Baked Soft Pretzel Bites

Proof the yeast

1. To the bowl of a stand mixer, add warm water, sugar, and yeast.  Stir and let sit for 5-10 minutes.  After that time has elapsed, it should look foamy and smell “yeasty”.

Combine and knead dough

1. Add flour, salt, and melted butter.  Using the dough hook attachment, mix on LOW speed until combined. 
2. Increase speed to MED and knead for about 4 minutes, until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the side of the bowl.

Let dough rise

1. Spray a separate large bowl with cooking spray, and transfer dough to the bowl.  Cover with plastic wrap and let sit in a warm spot for 1 hour.
2. Towards the end of the hour, bring a large stockpot with 10 cups of water to a boil.

Prepare

1. Preheat oven to 450°F.  Line a large baking sheet, or two baking sheets, with parchment paper.  Lightly spray the parchment paper with cooking spray.  Set aside.

Shape dough

1. Lightly spray a work surface with cooking spray and turn out the dough.  Shape it into a ball, and divide in half.  Divide each half into fourths, so you have 8 sections of dough.
2. Roll a section into a long rope, approximately 20” long.  Slice the rope into roughly 1 1/2 inch pieces to make bites.  Set aside and repeat with remaining sections of dough.

Baking soda bath

1. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the baking soda.  It will bubble up like crazy, so add it slowly.
2. Boil about 15 bites at a time in the baking soda water, for just 15 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon or frying spider and place on prepared baking sheet.  Repeat with remaining pretzel bites, boiling in batches.

Bake

1. Whisk together egg yolks and water, and brush over pretzel bites.  Sprinkle with salt.
2. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until deeply golden brown.  Let cool for 5 minutes.

Top and serve

1. If desired, combine garlic butter ingredients and brush onto baked pretzels.
2. Serve with beer cheese, grainy mustard, honey mustard, etc.