Soft Pretzel Buns with Parmesan Topping
Indulge in these Soft Pretzel Buns with a golden Parmesan topping, perfect for any occasion. Made with a rich, buttery dough and boiled to perfection for that signature pretzel texture, these buns are topped with coarse salt and Parmesan for a savory finish. Serve them warm and enjoy a soft, chewy bite with every taste!
Equipment
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 185 g Lukewarm Water
- 100 g Lukewarm Milk
- 25 g Fresh Yeast or 7g Dry Yeast
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 500 g All-Purpose Flour (type 550 or 650)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 60 g Melted Butter
For Boiling
- 2-3 liters Water
- 30 g Baking Soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
For Topping
- 1 pc Egg Yolk mixed with 3 tbsp milk or water
- Coarse Salt for Sprinkling
- Parmesan Cheese optional
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- Combine lukewarm water, milk, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture and melted butter.
- Knead the dough (by hand or with a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes.
First Rise:
- Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Shape the Pretzel Buns:
- Divide the dough into 9 equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a thin oval, 30–35 cm (12–14 inches) long.
- Shape the dough diagonally into a roll, overlapping and sealing the ends tightly.
Second Rise:
- Place the shaped buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them with a cloth or plastic wrap and let them rise for 25–30 minutes, until noticeably puffed.
- Boil the Buns:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bring 2–3 liters of water to a boil. Add baking soda and salt.
- Gently boil each bun for 30 seconds on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon and place back on the baking sheet.
Add Finishing Touches:
- Brush each bun with the egg yolk and milk mixture.
- Sprinkle with coarse salt or Parmesan cheese, as desired.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the buns to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
