Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with a baking mat or parchment paper and set aside.

In a small bowl , add warm water and yeast. Allow to sit for 3-5 minutes. Add salt and sugar and stir.

In a large bowl, add flour and then pour yeast mixture over top. Knead with bread hook in your mixer or by hand for about 5 minutes.

Separate dough into 6 sections. Roll dough into ropes about 15-20 inches long and 1 inch thick. Cut with scissors into 11/2 – 2 inch pieces. Optional: cut a “t” or “x” on the top of the pretzel with scissors.

In a small pan, bring about 8 cups water + 1/3 cup baking soda to a boil. Once water is boiling, place about 8 pieces of dough into the water for about 30 seconds. Remove with slotted spoon and place pretzel bites onto baking sheet. Brush dough lightly with egg and sprinkle salt on top.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. You can turn the oven to broil for the last minute to brown the tops. Remove pretzel bites to a cooling rack and brush tops with melted butter if desired.

Enjoy homemade pretzels with your favorite cheese sauce.