Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheese Sauce

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups

lukewarm water

2 1/4 tsp

instant rise yeast

1 tsp

salt

1 tbsp

packed light brown sugar

1 tbsp

unsalted butter (melted)

3 3/4 cups

- 4 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (plus additional to coat worktop)

1/2 cup

baking soda

large egg (beaten)

Pretzel salt or coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)

2 cups

whole milk

1/4 cup

unsalted butter

1/4 cup

flour

2 cups

Sharp Cheddar Cheese (grated)

salt + pepper