Recipe Index

Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 cups warm water, lukewarm, around 100°F
• 2 and 1/4 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
• 1 Tablespoon brown sugar or granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter, melted and slightly cool
• 3 and 3/4 – 4 cups (16½-17¾ oz) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more for hands and work surface
• coarse salt/coarse sea salt
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 9 cups water
• Optional for serving: spicy cheese sauce or favorite mustard

Method

1. Whisk the warm water, yeast and sugar together, cover and leave 5 minutes, until foamy.
2. Add the salt, melted butter and 3 cups of the flour and mix until a dough forms, adding more flour as needed.
3. Knead about 5 minutes, until soft and slightly tacky and the dough springs back when poked.
4. Cover and rest 10 to 30 minutes.
5. Heat the oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.
6. Divide the dough and cut it into bite-size pieces.
7. Bring the 9 cups water and the baking soda to a boil and boil the bites in batches, about 20 seconds each; lift out with a slotted spoon onto the sheets.
8. Sprinkle with coarse salt and bake 12 to 15 minutes, until deep golden.
9. Serve warm with cheese sauce or mustard if using.

Total: 1 h

Nutrition (per serving, where published)

Estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data