A warm, salty soft pretzel with gooey cheese sauce for dipping. This high calorie snack brings mall food court nostalgia straight to your kitchen.
Combine warm water, yeast, sugar, and melted butter in a large bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Add flour and kosher salt; mix and knead dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1 hour in a warm spot.
Preheat oven to 450°F. In a wide pot, bring 6 cups of water and baking soda to a gentle simmer.
Divide dough into 4 pieces. Roll each into long ropes, then twist into classic pretzel shapes.
Dip pretzels one at a time in simmering baking soda bath for 30 seconds, then place on baking sheet lined with parchment.
Brush pretzels lightly with melted butter, sprinkle with kosher salt, and bake 12–14 minutes until deep golden brown.
For the cheese sauce, warm milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Slowly whisk in shredded cheddar cheese, mustard powder, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Serve pretzels warm with cheese sauce for dipping.