange the balls in a greased baking tray close to each other.
Then I cover and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes.
I preheat the oven to 180°C or 350°F.
I brush the tops with milk.
Next I bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown on top.
I remove the buns from the oven and brush them immediately with butter for a soft crust.
I let them cool slightly before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 12 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Calories: 180 kcal per serving
Variations
I sometimes add garlic butter on top for a savory version. I also like sprinkling sesame seeds before baking for extra texture. For a sweeter bun, I increase the sugar slightly and serve the buns with jam or honey.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover pav buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, I freeze them in a sealed bag. To reheat, I warm them in the oven for a few minutes or microwave them briefly until soft.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, I can use active dry yeast, but I make sure to activate it first in warm milk with sugar until it becomes frothy.
Why are my pav buns not fluffy?
They may not be fluffy if the yeast is old, the dough was not kneaded enough, or the dough did not rise properly.
Can I make these buns without milk?
Yes, I can use warm water instead of milk, but milk gives the buns a softer and richer texture.
Can I freeze homemade pav buns?
Yes, I freeze them after they cool completely. I reheat them in the oven when I want them soft again.
How do I get a soft crust?
I brush the buns with butter immediately after baking. This helps keep the crust soft and flavorful.
Conclusion
These soft and fluffy homemade pav buns are simple, comforting, and perfect for many meals. I like making them fresh because they taste buttery, tender, and much better than store-bought buns.
📖 Recipe:
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Soft & Fluffy Homemade Pav Buns
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 buns
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These soft and fluffy homemade pav buns are buttery, airy, and perfect for sandwiches, sliders, pav bhaji, or serving warm with butter. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they bake up golden and tender every time.
Ingredients
3 cups all purpose flour
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
2 tsp instant yeast
1 cup warm milk
2 tbsp butter, melted
2 tbsp oil
1/4 cup warm water
Extra butter for brushing
Milk for brushing tops
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add melted butter, oil, and salt to the yeast mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour and knead into a soft dough.
- Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a smooth ball.
- Arrange the dough balls in a greased baking tray close to each other.
- Cover and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Brush the tops with milk.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and immediately brush the buns with butter for a soft crust.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For a savory variation, brush the buns with garlic butter after baking.
Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before baking for extra texture.
For sweeter buns, slightly increase the sugar and serve with jam or honey.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Freeze cooled buns in a sealed bag for longer storage.
Reheat in the oven or microwave briefly until soft and warm.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 8 mg
