The Fourth of July is here! That means fireworks and barbecue. I shared how to make hamburgers for a crowd but this year it’s just the two of us. That doesn’t mean we aren’t going to indulge in a traditional grilled burger. I wanted to do something a little special so played with a recipe and came up with these pretzel hamburger buns. They are perfect for sandwiches too.

Pretzel Hamburger Buns

Makes 12

1 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 TBS honey
1 pkg yeast
2 TBS unsalted butter
2 small cloves garlic, grated
3 cups + all purpose flour
1 cup bread flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup baking soda
coarse salt

Mix the milk, water, brown sugar and honey in a small saucepan and warm over medium heat until it reaches 105°.
Add to the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attached.
Sprinkle the yeast and let stand for about 10 minutes.
While the yeast is blooming melt the butter with the garlic in a small saucepan and gently cook for about minutes.Set aside
When the yeast is ready add the regular flour, the bread flour and the salt. Add the garlic butter.
Mix until combined then put on the dough hook and knead for about 7 minutes.
If you need to add a little flour do so, but this is a soft dough so be careful in how much you add.

Remove to a lightly oiled bowl, cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
Prepare two baking sheets – line with silicone mats or cover with parchment that you have sprayed with cooking spray.
After the dough has risen, punch down, cut in half. Cut each half in half and half again until you have 12 pieces. If you want even buns weigh the pieces so they are equal (about 3.5 oz each)

Shape into a ball, then flatten into a roll shape. Place on the prepared pans and let rise for about 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 425°
Add 8 cups of water to a large pot.
When it comes to a boil add the baking soda. It will bubble furiously so be sure your pot is large enough.
Boil the buns a few at a time for 30 seconds on each side.
Remove to the baking sheet and sprinkle with coarse salt.
Using a sharp knife cut two slits across the top of each bun.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 – 13 minutes rotating the pans halfway through baking.

Cool on a wire rack.

How Were They?

I will admit that I did taste test before I had one with a burger on it. It’s a mighty tasty little bun. It was delicious with the burger and held up well despite being a softer roll. I think these would also be amazing as a sandwich roll. They freeze beautifully and thaw in just a few minutes.

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