The Best Cheddar Bacon Stuffed Pretzel Buns Recipe Ever Made

Crispy, golden pretzel buns bursting with cheddar bacon promise a delightful twist on classic comfort food.

My latest kitchen experiment combines soft, pillowy dough with smoky, melted cheese and crisp bacon bits.

Imagine sinking your teeth into these warm, savory parcels that blend traditional German bakery techniques with bold American flavors.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of salty, rich ingredients nestled inside a perfectly bronzed pretzel exterior.

Weekend brunch or game day snacking reaches new heights with these irresistible handheld treats.

Home cooks can easily master this recipe that looks impressive but comes together with surprising simplicity.

Why Cheddar Bacon Stuffed Pretzel Buns Are A Must-Try

• Tackle Savory Complexity: Elevate your baking skills with a recipe that combines multiple flavor layers of cheese, bacon, and pretzel-style bread in one delightful package.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for game day gatherings, potlucks, or family meals where everyone craves something hearty and satisfying that disappears quickly from the serving plate.
• Quick Kitchen Adventure: Prepare these stuffed buns without needing advanced culinary expertise, making them accessible for home cooks of all skill levels who want to impress with minimal effort.
• Customize Your Creation: Experiment with different cheese types, swap bacon for alternative fillings, or adjust herb combinations to match your personal taste preferences and pantry ingredients.

Ingredients For Cheddar Bacon Stuffed Pretzel Buns

• Flour: The primary base for creating the soft, chewy pretzel bun dough.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps activate the yeast for proper dough development.
• Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise and creating a light, airy texture.

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds rich, sharp flavor and creamy texture to the stuffed buns.
• Bacon: Brings a smoky, savory element that complements the cheese and bread.

• Salt, Coarse Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and provides a classic pretzel-style topping.
• Butter, Garlic, Paprika, Herbs: Create a flavorful butter mixture for brushing the baked buns.
• Baking Soda: Helps give the pretzel buns their signature golden-brown exterior and distinctive flavor.
• Sugar: Provides food for the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to the dough.

Step-By-Step Guide To Making Cheddar Bacon Pretzel Buns

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Warm milk to a comfortable temperature that won’t harm the yeast.

Sprinkle yeast into the warm milk and let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes slightly foamy.

Add softened butter and sugar, mixing gently.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Gradually incorporate flour and fine salt into the yeast mixture.

Knead the dough thoroughly using a stand mixer or by hand for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Cover the dough with a damp cloth and place in a warm, moist location.

Allow it to rise for one hour or until it doubles in size.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400°F.

Step 4: Create Stuffed Bun Pockets

Divide the dough into 12 equal portions.

Flatten each piece into a wide disk.

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crispy bacon bits

Pinch the edges tightly to seal the filling inside, forming round buns.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Soda Bath

Mix warm water with baking soda in a bowl.

Dip each bun into the solution, which helps create the classic pretzel exterior.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Place buns on a greased baking sheet.

Sprinkle with coarse salt.

Use a serrated knife to make a small slit on top of each bun.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the buns turn a beautiful golden brown.

If needed, use two baking sheets to prevent overcrowding.

Step 8: Create Herb Butter

• Melted butter
• Minced garlic
• Paprika
• Optional herbs

Microwave until butter is completely melted.

Step 9: Final Touch

Brush the freshly baked buns with the herb butter immediately after removing from the oven.

Serve while warm for maximum enjoyment.

Tips For Perfecting Your Cheddar Bacon Pretzel Buns

• Ensure the dough is smooth and elastic by kneading thoroughly, either using a stand mixer or by hand for about 10 minutes.
• Check milk warmth carefully – it should be around 110º, warm enough to activate yeast but not hot enough to kill it.
• Pinch the dough edges firmly when stuffing to prevent cheese and bacon from leaking during baking.
• Dunk each roll in the warm water and baking soda mixture to achieve that classic pretzel-like golden brown exterior and chewy texture.
• Customize the melted butter topping with garlic, paprika, and herbs for an extra flavor boost right after baking.

