This post was (obviously, huh?!) written before I had to give up wheat/gluten for health reasons. These are SADLY not gluten-free…. not even remotely. If only they did have a gluten-free variety!
I’ve been fortunate enough to have a lot of truly amazing foods, drinks, cookbooks, gadgets, etc sent to me for review on the food blog over the years. Some extra special ones really stand out – you know, the flavors/experiences so mind-boggling that the memory stays with you forever? This elite group gained a new member recently when I was sent a bag of Labriola Pretzel Slider Buns to review. I have a major weakness for bread and “artisan breads” make me especially weak in the knees. When a company with the reputation of Labriola Artisan Breads asks if they can send you a sample, you throw decorum out the back door and scream, “YES! PLEASE! YES!”
At least I remembered my Southern manners and said please.
I may or may not have torn into the bag as soon as it arrived and I may or may not have stuck my face into the bag to completely enjoy the out-of-this-world aroma. Okay, guilty. On both counts.
Although I had plans for the pretzel rolls (conceived the day they were sent), I did take one out to enjoy straight from the bag. Granted, a lot of rolls aren’t so memorable right from the bag. A lot of them need a little warmth and maybe even a little butter or honey. Not the Labriola Pretzel Slider Buns, though. No siree, they’re uncommonly delicious right out of the bag.
With one bite, I had instant envy of the bakers who got to enjoy the aroma of these babies straight from the oven. To say that these are special buns would be like saying Frank Sinatra could sing. They’re soft, flavorful, and quite unlike any bread you’ve ever had. The possibilities are endless for game day ideas, tailgating recipes, lunches (perfect for lunch boxes), and easy summertime meals. They’d be incredible with grilled burgers, steak, pork, or chicken.
Cheeseburger Sliders on Pretzel Buns
As I said, I had a plan for these beauties. I wanted to make cheeseburger sliders with sauteed onions and bacon. I made some using Angus Ground Beef and some with Boca Burgers.
- Place the Pretzel Rolls on a cookie sheet and heat at 350 degrees. Don’t overdo it – you want them to just get warm.
- Make your hamburger/Boca patties as you normally would.
- Fry a little bacon (optional) to keep things interesting.
- Sautee onions in the skillet.
- Add good cheese (I love Sargento) to the meat as you “slide” it into the buns.
- Serve.
- Take a bow.
I guarantee you this – you have never had a better slider than one built on a pretzel slider bun and the pretzel slider buns from Labriola are otherworldly.
So, where can you find Labriola Pretzel Slider Buns and other Artisan Breads? I SO wish I could say anywhere and everywhere – but it’s a little tougher than that. There are retail locations in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan (click here for the locations). I’d love to see them made available for online shopping.. and when I say love, I mean LOVE as in I’d wear them out!
As for other locations, I read somewhere online that they’re available at Costco stores around the country. I don’t have one of those near me, so I can’t check that out for you. However, if you live anywhere near one of the retail locations or you have a Costco within reach, trust me, you don’t want to wait another minute. March right in and grab two, three, or twenty-seven bags of these amazing Pretzel Slider Buns and get ready to have your taste buds tickled beyond their wildest dreams.
Quite frankly, I’ve never been sent anything to review I was more impressed with than these exceptionally delicious buns. I can almost smell and taste them now…