Combine 1 ½ cups of lukewarm water, 2 ¼ teaspoons of yeast, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a large mixing bowl. Let sit until foamy.

Gradually add 4 cups of bread flour to the mixture and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rest for 15-20 minutes.

Fill a large pot with 10 cups of water and add ⅔ cup of baking soda. Bring to a rolling boil.

Divide the dough into 8 pieces, roll each into a 24-inch rope, shape into pretzels, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Lower each pretzel into the boiling baking soda bath for 30 seconds, then drain on a wire rack.

Preheat oven to 450°F, brush each pretzel with an egg wash made from 1 egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of water, sprinkle with salt, and bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown.

Let the pretzels cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes before serving warm with mustard or cheese sauce.