Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons (10 ml) active dry yeast
  • 4 cups (480 g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5 ml) kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 pound (450 g) thinly sliced beef steak (such as ribeye or sirloin), cut into small pieces
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) black pepper
  • 8 ounces (225 g) provolone cheese, cut into small cubes
  • 8 cups (1.9 Liters) water
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) baking soda
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Coarse pretzel salt, for topping

Instructions:

  1. Proof yeast: Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand until foamy.
  2. Mix dough: Add flour, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
  3. First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled.
  4. Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onions and bell peppers until softened.
  5. Cook steak: Add steak to the skillet and cook until browned, seasoning with salt and pepper.
  6. Set aside to cool slightly.
  7. Divide dough: Punch down the dough and divide into small, equal-sized pieces (about 1-inch each).
  8. Fill the bites: Flatten each piece of dough, add a spoonful of the steak and vegetable mixture, and top with a few cubes of provolone cheese. Pinch the edges to seal.
  9. Shape: Roll each filled piece into a ball, ensuring the seam is well sealed.
  10. Boil water and baking soda: Bring water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot.
  11. Boil the bites: Gently drop pretzel bites into the boiling water, a few at a time. Boil for 30 seconds per side.
  12. Remove: Use a slotted spoon to remove the pretzel bites and place them on a prepared baking sheet.
  13. Brush with egg wash: Brush each pretzel bite with the beaten egg.
  14. Sprinkle with salt: Sprinkle with coarse pretzel salt.
  15. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
  16. Let cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving.