Soft Pretzel Bites

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, divided
• 10 cups water
• 2/3 cup baking soda
• 1 egg, beaten, for wash
• 2 tablespoons coarse pretzel salt

Method

1. 1

   In a large bowl or stand mixer bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.

   5:00 · Proof yeast
2. 2

   Add the flour, fine salt, and 2 tablespoons melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix with a dough hook or by hand until a shaggy dough forms.

3. 3

   Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes by machine or 8 minutes by hand.

   5:00 · Knead dough
4. 4

   Form the dough into a ball, place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size.

5. 5

   Preheat the oven to 450°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

6. 6

   Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 20 inches long, then cut into 1 1/2-inch bite-sized pieces.

7. 7

   In a 6-quart saucepan, bring the 10 cups water and baking soda to a boil.

   10:00 · Bring to a boil
8. 8

   Working in batches of about 15 pieces, boil the pretzel bites for 20 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheets.

   0:20 · Boil pretzel bites
9. 9

   Brush the boiled bites with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse pretzel salt.

10. 10

    Bake until deep golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes, rotating pans halfway through.

    12:00 · Bake pretzel bites
11. 11

    Brush the hot pretzel bites with the remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter and serve warm.