Pretzel Bun

 Makes any burger, chicken sandwich or sloppy joes so much better.

 

PRETZEL BUNS

(makes 6)

Pretzel Ingredients:

*1 cup warm milk

*1/8 teaspoon granulated sugar

*1 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast

*2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

*1 teaspoon salt

*2 tablespoons butter, softened

*1/8-1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Topping Ingredients:

*1 egg 

*Kosher salt  (optional)

*melted butter

Water Bath Ingredients:

4 1/2 cups water

*3 tablespoons baking soda

Pretzel Directions:

~In a small bowl, whisk 1 cup warm milk, 1/8 teaspoon granulated sugar, and 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast together.

~Allow to sit for 10 minutes to proof (foam up)

~In a large mixing bowl, stir 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt together.

~Stir in yeast mixture until flour is no longer visible.

~Add in 2 tablespoons softened butter.

~Add in 1/8-1/4 all-purpose flour if dough is sticky.

~Knead for 5-6 minutes.

~Place into a greased bowl and allow to rise until double (2-3 hours).

~Cut dough into 6 equal pieces.

~Roll each piece in a firm ball (or oblong for hot dogs).

~Place dough onto a lightly floured surface.

~Cover with a damp towel and allow to rise until double (about 30 minutes).

Water Bath Directions:

~Pour 4 cups water into a large skillet.

~Stir in 3 tablespoons baking powder until dissolved.

~Bring to a light simmer.

~Gently place 2 or 3 dough balls into simmer water.

~Cook for about 30 seconds on each side.

~Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a cooling rack.

~Allow to cool completely.

Topping & Baking Directions:

~Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

~Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone liner. 

~Gently cut an "X" into the top of each bun.

~In a small bowl, whisk 1 large egg.

~Using a pastry brush, brush egg over top and sides of bun.

~Transfer buns onto prepared cookie sheet.

~Sprinkle wth kosher salt (optional).

~Bale for 12-15 minutes or until tops a a medium golden brown.

~Brushed tops with melted butter.

~Allow to cool, before  slicing open.