Parmesan Garlic Pretzel Bites

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tsp active dry yeast or one 1/4 oz. envelope
• 2 tsp sugar
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/8 tsp salt
• Freshly cracked pepper
• 1 1/2 Tbsp butter

Directions

1. Mix the yeast and sugar into 1 cup of warm water until dissolved. Set it aside for 5 minutes, until the surface looks foamy. While it sits, combine 2 cups of the flour with 1/2 tsp of salt in a large bowl.
2. When the yeast mixture is bubbly, add it to the bowl with the flour and salt. Stir until the mixture comes together into a rough, shaggy dough. Move the dough to a floured work surface and knead for 8 minutes, working in another 1/2 to 1 cup of flour as needed while you knead.
3. Once you have kneaded for 8 minutes, the dough should feel smooth and stretchy, and it should bounce back when you press it with a finger. Transfer it to a greased bowl, cover it loosely, and leave it to rise for 1 hour, or until doubled.
4. After the dough has doubled, press it down, move it to a clean surface, and pat it into a disc. Slice the disc into 16 even wedges. Roll each wedge, one at a time, into a long rope about 1/2 inch across and about 18 inches long. Cut each rope into 1 inch pieces, then arrange the pieces on baking sheets lined with parchment and lightly sprayed with non-stick spray. You will need two sheets for all the bites.
5. Allow the pretzel bites to rise for 30 minutes, until they look soft and pillowy. Heat the oven to 425 degrees. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. When it is boiling, carefully add 1/4 cup of baking soda. It will bubble up dramatically for a moment, so go slowly and watch your hands.
6. Working with 15-20 pretzel bites at a time, add them to the boiling baking soda water. Boil for about 90 seconds, until they puff and a few start to split. Stir gently while they cook so every side gets exposed to the boiling water. Lift them out with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire cooling rack to drain. Continue with the remaining bites in small batches.
7. After the bites have drained for a few minutes, place them back on the prepared baking sheets. Whisk 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the boiled pretzel bites generously with the egg mixture using a pastry brush. For plain pretzel bites, add coarse sea salt after brushing on the egg wash.
8. Bake for 15-17 minutes, until the pretzel bites are dark golden brown and glossy. Let them cool for a few minutes.
9. In a small bowl, combine the Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Put the butter in another small bowl and melt it in the microwave, heating for 20 seconds and then stirring until fully melted.
10. Transfer the baked pretzel bites to a large bowl and drizzle the melted butter over them. Toss until coated. Add the Parmesan mixture and toss again to coat. Serve immediately.