BACON CREAM CHEESE PRETZEL BUNS

INGREDIENTS:

5 cups water

1/3 cup baking soda

1 (13.8 ounce) canister refrigerated pizza dough

5 ounces chives and onion cream cheese, room temperature

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

12 slices cooked bacon, chopped

1 beaten egg

1/3 cup everything bagel seasoning

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

8 toothpicks

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 400 degree F. Prepare a baking sheet with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.

Heat water in a medium saucepan until hot. Add baking soda, stirring to dissolve. Remove from heat while prepping buns.

Stretch or roll pizza dough into rectangle. Spread on an even layer of cream cheese. Sprinkle on Parmesan. Add bacon. Starting on the long side, tightly roll up dough into a log. Pinch the seam tight to close. Using a serrated knife, cut into 8 equal pieces. Weave a toothpick along the seam to secure.

Reheat the water to a gentle boil. Add 4 buns. Boil for 30 seconds, gently turning buns to allow for even cooking. The water will get cloudy. Using a slotted spoon, transfer buns onto wax or parchment paper lined work surface. Repeat boiling the remaining buns. Remove the toothpicks.

Brush buns thoroughly with beaten egg. Sprinkle on or roll buns in everything bagel seasoning, avoiding the base. Place on the parchment paper lined baking sheet. Top with cheddar cheese. Bake for 14 to 18 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is nicely browned. Serve.

Makes 8 buns.