Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (355 ml) warm water (105-115°F/40-46°C)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (7 g) active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 ½ teaspoons (9 g) salt
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 cups (1.9 liters) water
  • ⅓ cup (80 g) baking soda
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt, for sprinkling

Instructions:

  1. Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let stand until foamy (5-10 minutes).
  2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour, salt, and melted butter. Add the yeast mixture and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes (or 8-10 minutes by hand) until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
  5. Punch down the dough and divide it into smaller, manageable pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope. Cut the ropes into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch/2.5 cm).
  6. Bring water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot.
  7. Drop a handful of soft pretzel bites into the boiling water (don't overcrowd the pot!). Boil for 30-60 seconds.
  8. Remove the bites with a slotted spoon and place them on a prepared baking sheet.
  9. Brush the bites with beaten egg and sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
  10. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
  11. Let the soft pretzel bites cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving.