WHAT GOES WELL ON A PRETZEL BUN RECIPES

Steps:

• Sprinkle the yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar over 1/2 cup of warm water in a small bowl. The water should be no more than 100 degrees F (40 degrees C). Let stand for 5 minutes until the yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam.
• Add milk, shortening, eggs, oil, 3 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Blend with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Mix in remaining 3 cups of flour by hand, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a floured surface, and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. The dough will be sticky.
• Lightly oil a large bowl, then place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a light cloth and let rise in a warm place (80 to 95 degrees F (27 to 35 degrees C)) until doubled in volume, about 1 hour. Uncover the dough and punch it down.
• Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Pull off baseball size portions of dough and roll into "snakes" about 6 inches long. Roll each "snake" into a spiral to give the tops some texture. Set each formed bun aside.
• Mix the baking soda and 4 cups hot water in a bowl. The baking soda does not need to dissolve completely. Dip each bun in the baking soda solution before placing on a baking sheet. Brush each bun with melted butter and sprinkle with sea salt. Bake in the preheated oven until brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool on a wire rack or brown paper bag.

Steps:

• Spray baking sheet with no-stick cooking spray. Place rolls onto sheet; cover lightly with plastic food wrap. Let rise at room temperature 1 1/2-2 hours or until completely thawed and rolls feel soft.
• Divide cheese cubes evenly among centers of rolls. Seal dough around cheese, pinching edges tightly. Place onto baking sheet; let rest 15 minutes.
• Heat oven to 425°F. Line another baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
• Place water into large saucepan; bring to boil over high heat. Carefully add baking soda and sugar. (Water will bubble up, then return to a gentle boil.) Drop 4 rolls into gently boiling water; cook, turning once, about 30 seconds per side or until surface of dough has lightly bubbled appearance. Remove with slotted spoon; place onto parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining rolls.
• Brush each roll with beaten egg; sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake 14-16 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 3 minutes. Serve warm.