Creative Twists On Cheddar Bacon Pretzel Buns

• Gluten-Free Pretzel Buns: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend using almond or rice flour, ensuring the same soft texture while accommodating wheat-sensitive diets.
• Vegetarian Cheese Version: Swap bacon for sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions, maintaining the savory filling while creating a meat-free alternative.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese substitutes like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds, paired with plant-based margarine for brushing to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Create miniature buns using cauliflower-based dough and reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the cheesy, bacon-inspired flavor profile intact.

Best Ways To Enjoy Cheddar Bacon Pretzel Buns

• Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Slice these pretzel buns in half and serve as delightful appetizers at game day gatherings or casual get-togethers.
• Gourmet Brunch Companion: Pair these cheesy bacon-stuffed rolls with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and a mimosa for an indulgent weekend breakfast spread.
• Dipping Delight: Whip up a quick honey mustard, ranch, or beer cheese sauce on the side for an extra layer of flavor that complements the rich bacon and cheddar filling.
• Picnic Perfect Snack: Pack these portable rolls in a cooler for outdoor adventures, beach trips, or hiking excursions as a satisfying and hearty midday treat.

Keeping Cheddar Bacon Pretzel Buns Fresh And Tasty

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each pretzel bun individually in plastic wrap before placing in the container to maintain moisture.
• Place cooled pretzel buns in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Wrap buns in aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through. Unwrap and brush with garlic butter for extra flavor.
• Wrap each bun in a damp paper towel. Microwave for 20-30 seconds. Check temperature and add 10-second intervals if needed.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the pretzel buns special?

The key ingredients are cheddar cheese, bacon, and a special baking soda water bath that gives these buns their signature pretzel-like exterior and golden brown crust.

• How difficult is this recipe to make?

This recipe is moderately challenging and requires some baking skills like kneading dough, working with yeast, and shaping stuffed rolls. Beginners with some basic baking experience can successfully make these buns.

• Can I substitute the ingredients?

You can swap cheddar with other melting cheeses like monterey jack or gouda. For bacon, turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon bits work as alternatives. Always use similar fat content ingredients for best results.

Cheddar Bacon Stuffed Pretzel Buns Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Cheddar bacon stuffed pretzel buns combine savory flavors in a hearty handheld delight. Crispy bacon and melted cheese nestled inside golden-brown pretzels create an irresistible snack perfect for any gathering or casual meal.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cup crumbled bacon

Liquid and Leavening Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 tablespoons (2 packets) active dry yeast
• 6 tablespoons brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons butter (melted)

Seasoning and Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons fine salt
• 1/3 cup baking soda
• 2 cups warm water
• Coarse salt
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Chopped fresh herbs (oregano and parsley)

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Instructions

1. Gently heat milk to approximately 110º, ensuring it’s warm but not scalding – test by dipping a finger comfortably.
2. Activate yeast by stirring into warm milk and letting it rest for 3 minutes. Incorporate softened butter and sugar, then gradually mix in flour and fine salt.
3. Knead the dough thoroughly for 10 minutes using a stand mixer or hand technique until smooth and elastic.
4. Allow dough to rise in a warm, humid environment for 1 hour, expanding to double its original size.
5. Preheat oven to 400º while preparing filling stations for cheese and bacon.
6. Divide dough into 12 equal portions, flattening each into a 3-inch disk.
7. Strategically place cheese and bacon in the center of each disk, carefully pinching edges to create sealed, compact balls.
8. Prepare baking soda bath by mixing warm water, then quickly dip each pretzel ball to enhance browning potential.
9. Arrange dough balls on greased baking sheet, sprinkle with coarse salt, and create a small surface cut using a serrated knife.
10. Bake for approximately 15 minutes until golden brown and perfectly crisp.
11. Quickly prepare herb-infused butter by microwaving butter with garlic and paprika until melted.
12. Immediately brush freshly baked pretzel buns with seasoned butter upon removal from oven.
13. Serve warm for optimal flavor and texture enjoyment.

Notes

• Test milk temperature carefully to activate yeast without killing it, ensuring warmth around 110º where you can comfortably keep your finger.
• Knead dough thoroughly for at least 10 minutes to develop gluten and create soft, elastic texture that helps rolls rise perfectly.
• Use freshly cooked bacon for maximum flavor and crispness, crumbling it finely to distribute evenly inside the pretzel bun.
• Create tight seal when stuffing buns to prevent cheese and bacon from leaking during baking, using pinching technique to close completely.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 13 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 242 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg