Homemade Pretzels & Pizza Pretzel Bites

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups

warm water

2 tbsp

light brown sugar

package active dry yeast (2¼ tsp)

3 oz

butter, melted

2 tsp

kosher salt

4 1/2

to 5 cups all-purpose flour

Pepperoni slices, cut into small pieces

Shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese

3/4 cup

baking soda

whole egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon cold water, for egg wash

Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Pizza sauce (optional: for serving with pizza pretzel bites)