This is one simple recipe I’m labeling as a “must-try”. As a vegan, I usually cannot order pretzels anywhere. Baseball games, movies, restaurants …. you name it. Most pretzels are made with milk and butter. But not these ones! A few simple ingredients and viola! You’ll have pretzel bus in no time. And trust me, once you make these once, you’ll make them a hundred times.

The difference between pretzel buns & regular buns

The differences is in the water!

Water:

Pretzel buns: Similar to regular buns in basic ingredients, but water is only used when boiling the dough. It’s not used in the dough ingredients itself. The boiling water combined with baking soda and sugar is what gives pretzel buns their distinct sweet taste.
Regular buns: Water is typically used in the dough and does not call for boiling before baking.

Here are a few other differences:

Surface treatment:

Pretzel buns: This is where they truly stand out. Before baking, pretzel buns get dipped in:
- Baking soda bath: Boiling water, baking soda, and sugar result a browning effect and a sweeter tasting dough before baking.
Regular buns: Typically brushed with egg wash or milk to give them a smooth, golden brown crust.

Taste and texture:

Pretzel buns: Have a distinctive salty, chewy crust with a softer, airy interior. The baking soda bath creates a unique sweet flavor.
Regular buns: Can vary depending on the type, but generally have a softer milder flavor with a fluffier texture compared to pretzel buns.

Other dishes that pair great with pretzel buns:

Vegan pretzel buns offer amazing versatility, going beyond just burgers and dipping! Here are some delicious ideas for filling, topping, or accompanying them:

Savory Sandwiches and Burgers:

Classic Vegan Burgers: Grilled portobello mushrooms, lentil patties, black bean burgers, or chickpea patties all pair wonderfully with the salty, chewy goodness of pretzel buns. Add vegan mayo, lettuce, tomato, avocado, and your favorite pickles for a satisfying meal.
Pulled “Pork” Sandwiches: Jackfruit or oyster mushrooms can be shredded and seasoned to create a convincing vegan pulled “pork” filling. Pile it high on pretzel buns with BBQ sauce and coleslaw for a messy, satisfying treat.
Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup: The slight tang of pretzel buns complements creamy vegan cheese and tangy tomato soup for a comforting classic.
Falafel Pitas: Swap pita bread for pretzel buns to add a unique twist to falafel pitas. Stuff them with crispy falafel balls, hummus, pickled vegetables, and tahini sauce for a flavorful and filling lunch.

Salads and Bowls:

Pretzel Croutons: Cube leftover buns and toast them with olive oil and herbs to create addictive vegan croutons for salads and grain bowls.
Salad Boats: Hollow out the buns and fill them with a colorful quinoa or lentil salad topped with roasted vegetables and a vinaigrette dressing.

Snacks and Appetizers:

Mini Pretzel Pizzas: Cut buns into smaller rounds, spread with vegan tomato sauce, sprinkle with your favorite toppings (vegan cheese, olives, peppers, mushrooms), and bake for a fun and shareable snack.
Pretzel Dogs: Use pretzel buns for a gourmet twist on vegan hot dogs. Fill them with your favorite vegan sausages, top with sauerkraut, mustard, and relish.
Nachos: Break buns into bite-sized pieces, layer them with vegan nacho cheese, beans, salsa, guacamole, and other toppings for a satisfying appetizer.

Sweet Treats:

French Toast: Dip pretzel bun slices in a vegan egg wash and cinnamon mixture, then pan-fry for a sweet and savory French toast twist. Top with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dollop of vegan whipped cream.
Ice Cream Sandwiches: Slice buns open and fill them with your favorite vegan ice cream for a decadent and unexpected dessert.
Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Twists: Brush bun halves with melted vegan butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Bake until golden brown for a sweet and salty treat.

These are just a few ideas to get you started! The possibilities are endless with vegan pretzel buns, so get creative and enjoy their unique flavor and texture in your favorite dishes.

How to make vegan pretzel buns

Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the yeast with lukewarm water and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy and activated.
Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the melted vegan butter and yeast mixture, then mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if needed to prevent sticking.
First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the buns: Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 12 inches long. Shape the ropes into pretzels by crossing the ends over each other, then bringing them down and tucking them under the bottom curve.
Pretzel bath: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large pot, bring the water and baking soda to a boil. Carefully dip each pretzel into the boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer them back to the baking sheet.
Topping and baking: Sprinkle the pretzels with coarse sea salt. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Enjoy! Let the buns cool slightly before serving. They’re delicious on their own or with your favorite vegan toppings like mustard, hummus, or vegan cheese.

Tips:

You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough.
To make whole wheat buns, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
For a chewier texture, let the dough rise for an additional 30 minutes after shaping.
You can brush the cooled buns with melted vegan butter for a richer flavor.
Get creative with toppings! Try everything from sliced avocado and tomato to vegan deli slices and sauerkraut.

With a little love and these simple steps, you’ll be enjoying homemade vegan pretzel buns that are soft, chewy, and perfectly salty. Happy baking!