Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 packet (0.25 oz) active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4.5 cups bread flour
  • 10 cups water for boiling
  • 0.66 cup baking soda
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
  • 1 tablespoon pretzel salt
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted for finishing

Instructions:

  1. Combine 1.5 cups warm water, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 2 teaspoons kosher salt in your mixing bowl.
  2. Sprinkle 1 packet of yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 minutes until the surface is foamy and bubbly.
  3. Stir in 2 tablespoons melted butter and gradually add 4.5 cups bread flour.
  4. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until it feels smooth and slightly tacky but not sticky to your fingers.
  5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rest in a warm spot for about 15 minutes.
  6. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each into a long rope about 1 inch thick.
  7. Use a knife or bench scraper to cut the ropes into 1 inch pieces until you have a pile of uniform bites.
  8. Bring 10 cups of water and 0.66 cup baking soda to a rolling boil.
  9. Drop the bites into the water in batches of 15 and boil for 30 seconds until they puff up and float.
  10. Place boiled bites on a parchment lined tray, brush with the egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water), and sprinkle with pretzel salt.
  11. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until the tops are dark golden brown.
  12. Brush the hot bites with the remaining 3 tablespoons melted butter immediately after removing them from the oven.