Warm the milk in a small saucepan or microwave until it reaches about 38°C (100°F). It should feel cozy but not hot to the touch.
Pour the warm milk into a large mixing bowl, then sprinkle the yeast and sugar over the surface. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbling, signaling the yeast is active.
Add the flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir with a spoon or dough scraper until a sticky dough forms.
Knead the dough in the bowl or on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
Shape the dough into a ball, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bring water to a boil in a large pot, then add the baking soda.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide it into small portions and shape each into bite-sized pieces.
Using a slotted spoon, carefully lower a handful of pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda water. Boil for about 30 seconds until they puff slightly and become glossy.
Remove the pretzels with the slotted spoon, letting excess water drip off, then transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
Sprinkle the pretzels generously with coarse sea salt. Repeat the boiling process with remaining pieces.
Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until they are deep golden brown with a glossy, crackly crust.
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then enjoy your chewy, salty, homemade pretzel bites—perfect for snacking and sharing!
