Brew Pub Pretzel Bites | Cooking Professionally

Ingredients

• ***For the soft pretzels:***
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 4 1/2-5 cups all-purpose flour
• vegetable oil, to taste, for coating
• 3 quarts water
• 1/3 cup baking soda
• 1 whole egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon cold water
• coarse sea salt, to taste
• ***For the optional cheese sauce:***
• 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup milk
• 8 ounces cheddar cheese, grated
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste