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–+ servings
Loaded Bacon Fries

Loaded Bacon Fries

Upgrade your burgers with homemade pretzel buns. This easy recipe yields chewy, salty, golden buns perfect for Loaded Bacon Fries. Your cookout star.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 8 pieces
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast or (1 packet)
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ⅓ cup baking soda for boiling water bath
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten for egg wash
  • Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt for sprinkling

Equipment

  • Stand mixer with dough hook
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Large saucepan or Dutch oven
  • Slotted spoon or spider strainer
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a stand mixer's bowl and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture and mix on low speed until a dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth, adding flour if too sticky.
  4. Grease a bowl and place the dough inside, covering it with plastic wrap to rise for about 1 hour.
  5. Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces, shaping each into a ball.
  6. Boil 2 quarts of water and add baking soda, poaching the dough balls two at a time for 30 seconds each side.
  7. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and arrange the poached buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. Brush each bun with egg wash, sprinkle with salt, and score a shallow 'X' on top.
  9. Bake for 15-20 minutes until deep golden brown.

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gCalcium: 1mgIron: 6mg

Notes

Measure your flour correctly to avoid dense buns. Don't skip the egg wash for a beautiful finish. Score the tops to control how the bun expands while baking. For variations, try adding garlic powder or using whole wheat flour for extra fiber. Enjoy experimenting with toppings!
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