Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (355 ml) warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) melted unsalted butter
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 8 cups (2 liters) water
  • ⅓ cup (80g) baking soda
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Coarse pretzel salt, for sprinkling

Instructions:

  1. Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour, melted butter, salt, and the yeast mixture. Knead until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
  3. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  4. Punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope and cut into 1-inch pieces to make pretzel bites.
  5. Bring water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Reduce heat to a simmer.
  6. Drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water, a few at a time. Boil for 30-60 seconds per batch.
  7. Remove the bites with a slotted spoon and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  8. Brush the bites with beaten egg and sprinkle generously with coarse pretzel salt.
  9. Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and cooked through.
  10. Let cool slightly before serving these soft pretzel bites with your favourite dipping sauce.