If you have ever craved a snack that’s irresistibly fluffy, slightly salty, and pairs perfectly with a creamy dip, then you are in for a real treat with this Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe. These soft pretzel bites are delightfully chewy on the inside with a golden crust on the outside, and when paired with a luscious vegan cheese sauce, they create a harmony of flavors and textures that will keep you reaching for more. Whether you’re vegan or simply love a great snack, these pretzel bites with their rich, melt-in-your-mouth cheese dip are impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the list; the beauty of this recipe lies in its use of straightforward, accessible ingredients. Each component, from the yeast that makes the dough rise to the blend of vegan cheese and spices that make the sauce sing, contributes in its own special way to the final mouthwatering result.
- 1 1/2 cups warm water: Perfect temperature helps activate the yeast for that fluffy dough.
- 2 1/4 tsp fast-rise yeast: Makes the dough rise quickly and gives that signature pretzel texture.
- 2 tbsp sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds just a hint of sweetness to balance the salt.
- 1/4 cup melted vegan butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 4+ cups flour: The backbone of our dough, essential for structure and chewiness.
- 1/2 tbsp salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- 3 quarts water: For boiling the pretzel bites to achieve that classic pretzel crust.
- 1/3 cup baking soda: Creates the alkaline bath that gives pretzels their distinctive color and texture.
- Oil or melted vegan butter: Used for brushing to add shine and flavor before baking.
- Pretzel salt: The must-have finishing touch that packs that perfect salty punch.
- 2 tbsp vegan butter: For starting the vegan cheese sauce roux.
- 2 tbsp flour: Thickens the sauce for that creamy consistency.
- 1 cup plain, unsweetened rice milk: The dairy-free base for our smooth cheese sauce.
- 3/4 cup vegan cheddar cheese shreds: Brings that bold, tangy cheesy flavor we all crave.
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth: Adds depth and richness to the cheese sauce.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Adds a hint of savory warmth to the sauce.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the flavors in the cheese sauce.
- Paprika (optional): A beautiful and flavorful topping for the cheese sauce.
How to Make Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by waking up the yeast with warm water and sugar. This simple step is crucial because the frothy, bubbly yeast mixture is what guarantees your dough will rise and become wonderfully soft. Let it rest for about 10 to 15 minutes until it foams up — a sure sign your pretzel adventure is off to the right start.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Combine flour and salt in a mixing bowl and add the melted vegan butter along with your frothy yeast mixture. Mixing and kneading this until you have a soft but manageable ball is where the magic begins. Don’t be shy about adding a little more flour if the dough feels too sticky — the goal is soft, not sloppy. Kneading helps develop gluten for that signature chewy bite.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
This step is all about patience! Lightly oil a bowl, roll your dough ball in it, then cover it with a damp cloth. Set it aside in a warm spot for about an hour until it nearly doubles in size. This rest period gives the dough a chance to rise beautifully and develop flavor.
Step 4: Shape the Pretzel Bites
Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Cut into bite-sized pieces about 3/4 inch by 1 inch — perfect little nuggets that will bake up to golden perfection. This size makes them ideal for snacking or sharing.
Step 5: Boil the Pretzel Bites
Now for the secret to their classic pretzel crust — a quick bath in boiling water with baking soda. This alkaline solution activates the Maillard reaction during baking, giving that irresistible golden-brown color and that distinct pretzel flavor. Boil each batch for about a minute per side, then drain carefully onto your baking sheet.
Step 6: Add Toppings and Bake
Brush each pretzel bite with melted vegan butter or oil for a glossy finish. Don’t forget to sprinkle generously with pretzel salt — it’s this add-on that makes these bites totally crave-worthy. Bake at 425°F for 10 to 12 minutes, watching as they transform into warm little pillows of goodness.
Step 7: Prepare the Vegan Cheese Sauce
While the pretzel bites bake, create the sauce by melting vegan butter in a saucepan and whisking in flour to form a roux. Slowly add rice milk, stirring constantly to keep it lump-free, and then season with garlic powder and salt. This creates a smooth base perfect for melty vegan cheese.
Step 8: Add Cheese & Broth to Complete the Sauce
Stir in your vegan cheddar shreds and vegetable broth, whisking until the cheese melts into a luscious, creamy dip. Adding a sprinkle of paprika on top gives both a pop of color and a subtle smoky hint. Your vegan cheese sauce is now ready to complement your soft pretzel bites perfectly.
How to Serve Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your pretzel bites with fresh garnishes like chopped chives or a dash of smoked paprika on the cheese sauce. These little touches elevate the presentation and add bursts of fresh flavor that make every bite feel special.
