Ingredients
- 1 package (1/4 oz) active dry yeast (or instant yeast)
- 2 Tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon packed brown sugar, divided
- ¼ cup warm water (110-115 degrees F)
- 1 cup warm milk (110-115 degrees F)
- 2½ to 3 cups flour
- ½ cup finely chopped ham (about 3 ounces)
- ½ cup shredded cheese of choice (I used cheddar)
- 6 cups water
- 4 teaspoons baking soda
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1-2 Tablespoons coarse salt
Instructions
- Combine the yeast, 1 tsp brown sugar, and warm water in a large bowl. Set aside until foamy, 5-8 minutes. In another bowl, stir together the remaining 2 Tbsp brown sugar and warm milk until dissolved.
- Add 2½ cups flour and milk mixture to the yeast. Stir with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. Add the remaining flour as needed. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times, forming a smooth ball.
- Brush the inside of a large clean bowl with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Allow to rise in a warm, draft free area for about 2 hours, until dough has doubled in size and bubbles appear on the surface.
- Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 4 equal pieces. Lightly dust your hands and rolling pin with flour. Roll one of the four sections into a 12×4-inch rectangle. With the long side facing you, gently press ¼ of the ham and cheese into the bottom third of the dough, and roll as tightly as possible, starting with the end that has the filling. Cut into 12 1-inch pieces and transfer to a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Repeat with remaining 3 portions of the dough.
- Let rest, uncovered, at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400?F.
- Bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add the baking soda and reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Boil pretzels in batches, cooking about 20 seconds each, turning once. They should be slightly puffed. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them back to the baking sheets.
- Bake until puffed and golden-brown, about 15 minutes.
- Brush warm pretzel bites with melted butter and sprinkle with salt. Serve warm or at room temperature.