Soft Pretzel Bites | Apps & Small Plates | Umami

Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (lukewarm–no need to take temperature but around 100°F, 38°C is great)
• 2 and 1/4 teaspoons (7g) instant or active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
• 1 Tablespoon brown sugar or granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cool
• 3 and 3/4 – 4 cups (469-500g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more for hands and work surface
• topping: coarse salt/coarse sea salt
• 1/2 cup (120g) baking soda
• 9 cups (2,160ml) water
• spicy cheese sauce or your favorite mustard