The bread is just as important as the burger. Here’s how to jazz up a classic bun.

How to Flavor Burger Buns + Topping Ideas

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly beat 1 large egg white with 1 tablespoon water. Brush on buns, then add toppings and bake until the egg white is dry, 6 to 8 minutes.

Nori-Sesame Buns

Brush with egg wash, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and thinly sliced roasted nori (seaweed sheets). Bake as directed.

Buffalo Blue Cheese

Replace the water in the egg wash with Buffalo hot sauce; brush on the buns. Sprinkle with blue cheese and celery seeds. Bake as directed.

Salt and Pepper

Brush with egg wash, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Bake as directed.

Bacon and Cheddar

Brush with egg wash, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar and finely chopped cooked bacon. Bake just until the cheese melts, about 3 minutes.

Middle Eastern

Brush with egg wash, then sprinkle with za’atar spice mix and poppy seeds. Bake as directed.

Garlic-Herb

Brush with egg wash, then sprinkle with chopped garlic, fresh thyme, dried oregano, red pepper flakes and flaky sea salt. Bake as directed.

Super-Seeded

Brush with egg wash, then sprinkle with seeds and grains (such as pepitas, sunflower seeds, flax seeds and oats). Bake as directed.

Smoky Chili

Brush with egg wash, then sprinkle with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder and ground cumin. Bake as directed.