If you have ever wished for the perfect snack that’s both delightfully chewy and irresistibly melty, this Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe is going to steal your heart. These soft pretzel bites are golden, slightly salty, and have that signature chew, while the creamy vegan cheese sauce is the ultimate companion that brings luscious, savory goodness to every bite. Whether you’re serving these up for a cozy night in or a lively gathering, they’ll quickly become your go-to munchie, enchanting vegans and non-vegans alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe? The ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, yet each one plays a key role in crafting the authentic texture and flavor that make this snack so addictive. From the warm yeast-activated dough to the rich vegan cheddar, every element makes the final dish shine.
- Warm water (1 1/2 cups): Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough for a soft, pillowy texture.
- Fast-rise yeast (2 1/4 tsp): Ensures a quick and effective rise, giving pretzels their perfect fluffiness.
- Sugar (2 tbsp): Feeds the yeast and adds just a touch of sweetness to balance the salt.
- Melted vegan butter (1/4 cup + 2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps the dough stay tender; also used for brushing and sauce.
- Flour (4+ cups): The structural base of the pretzels; the more you add, the less sticky the dough becomes.
- Salt (1/2 tbsp + pretzel salt): Enhances flavor and pretzel authenticity; the coarse pretzel salt gives that classic crunch.
- Boiling water (3 quarts): Used with baking soda to create the pretzel’s distinctive crust.
- Baking soda (1/3 cup): Alkalizes the dough surface for that rich color and distinctive pretzel bite.
- Oil or melted vegan butter: For brushing pretzels before baking to ensure golden, glossy crusts.
- Flour (2 tbsp for sauce): Used to create a roux as the base for the cheese sauce.
- Plain, unsweetened rice milk (1 cup): A neutral, plant-based milk that keeps the sauce creamy without overpowering flavors.
- Vegan cheddar cheese shreds (3/4 cup): Melts smoothly for that irresistible cheesy dip.
- Vegetable broth (1/4 cup): Adds depth and umami to the cheese sauce.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): A subtle savory kick to complement the cheese.
- Paprika (optional): Sprinkled atop the sauce for a pop of color and mild smokiness.
How to Make Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by whisking together warm water, sugar, and fast-rise yeast in a bowl. Let this combination rest for 10 to 15 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This step is crucial because it signals that the yeast is alive and ready to help your pretzel dough rise beautifully soft and airy.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
Next, combine flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Pour in your melted vegan butter along with the activated yeast mixture. Stir everything until a dough ball forms, then knead for about 5 to 7 minutes. You can do this by hand or with a stand mixer using a dough hook. Add flour gradually to keep the dough soft but manageable — it shouldn’t stick all over your hands but should remain tender to the touch.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Lightly oil a mixing bowl and roll your dough ball in it, ensuring all surfaces are coated to prevent drying out. Cover with a damp towel and set it aside to rise in a warm spot for one hour. The dough should roughly double in size, developing that fluffy texture we all crave in a pretzel bite.
Step 4: Shape the Pretzel Bites
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Carefully turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle about half an inch thick. Cut the dough into small bite-sized pieces, approximately 3/4 inch by 1 inch — perfect little nuggets of soft yum.
Step 5: Boil in Baking Soda Bath
Bring 3 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot, then carefully add the baking soda — adding it slowly avoids a wild overflow. Drop a few pretzel bites at a time into the bubbling water and boil for one minute before flipping and boiling another minute. This step creates the iconic chewy pretzel crust and that deep golden color once baked.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches before Baking
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the boiled pretzel bites onto your prepared baking sheet. Brush each piece generously with oil or melted vegan butter for a sheen that bakes into crisp, golden edges. Don’t forget to sprinkle pretzel salt on top — this is where the flavor truly pops!
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your tray in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching as the pretzel bites turn a gorgeous golden brown. The smell alone will have you ready to dig in!
Step 8: Whip Up the Vegan Cheese Sauce
While the pretzels bake, melt vegan butter in a saucepan over medium heat and whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook for about a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually add rice milk, whisking to keep the mixture smooth and lump-free. Stir in garlic powder and salt for seasoning.
Step 9: Melt in the Vegan Cheese
Now comes the magic — add your vegan cheddar shreds while whisking constantly. Once melted, pour in vegetable broth and keep stirring until the sauce thickens to a creamy, luscious consistency. For a pretty finishing touch, sprinkle with paprika if you like a bit of color and subtle warmth.
Step 10: Time to Dip and Devour
Serve your golden Soft Pretzel Bites warm alongside the dreamy vegan cheese sauce. The combination of salty, chewy bites and the rich melty sauce creates a snack experience you won’t forget anytime soon.
