Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce

Ingredients:
For the Soft Pretzel Bites:
1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
1 tbsp sugar
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp salt
1 tbsp olive oil (or vegan butter)
1/4 cup baking soda (for boiling)
Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
For the Vegan Cheese Sauce:
1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 2-3 hours or overnight, or use cashew butter)
1/2 cup water (more for desired consistency)
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp turmeric (for color)
1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Make the Pretzel Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is frothy.
Add the flour, salt, and olive oil (or vegan butter) to the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Shape the Pretzel Bites:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a long rope (about 1/2-inch thick), then cut the rope into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch long).
3. Boil the Pretzel Bites:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the baking soda to the water.
Carefully drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water in batches (about 6-8 bites at a time). Boil for 30 seconds, then use a slotted spoon to transfer the bites to the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Pretzel Bites:
Once all the pretzel bites are on the baking sheet, sprinkle them with coarse sea salt.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
5. Make the Vegan Cheese Sauce:
While the pretzel bites are baking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the soaked cashews (or cashew butter), water, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, turmeric, smoked paprika, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. You can add more water to reach your desired sauce consistency.
If you prefer a warmer sauce, you can heat it gently over low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally.
6. Serve:
Once the pretzel bites are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Serve with the warm, creamy vegan cheese sauce for dipping.