Soft Pretzel Sticks with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and yellow mustard until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

In a separate small bowl, combine the active dry yeast and brown sugar. Add the warm water and whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Let stand until foamy, indicating the yeast is active, about 5 minutes. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, combine the flour and salt. Add the canola oil and gradually pour in the yeast mixture. Knead on medium speed until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 4-5 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, add flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl. (Prep time: 10 minutes)

Shape the dough into a ball and transfer it to a large, lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. (Rise time: 45-60 minutes)

Punch down the dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and flatten it into a rectangle. Cut the rectangle into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a stick about 7 inches long. Place the pretzel sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them rest uncovered for about 25 minutes. (Prep time: 25 minutes)

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). (Prep time: 10 minutes)

In a large, deep pot, bring about 5 quarts of water to a boil. Stir in the baking soda. Reduce the heat to medium so the water is simmering gently. Carefully place the pretzel sticks in the simmering water, a few at a time, for 30 seconds, flipping them after 15 seconds. Remove the sticks from the water and let them drain on paper towels. (Prep time: 15 minutes)

Transfer the blanched pretzel sticks back to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with melted butter and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

Bake in the preheated oven until the pretzel sticks are golden brown and firm to the touch, about 7-10 minutes. (Bake time: 7-10 minutes)

Serve the warm pretzel sticks immediately with the chilled honey mustard dipping sauce. Enjoy! (Prep time: 5 minutes)