Makes 16 sliders, 8 burger or hot dog buns, or a dozen breadsticks.
Note: This recipe is adapted from allrecipes.com. For an even chewier roll, substitute bread flour for all-purpose flour. Instant yeast also is called rapid-rise or bread machine yeast.
• 1/2 c. water
• 1/2 c. milk
• 2 tbsp. butter, softened
• 3 c. flour
• 2 tbsp. brown sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp. (1 env.) instant yeast
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1 egg, separated
• Cooking spray
• Cornmeal for pan
• 3/4 c. baking soda
• Coarse kosher salt for sprinkling
Directions
Combine 1/2 cup water, milk and butter in a microwave-safe container and heat for about 45 seconds to melt the butter and warm the milk. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, yeast, salt and egg yolk. Slowly begin adding milk mixture and mix until dough comes together in a shaggy mass. If it seems too dry, add a teaspoon of water. Mix or knead until the dough is smooth and springy, about 5 minutes.
In a bowl coated with cooking spray, place the dough, flipping it over so the top is oiled, too. Cover with plastic wrap and set in a warm place to rise until doubled, about an hour.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Turn out risen dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide into equal pieces, depending on the shape you desire. To make a tight bun shape, balance the dough on your middle finger and pull the sides down and under, pinching to make a smooth ball. Place each shaped piece of dough on a baking sheet. Once all are shaped, cover with a clean dish towel and set aside to rest.
Spray another baking sheet with cooking spray, then sprinkle with cornmeal. (The poached dough can stick to a baking sheet, so using both oil and cornmeal matters. Don't use parchment paper; if you have a Silpat, life is good.)
While the dough is resting, begin heating about 12 cups of water in a large pot. When it comes to a gentle boil, slowly add the baking soda. It will foam and bubble vigorously.
Add the rested pieces of dough to the simmering water, poaching them for 30 seconds, then flipping them over for another 30 seconds. You may need to do this in two batches.
With a slotted spoon or spatula, lift and place poached buns on the prepared baking sheet. Froth egg white with a fork, then brush each bun with egg white. Using a box cutter or sharp knife, make 2 to 4 slits across the top of each bun, about 1/4-inch deep. Sprinkle with salt, then bake for 20 minutes until deep brown.
Cool on wire rack. Pretzel buns are best eaten the same day they're baked. If you need to freeze them, or bag them for the next day, omit the salt sprinkle.
Nutrition information per serving:
Calories121Fat2 gSodium316 mg
Carbohydrates22 gSaturated fat1 gCalcium17 mg
Protein3 gCholesterol16 mgDietary fiber1 g
Diabetic exchanges per serving: 1½ bread/starch, ½ fat.
