Pretzel Buns, Pretzel Rolls

A few months ago we took an amazing trip with my parents to Sedona; known as the most beautiful place in the United States. During our trip after a long day filled with spectacular sight seeing we stopped to eat at this fascinating restaurant; Cowboy Club.  It was 2 restaurants in one with 2 different menus.  Formal dining on one side and casual on the other.  Well if you know us, casual was right up our alley.  I got the taste for these Pretzel Buns during that visit!

We all ordered burgers off the menu, my Mom and I ordered 2 different burgers and shared.  We were pleasantly surprised to see the burgers were served on buns made out of pretzels.  They were incredible. I was determined to make these at home.

I have been working on this recipe, trying several variations, I started with a basic pretzel recipe and adapted it to make it more like a bun.  These Pretzel Buns are the best of both worlds.  It tastes like a pretzel, firm on the outside and pillowy on the inside.  These buns are absolutely delicious and so easy, made right in your food processor. You can use this same recipe and divide it into 16 - 2 1/2 ounce portions to make fabulous dinner rolls.  Make your favorite burger extraordinary with these buns.  They are great for sandwiches too or by themselves.

You are going to love them, we all do.  Enjoy!

Pretzel Buns
makes 8

2 ½ cups all purpose flour
2 cups bread flour
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 ½ cups hot water (125°F to 130°F)
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon butter (greasing bowl)
flour, for dusting
Cornmeal
8 cups water
1/4 cup baking soda
2 tablespoons sugar
1 egg, beaten to blend (glaze)
Coarse salt

Place  1½ cups water and 2 tablespoons butter in a heat safe bowl and microwave until hot (125°F to 130°F).  Set aside.

Combine flours, yeast, salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar in food processor and blend (using dough blade or regular blade). With machine running, gradually pour butter and hot water through feed tube, adding enough liquid to form smooth elastic dough. Process 1 minute to knead.

Grease a large bowl with butter. Add dough to bowl, turn to coat. Cover bowl with plastic wrap, then a towel; let dough rise in a warm draft-free area until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.

Prepare a baking sheet by covering with parchment paper.  Set aside.

Punch dough down and knead on lightly floured surface until smooth. Divide into 8 pieces. Form each dough piece into ball (about 5 ounces each). Place dough balls on prepared sheet, flattening each slightly. Using serrated knife, cut X in top center of each dough ball. Cover with towel and let dough balls rise until almost doubled in volume, about 1 hour.

Meanwhile:  Preheat oven to 375°F. Prepare another baking sheet by covering it in parchment and sprinkling it with cornmeal. Set aside. Prepare and set aside beaten egg.

Bring 8 cups water to boil in an 8 quart pot, . Add baking soda and 2 tablespoons sugar (water will foam up). Add 4 rolls and cook 30 seconds per side. Using slotted spoon, transfer rolls to prepared sheet, arranging X side up. Repeat with remaining rolls.

Brush rolls with beaten egg. Sprinkle rolls with coarse salt. Bake rolls until brown, about 25 minutes. Transfer to cooling rack and cool 10 minutes. Serve rolls warm or room temperature.

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