Food Court 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.