When it comes to burgers, having the right bun is crucial. After all, when you first sink your teeth into a juicy burger, the bun is usually the first thing you taste! For burger enthusiasts who make their rounds trying burgers at different restaurants, the bun is often a big part of the rating process. There are a few things to consider when choosing which buns to use for your burgers. Here are our tips.

1. Get something sturdy. Burgers can be pretty hefty, so you’ll need something that can really hold it. Go for a sturdy crust, with structure and height. 

2. But something that’s soft, too. The bread should be sturdy enough to hold the burger, but still have a soft, fluffy inside. Trust us, all that fluff will soak up the meaty burger juices. 

3. Flavor is good. Whether you’re using an onion roll or sesame seed bun, a little added somethin’ somethin’ never hurts. Take those burgers up a notch with a hint of flavor in every bite.

4. Choose the right size. In our opinion, a bun should be big enough to hold an 8 oz. patty. When you go too small, you’re stuck with leftover burger that you might have to eat with a fork -- yikes! Go too big, and you’ve got leftover bread that gets tossed to the side. Depending on the size of the burgers you’re making, choose something to ensure your burger to bun ratio is just perfect.

5. Buy them fresh, and local, when possible. This should go without saying, but bread really is the best when fresh. If you’ve got a local bakery nearby, pick up some of their buns. That’s what we do!

And we’re sure you’re curious to know what we use in the restaurants. Here at Boston Burger Company, we use buns from Piantedosi Baking Company, a local Boston bakery. And yes, they fit all the above requirements for a bun that’s perfect for a burger!