It’s almost Memorial Day Weekend and I am looking forward to kicking off summer!

When it comes to summer BBQs, Memorial Day sets the stage for a season filled with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and fun gatherings. One star that can steal the show at your BBQ are some homemade pretzel slider buns. These buns are not only easy to make, but they also bring a touch of gourmet flair to your meal. Perfectly soft with a chewy texture and a golden brown exterior, they are the ideal vessel for all your favorite slider toppings, especially brisket. I’m also sharing my quick and easy Brisket Pretzel Bun Slider recipe below, complete with horseradish aioli (if that’s your thing, it’s definitely mine!). Let’s dive into why these buns are a must-have for your next BBQ and how to make them perfect every time.

Why make your own Pretzel Slider Buns when you can just buy them at the store?

• Flavor: Homemade pretzel buns have a richer, more authentic pretzel flavor. The process of boiling the buns in a baking soda solution before baking gives them that signature taste and texture that is often lacking in store-bought versions.
• Freshness: There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh-baked bread. Homemade buns are free from preservatives and other additives, ensuring a fresh and wholesome product.
• Size and Shape: Customize the size and shape of your buns to perfectly fit your sliders. Whether you prefer mini sliders or larger ones, homemade buns can be tailored to your exact specifications.
• Freshness: There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh-baked bread. Homemade Pretzel Slider Buns are free from preservatives and other additives, ensuring a fresh and wholesome product.
• Achievement: There’s a great sense of accomplishment in baking your own bread. The process, from kneading the dough to pulling the golden buns out of the oven, is incredibly rewarding.
• Family Involvement: Making pretzel buns can be a fun and engaging activity for the whole family. Get kids involved in shaping the dough or sprinkling on the coarse salt.
• Creative Process: Baking at home allows you to experiment with different flavors and toppings. Try adding herbs, spices, or cheese to the dough for a unique twist.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Pretzel Slider Buns

1. Proper Dough Preparation

Start with a well-prepared dough. Ensure you knead it until it’s smooth and elastic. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5-7 minutes with a stand mixer. Proper kneading ensures the right texture and structure for your buns.

2. Proofing

Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free environment. This usually takes about an hour or until it doubles in size. Proper proofing helps achieve a soft interior.

3. Shaping the Buns

Divide the dough into equal portions and shape them into smooth balls. Ensure the surface is taut by tucking the edges underneath. This helps achieve a uniform shape and an even bake. You can also cup the dough and drag it along the surface of your countertop to stretch the dough tighter. Don’t over do it though. If the dough starts to look torn, you’ve gone to far!

4. Baking Soda Bath

Boil the shaped buns in a baking soda solution before baking. This step is crucial for achieving the characteristic pretzel crust and flavor! Typically, you’ll boil each bun for about 30 seconds per side.

5. Baking

Preheat your oven and bake the buns until they are golden brown. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes at 425°F (200°C). Ensure even baking by rotating the baking sheet halfway through the bake.

Don’t worry I haven’t forgotten about the Brisket Pretzel Bun Slider recipe either!

I’m sharing that below as well so if you want to make these deliciously stacked sandwiches for your Memorial Day BBQ you’ll be all set! Secret time, I cheated and bought an already prepared Brisket. When you don’t want to spend a whole day babysitting a brisket, Sadler’s Smokehouse is pretty dang tasty!

Anyway, I hope you and your loved ones have an amazing long weekend together full of good food and sunshine!

Print Recipe

Easy Pretzel Slider Buns

Learn how to make easy, homemade pretzel slider buns that are perfect for any occasion. Soft, chewy, and deliciously golden brown!

Prep Time1 hour hr

Rise Time1 hour hr

Course: Bread

Servings: 12 Slider Buns

Equipment

• Kitchenaid Mixer + Dough Hook
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Small Bowl
• Pastry Brush

Ingredients

Pretzel Dough

• 1 1/2 cups warm water 345 grams
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast 8 grams
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar 15 grams
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter 45 grams
• 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 547 grams
• 1 tsp salt 7 grams
• 3 tbsp baking soda 43 grams
• 5 cups water
• 1 egg + 1 tbsp of water
• Everything Bagel Seasoning

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

• In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
• Add the butter, flour and salt to the yeast mixture and mix until well combined. Knead the dough about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Shape the Buns:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with oil.
• Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them on the prepared baking sheet, let them rest for about 20 minutes

Prepare the Baking Soda Bath:

• In a large pot, bring the 5 cups of water and baking soda to a boil.
• Using a slotted spoon, gently lower each dough ball upside down into the boiling water, three or four at a time, for about 30 seconds, then flip and let sit for another 30 seconds. Remove with the slotted spoon and place back on the baking sheet.

Bake the Buns:

• Brush the tops of the buns with the egg yolk wash and sprinkle with Everything Bagel Seasoning.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the buns are dark golden brown.
• Allow the buns to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Notes

* Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Bring it to room temperature before proceeding with the boiling and baking steps.
* Serving: These pretzel slider buns are perfect for mini sandwiches, burgers, or even served with a side of mustard for dipping.

Print Recipe

Easy Brisket Pretzel Bun Sliders

Savor the flavor of tender brisket served on homemade pretzel buns. These sliders are perfect for any gathering and sure to impress!

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch

Servings: 6 people

Equipment

• Cutting Board & Knife
• Bowls
• Measuring Spoons

Ingredients

• 1 Sadler's Smokehouse Beef Brisket pre-cooked
• 1 bag Coleslaw Mix
• 1 Bunch Radishes
• 1 English Cucumber

Horseradish Aioli

• 1/2 Cup Mayonnaise
• 3 tbsp Horseradish premade, add less if you don't like spicy
• 1 tsp White Wine Vinegar
• 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
• Pinch of Salt

Instructions

Horseradish Aioli

• Mix the mayo, horseradish, white wine vinegar, garlic powder, and pinch of salt in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Sandwich Toppings

• Wash and thinly slice the radishes. Rinse and thinly slice the English cucumber. Pour the Coleslaw mix into a bowl. Slice the pretzel buns.
• Assemble your sliders! I started by putting the horseradish on both top and bottom buns, then stack away! Super simple, quick, and delicious Brisket Pretzel Bun Sliders!

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