Mix yeast, warm water, melted butter, sugar, and salt in a big bowl. Stir until the yeast bubbles and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Add 2 and a half cups of flour and 3/4 cup of shredded cheese, and mix well.
Add more flour as necessary until the dough comes together.
Take the dough and place it on a clean surface, then proceed to knead it for 5 minutes.
Return the dough to the bowl, cover it with a fresh kitchen towel, and keep it in a warm area of your kitchen. Let the dough rise until it has doubled in size, which should take approximately 15-20 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F.
Heat 4 cups of water until it boils, then add baking soda and stir until dissolved. Take it off the heat and let it cool down to a slightly warm temperature.
Shape pretzel dough into 8 equal pieces and then form them into pretzel shapes.
To make pretzels, first roll each dough segment into ropes that are 1" thick. Then, form each rope into a U-shape and twist both ends twice at the top. After that, flip the twisted edges to the bottom of the U-shape and press the dough together firmly to hold it in place.
Dip the shaped pretzels in warm baking soda water for 2 minutes, and then transfer them to a baking sheet that has been lined.
Spread the remaining cheese over the pretzels and bake them until they turn golden brown, which should take around 8-10 minutes.
Notes
Allow Pretzels to Proof: After shaping the pretzels, it's essential to allow them to proof for a short period of time before baking. Place the shaped pretzels on a baking sheet and let them rest in a warm, draft-free area for about 15 minutes before baking.
Parmesan Cheese: For added flavor, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top of the pretzels before baking. The nutty and salty profile of parmesan complements the soft pretzels beautifully.
Adding Beer: To enhance the flavor of the pretzels, you can replace a portion of the water in the dough recipe with beer. The beer imparts a subtle malty taste and adds complexity to the overall flavor profile.
Serve with Cheese Sauce: While the pretzels are delicious on their own, serving them with a warm and velvety cheese dip takes them to another level. Prepare a simple cheese sauce by melting your choice of cheese with a bit of milk or cream in a saucepan over low heat.