Add 100g warm water, yeast, sugar, egg yolk, melted butter, mashed potatoes (I press mine through a potato ricer to eliminate lumps), dough conditioner, flour, and 6g of salt to a stand mixer with dough hook attachment and mix on medium speed for about 8 minutes. When the dough has formed a smooth mass that is clearing the sides of the bowl, it's ready.
Transfer the dough into a bowl and round it into a ball by rounding and tucking it up under itself to create tension across the top as shown in the video @0:54.
Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and ferment for 90 minutes in a warm environment. To create that "warm environment" I turn my oven on at 350F/175C for about 2 minutes, then turn off the heat, creating a nice warm 90F/32C box where the dough can ferment.
After 90 minutes, the size of the dough should have about doubled. If it hasn't yet doubled, continue to ferment for a bit longer.
Divide dough into 6 equal pieces that are about 100g each. Degas each piece with your fingertips and shape into balls, using your fingertips and palms while rolling against your work surface to create tension across the top of the balls as shown in the video @1:24.
Place shaped balls onto a parchment lined sheet tray. Cover the tray and proof again at 90F/32C for 45-60 minutes. The individual buns should have doubled in size (if not, keep proofing until they have).
Brush each bun with egg wash and top with a spoonful of the cooled caramelized onions (recipe below), spread as evenly as possible over the top of the bun. Follow the onions with a pinch of poppy seeds and flaky salt.
Bake at 400F/205C for 15-17 min until golden brown, but still soft.