Mix the yeast, warm water, sugar, melted butter, and salt. Stir and let the yeast activate and bubble for 5 minutes.

Add the 2 1/2 cups of flour plus 3/4 cups of cheese. Stir.

Add more flour as needed to make a dough.

Put the dough on a clean surface and knead it for 5 minutes.

Place the dough back into the bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Put the bowl in a warm place in the kitchen, and let the dough rise for 20 minutes. It should be doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 475 degrees.

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil on the stove, and then dissolve the baking soda. Take off the heat and let the water cool to just warm.

Divide the dough into 8 pieces and then shape it into pretzels.

Roll each portion into 1-inch thick ropes. Make a u-shape, grab both ends, and twist them twice at the top. Invert the twisted edges toward the bottom of the created u-shape, and press the dough together to hold.

Put the pretzels in the warm baking soda water and time it for 2 minutes. Remove and place on a lined baking sheet.

Add the remaining cheese on top and then bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes.