Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine 60 grams of active sourdough starter, 60 grams of all-purpose or bread flour, and 60 grams of warm water. Mix until a rough dough forms, then add in 175 grams of active sourdough starter, 28 grams of melted butter, and 160 grams of heated water at 100°F. Gradually incorporate 350 grams of bread flour and 5 grams of salt, mixing until the dough is cohesive and smooth—about 3 to 5 minutes.

First Rise: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and place it in a warm area, allowing the dough to rise until doubled in size, approximately 4 hours at about 80°F.

Boil Water Bath: Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil, then stir in 30 grams of baking soda.

Shape Pretzel Bites: Once the dough has risen, punch it down, divide into three pieces, roll into ropes about 20-22 inches long, and cut into 1-inch sections.

Boil Dough Pieces: Drop the cut dough pieces into the boiling bath, cooking for about 15-20 seconds, then drain briefly.

Salting: Immediately sprinkle coarse pretzel salt on each pretzel bite after boiling while they're still wet.

Bake: Preheat your oven to 450°F. Arrange pretzel bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, bake for 10-13 minutes until golden brown.

Finish: Toss baked pretzel bites in a bowl with 28 grams of melted butter and sprinkle on extra salt if desired.