Soft Pretzel Bites

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F.

Step 2: Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar; let sit for 10 minutes to activate.

Step 3: Add butter, half of the flour, and salt; knead until incorporated.

Step 4: Add the rest of the flour and knead for 5-10 minutes.

Step 5: Cover and let rise for 1 hour until it doubles in size.

Step 6: Cut dough into pieces and roll out into ropes; cut into 2-inch pieces.

Step 7: Bring alkaline bath (water and baking soda) to a boil and boil the dough pieces for 20 seconds.

Step 8: Transfer these to a parchment-lined sheet tray and sprinkle with sea salt.

Step 9: Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

Step 10: For cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan until it begins to bubble; add flour and stir constantly for 3 minutes.

Step 11: Add milk and bring to a boil, stirring until clumps break up.

Step 12: Off heat, add cheese and stir until melted; adjust salt before serving with pretzel bites.