Side Dishes
Pair these Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe with a crisp green salad, spicy mustard, or your favorite dipping sauces for variety. Offering a side of pickles or tangy sauerkraut can also add a delightful contrast to the savory richness of the pretzels and cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pretzel bites in a rustic wooden bowl lined with parchment, surrounded by small ramekins of the vegan cheese sauce and other dips for a fun shareable platter. You can also skewer several bites on cocktail sticks for easy dipping and a playful presentation at parties or family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover soft pretzel bites, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and ready to enjoy again without drying out or getting too tough.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the uncooked dough or fully baked pretzel bites. Shape and boil the bites first, then lay them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well frozen for up to two months.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, reheat the pretzel bites in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes to refresh their texture and warmth. Warm your vegan cheese sauce gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally until smooth and melty again.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Absolutely! This Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe uses rice milk and vegetable broth, avoiding common nuts. Just ensure your vegan cheese shreds are nut-free as well, and you’re good to go.
What kind of vegan cheese works best for the sauce?
Vegan cheddar-style shreds are an excellent choice because they melt beautifully and provide that tangy, sharp flavor reminiscent of traditional cheese. You can experiment with your favorite vegan cheese blends for personalized taste.
Can I use a different plant milk for the cheese sauce?
Yes, feel free to substitute rice milk with almond, oat, or soy milk as long as it’s unsweetened and plain. Just remember that different milks can slightly alter the flavor and texture of the sauce.
Is it necessary to boil the pretzel bites in baking soda water?
Boiling in the baking soda bath is what gives pretzels their iconic chewy crust and deep golden color. Skipping this step means your bites will be more like soft bread rolls rather than authentic pretzels.
How spicy is the vegan cheese sauce?
The cheese sauce in this recipe is mild and creamy with a slight garlicky warmth. You can easily adjust the seasoning by adding more garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a little cayenne if you like a bit of heat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and satisfying about biting into soft, warm pretzel bites dipped into a bowl of creamy vegan cheese sauce. This Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re sharing with friends or treating yourself for a cozy night in. Give it a try and watch how quickly these golden nuggets disappear — your taste buds will thank you!
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Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Soft Pretzel Bites with a creamy, rich Vegan Cheese Sauce make for a perfect snack or appetizer. These homemade pretzel bites are boiled in a baking soda bath for that classic chewy texture and baked to a beautiful golden brown. Paired with a smooth, dairy-free cheese sauce, this recipe is entirely vegan-friendly and sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
Pretzel Bites Dough
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 1/4 tsp fast-rise yeast
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 cup melted vegan butter
- 4+ cups flour
- 1/2 tbsp salt
Boiling & Topping
- 3 quarts water
- 1/3 cup baking soda
- Oil or melted vegan butter (for brushing)
- Pretzel salt (for sprinkling)
Vegan Cheese Sauce
- 2 tbsp vegan butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 cup plain, unsweetened rice milk
- 3/4 cup vegan cheddar cheese shreds (or your favorite vegan cheese)
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Paprika, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, whisk together warm water, sugar, and fast-rise yeast. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes until frothy and active, indicating the yeast is ready to use.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, mix 4 cups of flour with salt. Add melted vegan butter and the activated yeast mixture. Combine until a dough ball forms. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes by hand or with a stand mixer using a hook attachment, adding more flour as needed to keep it from sticking while maintaining softness.
- Let Dough Rise: Lightly oil a bowl and coat the dough inside. Cover with a damp towel and allow it to rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Pretzel Bites: Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into pieces approximately 3/4 inch by 1 inch.
- Boil the Pretzel Bites: Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Slowly add baking soda to the boiling water to prevent bubbling over. Boil pretzel bites in batches for about 1 minute on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add Toppings: Brush each boiled pretzel bite with oil or melted vegan butter and sprinkle generously with pretzel salt.
- Bake: Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until they turn golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Prepare the Vegan Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt vegan butter. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in rice milk to prevent lumps, then stir in garlic powder and salt.
- Add Cheese & Broth: Whisk in the vegan cheddar cheese shreds until fully melted and smooth. Add vegetable broth and continue whisking until the sauce is creamy. Optionally, top with paprika for color and extra flavor.
- Serve: Serve the warm pretzel bites with the vegan cheese sauce for dipping and enjoy this delicious plant-based snack.
Notes
- Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
- Knead well to develop gluten for a chewy texture in the dough.
- Boiling in baking soda water is essential to achieve the classic pretzel crust and flavor.
- If vegan butter is unavailable, use oil for brushing the pretzels before baking.
- You can substitute rice milk with any other plant-based milk but maintain it unsweetened for best results.
- Adjust salt and garlic powder in the cheese sauce to taste.
- Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 57 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
