Preparation Steps

• Activate the yeast by combining brown sugar, yeast, melted butter, and warm water in a large mixing bowl. Whisk and let sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Then add salt and flour.
• Mix the dough using a stand mixer with paddle attachment until all flour is incorporated and dough pulls away from the bowl sides.
• Knead the dough by attaching dough hook and kneading for 2 minutes, or by hand on a floured surface for 5 minutes.
• Shape dough into a large ball, coat with oil, place in bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled in size.
• Preheat oven to 425°F and line four baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Make egg wash by whisking the egg with 1 tablespoon water and set aside.
• Divide dough into 8 smaller balls, roll each into a long rope on a floured surface, cut into 1-inch pieces, and place on a plate.
• Bring 6 cups of water to a boil, add baking soda, and boil 10 pieces of dough at a time for 1 minute. Remove with slotted spoon and place on baking sheets.
• Brush pretzel bites with egg wash and sprinkle toppings such as sea salt and oregano, cinnamon sugar, garlic salt, or sesame seeds.
• Bake pretzel bites for 12 to 14 minutes or until golden brown.
• Remove pretzel bites from oven and cool on a wire rack. Serve with dipping sauces.