These chewy buns are great for sandwiches that tend to be saucier or juicier, as the crumb has a fantastic, durable pretzel texture. Shape them into buns big or small, or elongated to fit sausages. Modified from a King Arthur Flour recipe.
Course: Bread, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: yeast bread
Author: Beth Cato
Equipment
large pot
slotted spoon
Ingredients
Dough
1 3/4cupswarm water
2Tablespoonsunsalted buttersoftened
3/4teaspoonsalt
4 1/2cupsall-purpose flour or bread flour
1/4cupnonfat dry milk
2teaspoonsinstant yeast
Topping
pretzel salt or substitute kosher salt
Water Bath
2quartswater
1Tablespoonsalt
1/4cupbaking soda
Instructions
Mix and knead the dough ingredients by hand, mixer, or bread machine to make a smooth, slightly sticky dough. If making by hand or mixer, allow the dough to rise in a lightly greased bowl, covered, for about 1 hour, until doubled. In a bread machine, let the full dough cycle run through.
Gently deflate the dough, and transfer it to a lightly floured work surface. Shape the dough as necessary. This can mean weighing the dough then dividing it into portions, or using a biscuit cutter or other shaper to slice. Note that if the dough is being cut, keep it thick, as it won't double on the second rise. Recipe can make about 5 to 6 big sandwich rolls. Roll dough with hands with smooth out the shape.
Place the balls on a lightly greased baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and let rest for 15 minutes.
While dough rests, preheat the oven to 400-degrees and prepare the water bath for the stovetop. In a large pot, bring the water, salt, and baking soda to a boil.
Use a slotted spoon to gently lower several dough balls at a time into the water bath. Cook for 30 seconds, flip over, and cook for 30 seconds longer. Using the slotted spoon, return the buns to the baking sheet.
Use scissor or a sharp knife to cut half-inch deep crosses into the center of each bun. Sprinkle with coarse salt.
Bake buns for 20 to 24 minutes (or a lower time, if they are shaped smaller). They should be nicely brown all over. Transfer to a rack to cool.
Buns will keep well in a sealed bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. The bread is great at room temperature or warmed in an oven or toaster oven. The rolls can be frozen, but note that the top can sog slightly when they are thawed, which isn't a problem if the rolls are heated/toasted to be eaten.