Step 1: Make the Pretzel Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve the sugar and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy. This means the yeast is activated and ready to use.
2. Add Flour and Salt: Once the yeast is foamy, add the flour and salt to the bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. You should be able to stretch the dough without it tearing. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, you can use it to knead the dough on medium speed for 3-4 minutes.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegan Cheese Sauce

1. Soak the Cashews: While the dough is rising, place the raw cashews in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for at least 10 minutes, which will help them blend smoothly into the sauce.
2. Blend the Cheese Sauce: Drain the soaked cashews and transfer them to a high-speed blender. Add the nutritional yeast, almond milk, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, smoked paprika, and turmeric. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more almond milk to reach your desired consistency.
3. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the cheese sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, lemon juice, or nutritional yeast to suit your taste. Set the sauce aside or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 3: Shape the Pretzel Bites

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Divide the Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles, then transfer it to a floured surface. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces.
3. Roll the Dough: Take one piece of dough and roll it into a long rope, about 1/2-inch thick. Use a knife or bench scraper to cut the rope into 1-inch pieces. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Step 4: Boil the Pretzel Bites

1. Prepare the Baking Soda Bath: In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add the baking soda (the water will bubble up). Stir to dissolve.
2. Boil the Pretzel Bites: Working in batches, add a few pretzel bites to the boiling water and cook for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bites from the water and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets. Boiling the pretzel bites in a baking soda bath gives them that distinctive chewy texture and golden-brown color.
3. Sprinkle with Salt: While the pretzel bites are still wet, sprinkle them with flaky sea salt.

Step 5: Bake the Pretzel Bites

1. Bake the Pretzels: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzel bites are golden brown.
2. Cool Slightly: Remove the pretzel bites from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. They’re best enjoyed warm.
3. Reheat the Cheese Sauce (If Needed): If the cheese sauce has thickened, gently warm it in a small saucepan over low heat or microwave it for 15-20 seconds to loosen it up.