
Soft on the inside, deeply bronzed and chewy on the outside, these pretzel buns deliver that signature bakery-style crust that makes every sandwich or burger feel like a serious upgrade. The secret is a two-part alkaline process — baking soda is toasted in the oven first to boost its alkalinity, then dissolved into a simmering bath that each bun gets dipped in before hitting the oven. That step is what creates the dark mahogany color, the slightly glossy chew, and that unmistakable pretzel tang you just can't fake with a simple egg wash alone. Every ingredient here is straightforward pantry staple territory — flour, butter, yeast, salt, and egg — so there's nothing hidden to second-guess, which is a genuine relief when you're navigating recipes that often sneak in unexpected add-ins. The coarse salt finish on top adds a satisfying crunch with every bite and makes these look as impressive as anything you'd pull from a specialty bakery case. They're sturdy enough to hold up to a loaded burger or a generous smear of mustard, but honestly good enough to eat warm and plain straight off the cooling rack.
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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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