Description
Make homemade soft pretzel buns perfect for upgrading your burgers. These buns feature a classic dark crust and soft interior, offering the beloved pretzel flavor in a sandwich shape.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups warm water
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons table salt
- ¼ cup salted butter, melted
- ½ tablespoon vegetable oil
- 6 cups water (for soda bath)
- ½ cup baking soda (for soda bath)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt (for topping)
Instructions
- Stir the warm water, yeast, and sugar in a small bowl. Let stand 10 minutes until foamy.
- Combine the flour and table salt in a stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook.
- Pour the activated yeast mixture and melted butter into the flour. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms.
- Increase speed to medium-low. Knead for 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and springs back when pressed.
- Grease a large clean bowl with vegetable oil. Place the dough inside and turn it once to coat.
- Cover the bowl with a clean towel. Let rise in a warm spot for 60 minutes until doubled.
- Punch down the dough gently. Divide it into 8 equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a tight ball by tucking edges underneath and rolling on the counter with a cupped hand to create tension.
- Arrange the shaped buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let rest for 20 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Bring the 6 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot.
- Add the baking soda to the boiling water carefully.
- Boil the buns in batches for 30 seconds per side. Transfer them back to the baking sheet using a slotted spoon.
- Score an X into the top of each bun with a sharp knife. Sprinkle immediately with coarse sea salt.
- Bake for 20 to 22 minutes until the buns are a deep mahogany brown and fully set.
- Verify the internal temperature reaches 190°F.
Notes
- The baking soda bath creates the signature dark crust. Be careful when adding it to boiling water as it bubbles vigorously.
- Shaping the dough into tight balls creates the necessary tension for a good bun structure.
- The internal temperature check confirms the dough is cooked through.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American