Easy Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheesy Dip

Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Let stand 5 minutes until foamy.

Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth.

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. This quick rise time helps keep them fast.

While the dough rises, prepare the cheese dip. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.

Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.

Remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper until the cheese melts completely. Keep warm.

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Prepare the baking soda bath: In a large, shallow pot, bring 8 cups of water and 1/2 cup baking soda to a boil.

Punch down the risen dough. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope (about 1 inch thick). Cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces to form the bites.

Working in batches, carefully drop the dough pieces into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds. Do not overcrowd the pot.

Use a slotted spoon to remove the bites and place them on the prepared baking sheets.

Brush the tops of the bites with the egg wash. Sprinkle generously with coarse pretzel salt.