These Sourdough Discard Pretzel Buns are fluffy, golden, and fun to make! They use leftover sourdough starter, giving them a yummy flavor that’s hard to resist.
I love how easy they are to shape and bake! Just twist them into a pretzel shape, boil them quickly, then bake for a delicious snack. Trust me, they won’t last long!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Discard: This is the star of the recipe! Unfed sourdough starter adds a unique flavor and texture. Don’t have any? You can use a simple mixture of buttermilk or yogurt with a bit of flour to achieve a tangy flavor.
Active Dry Yeast: This helps the dough rise. If you’re out of yeast, try using instant yeast instead; just mix it directly into the flour. You could also use a sponge made from flour, water, and a bit of sugar to activate if you’re inclined to experiment!
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the buns. For a healthier option, substitute with honey or maple syrup. Just reduce the liquid in your mix slightly to maintain the proper dough consistency.
All-Purpose Flour: This provides structure. If you want a nuttier flavor, consider whole wheat flour or a 50/50 mix of all-purpose and whole wheat. Just remember, the dough might need a bit more water.
Baking Soda: Used for boiling the buns, giving them that pretzel flavor. There isn’t a great substitute, but if you’re out completely, you might skip this step and still enjoy yummy buns, just without that classic pretzel crust.
How Do I Knead Dough Properly?
Kneading is a vital step to develop gluten, making your buns chewy and delicious. To knead correctly, follow these steps:
- Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking.
- Flatten the dough slightly, then fold it in half toward you.
- Using the heel of your hand, push the dough away from you, then fold it back again.
- Repeat this for about 8-10 minutes: the dough should become smooth and springy!
- If you’re using a stand mixer, let the dough knead on medium speed for around 6-8 minutes instead.
A good tip is to check for the windowpane effect: stretch a small piece of dough; it should thin out without breaking. If it tears, keep kneading a bit longer.
How to Make Sourdough Discard Pretzel Buns
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed starter)
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
For Boiling:
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup baking soda
For Topping and Garnish:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt, for topping
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20-30 minutes of active prep time. Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours for the dough to rise and 15-20 minutes for baking. All in all, you’ll be enjoying your delicious pretzel buns in about 2 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate Yeast:
In a small bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar together. Stir it lightly and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks frothy and bubbly on top!
2. Make Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your sourdough discard, the yeast mixture, flour, and salt. Mix everything together until a rough dough begins to form. Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy; that’s normal!
3. Knead Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. If you prefer, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead it for about 6-8 minutes instead.
4. First Rise:
Once your dough is kneaded, place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it’s doubled in size. Patience is key, and the wait will be worth it!
5. Shape Buns:
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth round bun and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Prepare Boiling Solution:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil. This boiling step is what gives the buns that classic pretzel flavor!
7. Boil Buns:
Using a slotted spatula, carefully lower 2-3 buns at a time into the boiling water. Boil them for 30 seconds on each side. After boiling, remove them and place them back onto the baking sheet.
8. Score and Brush:
With a sharp knife, make a nice “X” score on the top of each bun. Then, brush each one with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sea salt and/or sesame seeds if you like a little extra flavor!
9. Bake:
Bake your buns in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are deep golden brown with a beautiful glossy crust. Just imagine that smell wafting through your kitchen!
10. Cool:
Once baked, take them out of the oven and let your pretzel buns cool on a wire rack. Wait a few minutes before slicing or serving. They’re fantastic fresh, or you can store them for later!
Enjoy these delicious sourdough discard pretzel buns as a delightful treat! They’re perfect for sandwiches or just with a little butter. The added tang from the sourdough makes them a standout treat that everyone will love!
Can I Use Store-Bought Sourdough Starter Instead of Discard?
Yes! Freshly maintained sourdough starter will work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure it’s at room temperature to ensure proper mixing and activation.
What if My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, it might be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh! You can test it by combining it with warm water and sugar before adding it to the dough. It should become frothy within 5-10 minutes. If it doesn’t, your yeast may be expired.
How Can I Store Leftover Pretzel Buns?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to keep longer, freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for best results!
Can I Add Other Flavors or Toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or even cheese on top before baking. For a sweet twist, sprinkle cinnamon sugar instead of salt. The options are endless!