How to Serve Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little extra flair and flavor, consider sprinkling some fresh chopped parsley or chives over your vegan cheese sauce. A light dusting of smoked paprika or cracked black pepper also adds a depth that balances the richness perfectly. These little touches elevate the presentation and taste, making your snack truly inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair your Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe alongside crunchy veggie sticks like carrots and celery or a simple fresh salad to add some brightness. A tangy vegan mustard or spicy marinara can also serve as wonderful alternative dips, giving you delightful variety to keep snack time fun.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, serve these pretzel bites in cute mini buckets or on wooden boards scattered with fresh herbs and dipping sauces. You can even thread pretzel bites on skewers for a fun finger food twist that’s perfect for sharing. The possibilities are endless once you have this versatile recipe in your culinary arsenal!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover pretzel bites (though that’s rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid refrigeration, which can dry them out and make them tough.
Freezing
You can freeze both the pretzel bites and the vegan cheese sauce separately. Place the pretzel bites on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Freeze the cheese sauce in an airtight container for about 1 month.
Reheating
To reheat pretzel bites, warm them in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes to regain their crispy crust and warm softness. The vegan cheese sauce reheats beautifully on the stovetop over low heat, whisking often to return it to that smooth, creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of rice milk for the cheese sauce?
Yes, regular dairy milk works fine if you’re not strictly vegan. Rice milk has a neutral flavor that pairs well with vegan cheese, but feel free to substitute almond, oat, or any plant-based milk of your choice.
Is it possible to make these pretzel bites gluten-free?
Gluten-free pretzel dough can be tricky, but with the right blend of gluten-free flours and xanthan gum, it’s doable. Just keep in mind the texture will be different from traditional soft pretzels.
What gives pretzels their unique crust and flavor?
The baking soda boil is the key step—it raises the pH on the dough’s surface, leading to a distinctive dark golden crust and that classic pretzel bite. Don’t skip this step!
Can I make the vegan cheese sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Make the sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, gently reheat while whisking to restore its creamy goodness.
What if I don’t have pretzel salt? Can I use regular salt?
You can substitute pretzel salt with coarse kosher salt or flaky sea salt for a similar texture and burst of flavor. Table salt is too fine and will get lost in the baking process.
Final Thoughts
This Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe is a wonderful way to bring friends and family together over something truly comforting and fun. Whether it’s a cozy movie night or a festive celebration, these bites deliver warm, cheesy satisfaction guaranteed to put smiles all around. I hope you have as much joy making and eating them as I do sharing this recipe with you!
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Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce are a delicious, plant-based snack perfect for sharing. The pretzels are soft and chewy with a golden-brown crust from boiling in baking soda water and then baking. Paired with a creamy, flavorful vegan cheese sauce made from vegan cheddar shreds and rice milk, this recipe is a great allergen-friendly alternative to traditional cheese dips. Ideal for parties or cozy nights in, these bites bring classic pretzel taste with a vegan twist.
Ingredients
Pretzel 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
For Boiling
- 3 quarts water
- 1/3 cup baking soda
Topping
- Oil or melted vegan butter (for brushing)
- Pretzel salt (to taste)
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 yeast: Whisk together the warm water, sugar, and fast-rise yeast in a bowl. Let this mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy and active, indicating the yeast is alive and ready to use.
- Make dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of flour and salt. Add the melted vegan butter and the activated yeast mixture. Mix everything together until a dough ball forms, then knead for 5-7 minutes by hand or using a stand mixer with the hook attachment. Add more flour as needed to prevent sticking; the dough should be soft but not overly sticky.
- Let dough rise: Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough ball inside, rolling it around to coat the surface with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let the dough rise for one hour, or until approximately doubled in size.
- Prepare pretzel bites: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Turn the risen dough out onto a lightly floured surface, roll into a large rectangle about 1/2 inch thick, and cut into pieces roughly 3/4″ x 1″ in size.
- Boil pretzel bites: In a large pot, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil. Carefully add the baking soda slowly, as the water can bubble up. Boil the pretzel bites in small batches for about 1 minute, flip, and boil for another minute. Remove with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush and salt: Brush each boiled pretzel bite with oil or melted vegan butter, then sprinkle generously with pretzel salt to add flavor and texture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the pretzel bites are beautifully golden-brown and cooked through.
- Make vegan cheese sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the vegan butter. Whisk in the flour to form a roux, and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually pour in the rice milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in garlic powder and salt to season.
- Incorporate cheese and broth: Whisk in the vegan cheddar shreds until melted and fully incorporated. Add the vegetable broth and keep whisking until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Optionally, top with paprika for color and additional flavor.
- Serve: Enjoy the warm pretzel bites dipped in your freshly made vegan cheese sauce for a comforting, plant-based treat.
Notes
- Ensure the water for activating the yeast is warm but not hot to prevent killing the yeast.
- The dough may require extra flour depending on humidity and flour type; add a little at a time to avoid dryness.
- Use a slotted spoon to handle pretzel bites when boiling to prevent breakage and for easy removal.
- For a crispier crust, brush the pretzel bites with oil instead of vegan butter before baking.
- Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain softness.
- The vegan cheese sauce can be adjusted with different plant-based cheeses for flavor variation.
