To make the dough, you can use a stand mixer or you can do it by hand. A stand mixer will make the process move along faster, but if you don't have one, no worries! In your bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, or until foamy.
Add the olive oil, flour, and salt. Stand Mixer: Beat with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes. It will end up being a smooth ball that's soft to the touch.By hand: Combine all of the ingredients together with a spoon and then using your hands, knead it for 5-10 minutes, or until it forms into a smooth ball. Wrap your dough ball in saran wrap and let it rise for 1 hour. The dough should double in size, but if the temperatures are colder, it may take longer! If it doesn't end up doubling in size, don't worry, the pretzels will still turn out good!
Place the dough ball on a floured surface and cut it into 10 pieces. Form those 10 pieces into whatever shape you want the pretzels to be! You could go with the classic pretzel twist, roll them out long and then cut them into little pretzel bites, or even make a pretzel bun. The options are endless, so get creative with it!
Place an empty baking sheet into the oven and preheat the oven to 450° F. It's important that the baking sheet heats up with the oven.
Boil 7 cups of water combined with the baking soda.
Boil your uncooked soft pretzels in the baking soda water for 1 minute.
Sprinkle your pretzels with whatever your topping of choice is. My favorite is just simple kosher salt but you could also use everything bagel seasoning, cinnamon sugar, shredded cheese, etc.
Carefully take the baking sheet out of the oven and line it with parchment paper. It will be very hot so be careful and take your time! Place your pretzels on the baking sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes flipping halfway.