
Soft on the inside, deeply bronzed and chewy on the outside, these homemade pretzel buns deliver that signature bakery-style crust you usually only find at specialty shops. The secret is a baked baking soda boiling bath — heating the baking soda before dissolving it in water raises its alkalinity significantly, which is what creates that distinctive dark color, slight tang, and satisfying chew. Every ingredient here is straightforward pantry staple territory: flour, yeast, butter, egg, and salt, with zero flavor enhancers or additives hiding in the mix. That makes this recipe a genuinely clean option for anyone avoiding processed seasonings or packaged bread products that often sneak in unwanted additives. The egg wash and coarse salt finish give each bun a glossy, crackly top that looks seriously impressive straight out of the oven. They're sturdy enough to hold up to a juicy burger or a generous smear of mustard, but honestly just as good torn apart warm on their own.
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Learn more →8 servings









Spread the baking soda in a thin layer on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 250°F (120°C) for 1 hour, then let cool completely. Baked baking soda is significantly more alkaline than raw baking soda and produces a deeper pretzel crust and flavor. Store any unused portion in an airtight container.
Combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer and let stand for 5 minutes, until foamy and fragrant.
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