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Sally's Baking Addiction

Soft Pretzel Bites

warm water

Red Star Platinum instant yeast

salt

packed light brown sugar

unsalted butter

AP flour

baking soda

large egg

coarse sea salt

cheddar cheese sauce for serving

Oven

Whisk the yeast into 1.5c 95-100ºF water. Allow to sit for 1 minute.

Add salt, brown sugar, and melted butter and whisk to combine. Mixing with wooden spoon or dough hook, add 3c of flour a cup at a time until dough is thick. Add 3/4c more flour until the dough is no longer sticky. If it is still sticky, add up to 1/4c more. The dough is ready to knead when it bounces back when poked.

Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 3 minutes.

Shape the dough into a ball and proof for 10 minutes.

Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

With a sharp knife, cut the dough into 6 sections and roll each into a 20-inch rope. Cut each rope into 1 1/2-inch pieces to make the bites.

Boil the baking soda in 9 cups of water in a large pot. Cook the bites, 8-10 at a time, for 20 seconds. Remove the bites with a slotted spoon or spider and place onto baking sheets leaving space between each bite.

Apply egg wash to each bite and sprinkle with sea salt. Bake each batch in 425º oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve with cheddar cheese sauce or honey mustard.