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