In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.

Add the melted butter, salt, and 3 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough comes together, then gradually incorporate the remaining flour until the dough is not sticky.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 7-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Grease a bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Meanwhile, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil in a large pot.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down, divide it into 6 portions, and roll each piece into long ropes. Cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.

Drop the pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda bath for about 30 seconds, then use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets.

Brush each pretzel bite with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until they are deep golden brown, rotating the baking sheets halfway through the baking time.

Allow the pretzel bites to cool for a few minutes before serving warm with dips.