Kitchn Love Letters

These Trader Joe’s Buns Are the Only Ones I Use for Burgers — And More

published Aug 2, 2022
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Credit: Lauren Masur

Do me a favor and imagine your dream hamburger. Is it that wax paper-wrapped crispy-edged burger still warm from the drive-thru, sesame seeds spilling onto your lap? Your dad’s slightly burnt-but-made-with-love patty, each bite getting a bit of ketchup on your nose? (Okay, so maybe you’re a much tidier eater than I am.)

Regardless of your favorite burger, it’s time to kindly set aside those sesame buns you’re imagining and pick up a pack of Trader Joe’s Brioche Buns the next time you’re on grill duty.

Credit: Mackenzie Filson

What’s So Great About Trader Joe’s Brioche Buns?

If you ask me, we’re way too content with buns just being the vehicle for a juicy burger. The Trader Joe’s Brioche Buns more than earn their time in the spotlight. Buttery and fluffy with a lush eggy sheen, these buns make any burger look like a pristine Krabby Patty. They’ll elevate your burger to a full-on event.

What’s the Best Way to Use Trader Joe’s Brichoe Buns?

At home, I’ve kept my burger toppings simple as of late, with just a few Grillo’s pickle chips and a mix of mayonnaise and Trader Joe’s Truffle Ketchup. The slight sweetness of the brioche combined with the subtle fruitiness from the truffle ketchup more than proves these buns are leagues ahead of all others. I’m already excited for what to make with my next pack of brioche buns. When I close my eyes and imagine my next dream burger, it’s one of these brioche buns topped rodeo-style with sweet BBQ sauce, crispy golden onion rings, and a Kraft Singles slice (a Wyoming rodeo would 100% go with Kraft).

Credit: Mackenzie Filson


If you’re like me — always trying to create new meals out of four- and eight-packs of ingredients — these brioche buns can also be called on for dessert duty. My new favorite use for extra hamburger buns? Toasting the buns and sandwiching them with a scoop of pistachio gelato.

A classic Sicilian breakfast, gelato con brioche seriously brightens up a regular Tuesday morning whether you’re on a sunny Italian island or not. Toasting the brioche buns before adding your gelato not only adds a bit of nuttiness, but also helps the buns not get too soggy as the gelato melts. Personally, I’ve never taken that long to finish a gelato con brioche (or a burger), but you do you.

Find it in stores: Trader Joe’s Brioche Buns, $3.99 for 9.45 ounces (4 buns)

Have you tried these buttery brioche buns from Trader Joe’s? Tell us about it in the comments below!