The first time I tasted Dunkin Pretzel Sliders, it was a burst of textures and tastes that harmoniously danced together, leaving a memorable impression that lingered far beyond the last bite. The way the saltiness of the pretzel bun complemented the sweet, savory fillings was nothing short of magical. It was a concoction that felt both familiar and novel, urging me to deconstruct and recreate this masterpiece within my kitchen walls.
Table of Contents
How to make Dunkin Pretzel Sliders
Dunkin’s Ham & Swiss Pretzel Sliders are a savory menu item introduced in 2025 as part of their spring lineup. Each order includes two sliders featuring Black Forest ham, Swiss cheese, and a honey mustard spread, all nestled within sweet and salty King’s Hawaiian Pretzel Slider Buns.
Ingredients
For the Pretzel Slider Buns:
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) of active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 4 cups of water
- Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt for sprinkling
For the Filling:
- 8 slices of deli Black Forest ham
- 8 slices of Swiss cheese
- Honey mustard sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Making the Pretzel Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes or until frothy.
- Add the melted butter, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Shaping and Boiling the Pretzel Buns:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Once the dough has risen, divide it into eight equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten each ball slightly to form a bun shape.
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil, then add the baking soda. Boil the pretzel buns in the water solution for 30 seconds each, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cut a small X on the top of each bun with a sharp knife.
3. Baking the Pretzel Slider Buns:
- Sprinkle coarse salt over the top of each bun.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn a deep brown color.
- Let the buns cool on a wire rack.
4. Assembling the Sliders:
- Slice each pretzel bun in half.
- Place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on the bottom half of each bun.
- Spread a thin layer of honey mustard sauce over the cheese.
- Cap with the top half of the pretzel bun.
Tips for Perfect Pretzel Sliders:
- Baking Soda Bath: Don’t skip boiling the buns in the baking soda solution. This step is crucial in achieving the characteristic pretzel taste and texture.
- Bun Size: For a classic slider size, keep the buns about 3 inches in diameter, ensuring they’re not too big or small.
- Serving Warm: These sliders taste best when served warm, so if you’re not eating them right away, you can quickly reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
What to serve with
Serving Dunkin Pretzel Sliders offers a delightful opportunity to create a well-rounded meal or party spread. The key is to select side dishes that complement the sliders’ savory, sweet, and salty flavors, without overpowering them. Here are some thoughtfully curated options to complete your meal or gathering with finesse.
Refreshing Beverages
- Craft Beer: Opt for a light Pilsner or Lager that pairs well with the saltiness of the pretzel buns, or a Hefeweizen which has slight sweetness to complement the honey mustard.
- Sparkling Lemonade: A bubbly, refreshing choice that cleanses the palate. Its citrus zest balances the richness of the sliders.
- Iced Tea: Choose a classic unsweetened or a fruit-infused variation. Peach iced tea offers a sweet counterpart to the salty and savory flavors.
Savory Sides
- Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness and crisp exterior offer a delightful contrast to the Dunkin Pretzel Sliders. Serve with a side of aioli or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw made with vinegar or a creamy version adds a crunchy texture and a refreshing contrast to the sliders.
- German Potato Salad: Ditch the mayo and opt for this warm, vinegar-based salad packed with flavor from bacon, mustard, and onions, echoing the Germanic roots of pretzels.
Healthy Options
- Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette dressing offers a crisp, healthy counterpoint to the richness of the sliders.
- Vegetable Crudites with Hummus: Fresh-cut veggies and creamy hummus provide a light and healthy snack to balance the meal.
Snackable Sides
- Pickle Spears: Their vinegary bite cuts through the richness of the sliders and cleanses the palette for the next bite.
- Chips and Dip: Pair simple potato or pretzel chips with a savory dip like onion or ranch. The crunch complements the softness of the sliders.
Ingredients Substitutes
Making Dunkin Pretzel Sliders allows for a range of ingredient substitutions to accommodate dietary preferences and allergies or simply to work with what you might have in your pantry. Below are some suggestions for common substitutions that you can make while preparing these sliders:
Pretzel Bun Substitutes
- Whole Wheat Buns: If you’re looking for a healthier option, whole wheat buns can be used. They won’t have the same distinct pretzel flavor but will add a nutty richness.
- Gluten-Free Pretzel Buns: These are available at some specialty stores and provide an alternative for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Protein Options
- Turkey or Chicken Sausage: Instead of traditional pork sausage, turkey or chicken sausage can be a leaner choice that still offers plenty of flavors.
- Plant-Based Sausages: Many plant-based sausages are available that will work well as a vegetarian or vegan version.
- Smoked Tofu: For another vegan option, smoked tofu can be sliced and grilled for a smoky flavor.
Cheese Substitutes
- Vegan Cheese: Many dairy-free cheeses melt well and can replace cheddar or American cheese in the sliders.
- Nutritional Yeast: For a cheese-flavored alternative that’s also vegan, sprinkle nutritional yeast on your fillings.
Honey Mustard Substitutes
- Dijon Mustard and Maple Syrup: If you’re out of honey mustard, mix Dijon mustard with a bit of maple syrup to achieve a similar tangy-sweet flavor.
- Vegan Mayo and Mustard: Mix these two for a creamier, vegan-friendly version of honey mustard.
Egg Wash Substitute
- Olive Oil or Vegan Butter: Instead of using an egg wash, brush the tops of the buns with olive oil or melted vegan butter to achieve a golden color when baked.
- Dairy-Free Milk: Brushing with a bit of dairy-free milk like oat milk or almond milk can also give a nice shine.
Final Thoughts
Through the simple joy of combining savory, sweet, and salty flavors, these homemade Dunkin Pretzel Sliders are sure to satisfy your cravings and bring a touch of gourmet delight to your table.
More Dunkin Recipes:
Ingredients
For the Pretzel Slider Buns:
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) of active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 4 cups of water
- Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt for sprinkling
For the Filling:
- 8 slices of deli Black Forest ham
- 8 slices of Swiss cheese
- Honey mustard sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Making the Pretzel Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes or until frothy.
- Add the melted butter, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shaping and Boiling the Pretzel Buns:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Once the dough has risen, divide it into eight equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten each ball slightly to form a bun shape.
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil, then add the baking soda. Boil the pretzel buns in the water solution for 30 seconds each, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cut a small X on the top of each bun with a sharp knife.
- Baking the Pretzel Slider Buns:
- Sprinkle coarse salt over the top of each bun.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn a deep brown color.
- Let the buns cool on a wire rack.
- Assembling the Sliders:
- Slice each pretzel bun in half.
- Place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on the bottom half of each bun.
- Spread a thin layer of honey mustard sauce over the cheese.
- Cap with the top half of the pretzel bun.
