Mix the yeast, warm water, sugar, melted butter, and salt in a bowl. Let the mixture bubble for 5 minutes.

Stir in the flour to make the pretzel dough. You may need to add more to get the right consistency.

Fold the dough out onto a clean work surface. Knead the dough for 5 minutes.

Put the kneaded dough back into the bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel.

Put the bowl in a warm spot in the kitchen and let the dough rise until it is doubled. This will take about 15-20 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 475 degrees.

Add 4 cups of water into a pan and let it boil. Add the baking soda and dissolve it. Take off the heat and let the water cool so that it is warm.

Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and then roll each piece into 1-inch thick ropes.

Cut the ropes into 1 1/2-inch pieces.

Add the pieces to the warm baking soda water for 2 minutes. Then place them on a lined baking sheet.

Add the salt and then bake for 8-10 minutes until they are golden brown.