EASY MINI SOFT PRETZELS + CHEESE SAUCE

EASY MINI SOFT PRETZELS + CHEESE SAUCE YIELD: Makes 8-10 soft pretzels / 1-1/2 cups cheese sauce (recipe can be doubled) For the soft pretzels: 1 ball pizza dough (store bought or homemade) About 1/4 cup flour, for dusting work surface 1/2 cup baking soda 4 cups hot water 1-1/2 Tablespoons kosher salt, for topping For the cheese sauce: 1 Tablespoon butter 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour 3/4 cups milk 3/4 cups shredded cheddar 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste, optional For the soft pretzels: If using frozen pizza dough, let thaw in your refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Place pizza dough on a well-floured surface. Divide dough ball into 8-10 portions. Roll each piece into a 24” inch long rope and twist into a pretzel shape (handy video here). Place on the prepared baking sheets. In a large bowl, dissolve baking soda in 4 cups hot water. Dip each pretzel into the baking soda-hot water mixture and place pretzels on baking sheets. Sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake in preheated oven until risen and golden brown, 7-8 minutes. For the cheese sauce: In a medium pot or pan set to medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour; cook for 1 minute. Whisk in milk and cook until bubbly and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted and well blended. Stir in cayenne pepper, if desired. Serve warm with soft pretzels.