Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce are truly the life of any party or the ultimate comfort snack for a cozy night in. Imagine pillowy, golden nuggets of oven-fresh pretzel delight, served with a creamy, tangy vegan cheese sauce that’s so crave-worthy you’ll be scraping the bowl. This recipe brings together a handful of pantry classics with simple steps, and delivers on both texture and flavor — all while being entirely plant-based! Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, there’s just something magical about dipping warm pretzel bites into luscious vegan cheese sauce fresh from your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce plays a starring role in how scrumptiously the recipe comes together. You likely have most of these basics on hand, and a few special ones—like nutritional yeast and raw cashews—ensure that signature cheesy flavor without any dairy.
- Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise for that classic, fluffy pretzel texture.
- Warm water (110°F/43°C): The right temperature activates your yeast and brings the dough together beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Gives the yeast a boost and adds a touch of sweetness for balance.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy, soft backbone of your pretzels—don’t skip sifting for lighter bites!
- Salt: Enhances flavor throughout and balances the dough.
- Water (for boiling): Necessary for that signature pretzel “bath” that gives them their chewy shell.
- Baking soda: Essential in the boiling step for authentic, golden-brown pretzel crust.
- Coarse sea salt: A must for topping—those crunchy pops of salinity take every bite over the top.
- Vegan butter (optional): Brushed on after baking for next-level richness and shine.
- Raw cashews (soaked): The superstars of your vegan cheese sauce, blending up to create that dreamy creaminess.
- Nutritional yeast: Brings loads of “cheesy” flavor while keeping things totally plant-based.
- Lemon juice: Adds a gentle tang and brightness to the sauce.
- Garlic powder: For just a bit of savory depth.
- Onion powder: Enhances the overall cheese sauce flavor with subtle sweetness.
- Smoked paprika: Offers a hit of smokiness and color to your sauce.
- Salt (for the sauce): Rounds out those cheesy, savory notes.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): If you like a little heat in your cheese dip, don’t skip this!
How to Make Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining the active dry yeast and granulated sugar with warm water in a bowl. Swirl it gently and let the mixture sit for about five minutes. Don’t skip this step—waiting for the yeast to get nice and foamy is your secret to extra-fluffy pretzel bites!
Step 2: Make the Pretzel Dough
In a large mixing bowl, stir together your all-purpose flour and salt, then add the yeast mixture once it’s bubbly. From here, mix everything together and knead the dough (either with your hands or a mixer with a dough hook) until it’s smooth and elastic, about five to seven minutes. Form into a ball, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for an hour or until it’s doubled in size.
Step 3: Form the Pretzel Bites
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and turn it out onto a floured surface. Use your hands to roll the dough into thick ropes about one inch in diameter, then cut into one-inch pieces. This is a fun activity to get little helpers involved!
Step 4: The Pretzel Bath
Bring ten cups of water and the baking soda to a boil in a large pot. Working in batches, drop the dough pieces into the boiling water for thirty seconds. This step might sound simple, but it’s the magic that creates the signature chewy, golden pretzel crust you love in Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce. Remove the bites with a slotted spoon and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Sprinkle your boiled pretzel bites generously with coarse sea salt and pop them into a preheated 450°F oven. Bake for twelve to fifteen minutes until they’re puffed up and richly browned on top. For a glossy finish and extra flavor, brush them with a little melted vegan butter as soon as they come out!
Step 6: Blend the Vegan Cheese Sauce
While those glorious pretzel bites are baking, make your vegan cheese sauce. Drain the soaked cashews and toss them into a blender with water, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Blend until super smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Now, try not to eat it all before the pretzels are ready!
Step 7: Serve and Dip
Pour your luscious vegan cheese sauce into a bowl for dipping and arrange the warm pretzel bites on a platter. Set out plenty of napkins, because once you and your guests taste these, you’ll want seconds (and thirds).
How to Serve Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce
Garnishes
Amp up your presentation by sprinkling fresh herbs—like chives, parsley, or even a little extra smoked paprika—on top of the vegan cheese sauce. If you love some extra flair, finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes offer a nice visual and flavorful kick.
Side Dishes
Though Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce are a star on their own, they pair delightfully with bowls of crisp veggie sticks (carrots and celery are classics), tangy pickles, or even a simple green salad to round out your spread for gatherings or game night.
Creative Ways to Present
Go playful and build a “pretzel bites board” with small bowls of dipping sauces—the vegan cheese, honey mustard (veganized, of course!), or a spicy salsa. For parties, thread pretzel bites on skewers alternating with roasted veggies, or serve them inside little paper cones for an adorable snack station.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keep the vegan cheese sauce covered in the fridge, and just give it a quick stir before serving—it stays creamy and delicious!
Freezing
Baked pretzel bites freeze wonderfully: let them cool, then seal in a zip-top bag or airtight container and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge for grab-and-go snacks or lunchbox treats. The vegan cheese sauce won’t freeze well but is quick enough to whip up fresh.
Reheating
To bring pretzel bites back to their fresh-from-the-oven magic, pop them in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes or until warmed through. The vegan cheese sauce gently reheats in a small saucepan over low heat or even a few quick bursts in the microwave. Add a splash of water if it’s too thick!
FAQs
Can I make Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce gluten free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend; keep in mind texture may vary, but the recipe is quite forgiving. Just ensure your flour contains xanthan gum or a binding agent for best results.
What’s the best way to soak cashews quickly?
If you’re short on time, pour boiling water over your cashews and let them soak for just 20 minutes—this softens them up nicely and leads to a perfectly smooth vegan cheese sauce in minutes.
Can I prep the pretzel dough in advance?
Definitely! Make the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight in a covered bowl. Just let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes before shaping and boiling so it comes to room temperature.
How spicy is the vegan cheese sauce?
It’s totally up to you! The cayenne pepper brings a mild heat, but feel free to leave it out if you prefer a classic cheesy flavor, or add extra if you love a little kick with your Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce.
What can I use instead of nutritional yeast?
Nutritional yeast is key for that cheesy depth, but if you can’t find it, try a little miso paste and an extra pinch of garlic powder. The flavor won’t be quite the same, but it’ll still be delicious with the homemade pretzels!
Final Thoughts
If you love fun, flavor-packed plant-based snacks, Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce should absolutely be on your to-do list. Make a batch for your next hangout or movie night, and prepare to be wowed by how easy and tasty homemade pretzels (and that dreamy cheese dip!) can be. Give it a try—you’ll come back for more!
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Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Enjoy these Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce for a delicious snack or appetizer. The pretzel bites are perfectly soft and chewy, with a golden brown crust sprinkled with coarse sea salt. Paired with the creamy and flavorful vegan cheese sauce, they make a satisfying and indulgent treat.
Ingredients
For the pretzel bites:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- coarse sea salt for sprinkling
- vegan butter (optional, for brushing)
For the vegan cheese sauce:
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 20 minutes)
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- To make the pretzel bites: Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water; let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Mix flour and salt in a bowl. Add yeast mixture to flour and knead until smooth. Let rise for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Boil water and baking soda. Roll dough into ropes, cut into pieces, boil, sprinkle with salt, and bake.
- For the vegan cheese sauce: Blend soaked cashews and all sauce ingredients until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve warm pretzel bites with vegan cheese sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can prepare dough ahead and refrigerate overnight for easier baking the next day.
- Add fresh herbs or spices to the cheese sauce for variety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour rising)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
