Whole Wheat Hamburger Buns (Copycat Chick Fil A Multigrain Bun)

Ingredients

• 4 1/2 cups warm water
• 4 Tbsp dry active yeast
• 1 Tbsp salt
• 1/4 cup instant mashed potatoes ((flakes))
• 3/4 cup honey
• 3/4 cup oil
• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 egg
• 10 1/2 cups whole wheat flour ((Wheat Montana Prairie Gold Brand) )
• 2 Tbsp flax seeds ((ground))
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats ((coarsely pulsed or use quick-oats) )
• 1/2 cup water ((poured into a spray bottle) )

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Directions: ---

2. 2

   In the bowl of the stand mixer whisk together the water and yeast. Add the salt, potato flakes, honey, oil, vinegar, egg, and 4 cups of flour. Whisk together and allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Then add the flax seeds and the remaining 6 1/2 cups of flour.

4. 4

   Knead for 3-4 minutes. If the dough is too sticky knead an additional 1/4 cup of flour by hand until a soft dough forms. Allow dough to rise until doubled.

5. 5

   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and evenly divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Cut each piece into 8 pieces and roll it into balls.

6. 6

   Spray the top of each ball and dip it into the crushed oats. Place balls on silicone-lined baking sheets and slightly flatten. Score the tops with two slits.

7. 7

   Allow buns to rise until tripled in size. Bake at 345°F for 10-15 minutes or until bottoms are golden brown. Do not overbake.