Who are these formats for?

For making a selection of mini burgers

You want to keep track of how many bites you’re serving and vary the fillings to suit different tastes. Mini buns to fill yourself are ideal, but they do take time to prepare.

For less last-minute assembly

You’d rather serve ready-filled bites. Check that the recipe suits your guests: you have less choice than with buns you fill yourself.

For keeping ingredients in mind

You’ll need to check the ingredients in both the buns and the fillings. Read the allergen information and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the packaging of the product you buy.

What should you check first?

First decide whether you want a base to fill yourself or a ready-made bite, then make sure the size and ingredients suit your table.

What to consider What to check Who is it for?
Portions and serving The number of pieces and the pack weight. When I’m preparing several plates, I want to be able to count the bites without cutting up large rolls. Around 31% of consumers put ease of serving first.
Savoury fillings Whether the pack says ‘to fill’ or mentions serving as a party snack; check for pearl sugar, too. If I’m planning a range of savoury fillings, I’m looking for a mini bun rather than a sweet pastry. Around 25% of consumers prioritise being able to customise their bites.
Ingredients and allergens The ingredients list, allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the pack you buy. If any of my guests have allergies, I need to check the buns and each filling separately. This is the main concern for around 25% of consumers.
Quantity and storage The weight, number of bites, use-by date and storage instructions. To avoid leftovers, I match the amount I buy to the buffet I’m planning and the product’s date. Around 19% of consumers put getting the quantity right first.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Confusing sweet brioche with buns to fill

    Harrys Mini Tressée is topped with pearl sugar, so it isn’t designed for the same purpose as a mini burger bun made to hold a savoury filling.

    For mini burgers, look for buns to fill or mini party rolls, then check the ingredients.

  • Going by the number of pieces alone

    Packs listed by manufacturers and retailers don’t all weigh the same or contain the same number of bites. Counting the pieces without checking the weight could leave you with the wrong amount for your buffet.

    Compare both figures and choose an amount that works with the other dishes you’re serving.

  • Forgetting about allergens in the fillings

    Checking the buns alone isn’t enough when the bites have different fillings. Auchan and Brioche Pasquier product information lists allergens that vary from one product to another.

    Read the packaging for both the buns and fillings, and label the bites if you’re serving several different recipes.

  • Buying without checking the date and storage instructions

    You need to be able to store the product as directed until the day of your drinks party, including after opening if you won’t use the whole pack.

    Check the date and storage instructions on the packaging before you buy.

Brands to know

La Fournée Dorée

The brand describes its Mini Brioch’Burgers, sold in packs of 10, as buns to fill for a drinks party.

  • The format makes it easy to prepare individual bites with different fillings.
  • Check the ingredients, allergens and storage instructions on the pack you choose.

Auchan

Its product information lists 12 mini burger buns weighing 285 g, suitable for hot mini burgers or cold canapés.

  • The number of pieces helps you plan how to serve them.
  • The product information lists several allergens and possible traces. Check the packaging on the pack you buy.

Epi d’Or / E.Leclerc

The E.Leclerc range includes Epi d’Or mini brioche burgers in packs of 8, weighing 160 g.

  • The weight and number of pieces give you a clear idea of the pack size.
  • Check the packaging for the ingredients and allergens in the product you choose.

Brioche Pasquier

Its party range includes Toasts Apéro Brioché and P’tits Pains, worth considering if you’d prefer open canapés to closed mini burgers.

  • The toasts make a good base for open bites.
  • Brioche Pasquier lists wheat, milk and eggs among the ingredients in its Toasts Apéro Brioché, which may also come into contact with nuts and sesame.

Harrys

Harrys Mini Tressée is a small individual brioche topped with pearl sugar.

  • Its individual size makes it a good option for the sweet part of the buffet.
  • It isn’t a plain mini burger bun to fill for a savoury drinks party.

A selection of ready-filled bites on Joybuy

This product is a good choice if you’re looking for small, ready-filled savoury bites for a buffet-style drinks party. It won’t replace mini buns to fill yourself if you want to choose each recipe.

ERHARD brioche bites with ham and Emmental, pack of 9

ERHARD Mini Ham & Emmental Brioche Bites, x9, 115 g

A handy way to serve savoury bites without filling each bun yourself. The pack contains 9 ham and Emmental bites, weighing 115 g in total. As they come with one filling, you can’t vary the recipes. Check the cooking and storage instructions, along with the allergen information, on the packaging before serving.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How many mini bites should you allow per person?

It depends on the size of the bites and what else you’re serving. Carrefour Traiteur recommends 4 to 5 mini rolls per person for its party rolls. Don’t apply this figure directly to mini burgers or ready-filled bites.

Can you use sweet mini brioche for savoury mini burgers?

The result will be different from using a bun designed for a savoury drinks party. Harrys Mini Tressée contains pearl sugar, so if you’re looking for a base for a range of savoury fillings, try mini burger buns or mini rolls to fill instead.

What information should you compare on the packaging?

When choosing between two packs, check the number of pieces, net weight, ingredients, allergens and the date shown. The DGCCRF states that allergens must be emphasised in the ingredients list on pre-packed foods. Nutritional information per 100 g also makes it easier to compare products of different weights.

How should you store mini buns after opening?

Follow the instructions on the pack you buy. For its mini burger buns, Auchan recommends resealing the bag after opening. Also check the date shown and any storage instructions specific to your product.

Is an online product listing enough to check allergens?

No. Check the packaging on the pack you buy, including any ‘may contain’ warnings. If you’re preparing several fillings, check the ingredients in each one and label the bites when serving.