DSF's Pretzel-Inspired Bread

Ingredients 0/12

Step 1

Combine the dark brown sugar, a tablespoon of honey, and yeast into warm water in a large bowl. Stir everything well until the sugar and yeast dissolve, then let it sit for about 10 minutes until you see a foamy layer on top. Next, add the melted butter, half-and-half, and salt to the yeast mixture and give it a good stir.

Step 2

Gradually mix in about a cup of flour until you get a wet, sticky dough. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead in the remaining flour little by little. Keep kneading for about 10 minutes until the dough is just a bit sticky but holds together well—you can add a bit more flour if it feels too wet. Shape the dough into a ball.

Step 3

Grease a large bowl with a teaspoon of butter, place the dough inside, and turn it around so it’s lightly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise somewhere warm for about an hour to an hour and a half, until it’s doubled in size.

Step 4

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, adding baking soda and 3 tablespoons of honey if you like a sweeter crust.

Step 5

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it in half. Shape each piece into a small loaf. Carefully lower one loaf into the boiling water and let it cook for about 30 seconds on each side—it should float when ready. Take it out gently, let the excess water drip off, and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the second loaf.

Step 6

Sprinkle a little salt over each loaf, then use a sharp knife to cut an “X” on top. Pop them in the oven on the middle rack and bake for 10 minutes. Lower the temperature to 400°F (205°C) and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the crust is shiny and golden and the bread is cooked through. For a softer crust, brush the tops with melted butter right after baking.