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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Course Breads
Cuisine American
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup warm water (105-110 degrees F)
  • 3 tbsps brown sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsps yeast 
  • 4 tbsps salted melted butter 
  • 2 tbsps whole milk 
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt 

Baking Soda Bath

  • 4 quarts water 
  • 1/2 cup baking soda 

TOPPING

  • 2 tbsps salted melted butter 
  • 1-2 tbsps coarse sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Combine water, and brown sugar and yeast in the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the dough hook. Let stand for 5 minutes (until foamy). (Or put it in a large bowl and mix by hand).
  • Once yeast is proofed, add melted butter and milk to the yeast mixture and mix on low speed with dough hook until just combined.
  • Add flour and salt and mix with dough hook until flour is fully incorporated.
  • Knead in a mixer until the dough forms a slightly tacky, but firm ball.
  • Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl, cover with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for one hour or until doubled in size.
  • Once dough is risen, preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius).
  • Lightly oil or grease a large baking sheet, or line it with a silicone baking mat (do not use parchment paper).

YOU ARE GOING TO NEED A WATER BATH

  • Remove the dough from the bowl and gently press out the air bubbles. Do not let it rise)
  • Carefully place one of the balls into the boiling baking soda water. Boil for 45-60 seconds on each side, turning it once to guarantee both sides are covered. Remove the dough from the baking soda bath with a slotted spoon, shake off the excess water from the dough and place it on an oiled baking sheet.
  • Immediately sprinkle coarse sea salt over the bread to your specific tastes, and use a knife to cut a small "X" on the top of the bread.
  • Repeat with second ball of dough, then straight from boiling water into the oven.
  • Bake the bread for 22-25 minutes, rotating the baking sheet once halfway through. The bread is done when the outside is golden brown, and the loaf sounds hollow when hit with a wooden spoon.
  • Once removed from the oven, immediately brush the melted butter over the loaves to guarantee a soft crust. Transfer to a wire rack to cool just enough to enjoy!
Keyword pretzel bread