If you have ever craved the warm, salty goodness of freshly baked pretzels without any animal products, then you are going to absolutely fall in love with this Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe. These bite-sized nuggets of doughy delight are perfectly chewy on the inside and gently crisp on the outside, paired with a dreamy, creamy vegan cheese sauce that elevates every morsel. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite thanks to its approachable ingredients and irresistible flavor profile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in achieving that classic pretzel taste and texture, while the vegan cheese sauce adds a luscious, dairy-free finish that’s bursting with flavor. The combination of simple pantry staples and a few special touches ensures that your Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe turns out perfectly every time.
- 1 1/2 cups warm water: Activates the yeast and helps develop the dough’s perfect texture.
- 2 1/4 tsp fast-rise yeast: Gives the dough a quick and effective rise for fluffy bites.
- 2 tbsp sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to balance the salt.
- 1/4 cup melted vegan butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
- 4+ cups flour: The sturdy base for your dough that holds everything together.
- 1/2 tbsp salt: Enhances the flavor throughout the pretzel bites.
- 3 quarts water: For the baking soda bath that gives pretzels their signature crust.
- 1/3 cup baking soda: Creates a slightly alkaline bath to develop texture and color.
- Oil or melted vegan butter: For brushing the pretzel bites to add shine and flavor.
- Pretzel salt: That coarse sprinkle on top that makes each bite unforgettable.
- 2 tbsp vegan butter: The base for the vegan cheese sauce, adding creaminess.
- 2 tbsp flour: Thickens the cheese sauce to a luscious consistency.
- 1 cup plain, unsweetened rice milk: Preferred for its neutral flavor, making the sauce smooth.
- 3/4 cup vegan cheddar cheese shreds: Your favorite brand for melty, cheesy goodness.
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth: Adds depth and a savory note to the cheese sauce.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Delivers a subtle punch that complements the pretzels wonderfully.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the flavors in the sauce perfectly.
- Paprika (optional): Adds a gentle smoky touch and a pop of color as a topping.
How to Make Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by activating your yeast in warm water, mixing in the sugar to fuel that fermentation magic. Once bubbly and alive, stir in melted vegan butter, salt, and most of your flour to form a sticky dough. Knead vigorously, adding more flour as needed until the dough is smooth and elastic. This step is where you lay the foundation for those irresistibly soft pretzel bites.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest in a warm spot. About an hour later, your dough should have doubled in size, fluffy and ready for the next step. This lift not only improves the texture but also gives your pretzels that signature airy chewiness.
Step 3: Shape and Cut the Pretzel Bites
Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out into a long rope. Slice the rope into bite-sized pieces—around one-inch each. This size is perfect for dipping and sharing, making the whole batch so much fun to snack on.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Soda Bath
In a large pot, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil and carefully add the baking soda. This alkaline bath is essential for creating the pretzels’ distinctive brown crust and subtle tang. Dip each dough piece for about 30 seconds before transferring them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Brush each soaked pretzel bite with melted vegan butter or oil, then sprinkle generously with pretzel salt. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for approximately 12 minutes until golden brown and crisp on the outside. These little bites will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma!
Step 6: Make the Vegan Cheese Sauce
While the pretzel bites are baking, start on the cheese sauce. Melt vegan butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour to create a smooth roux, then gradually stir in rice milk and vegetable broth. Keep whisking until thickened, then sprinkle in your vegan cheddar, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until melty and creamy — this sauce is the dreamy dip your pretzel bites need.
How to Serve Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of pretzel salt on top before baking locks in that classic salty punch, but for an extra special touch, paprika adds color and a subtle smoky note that pairs beautifully with the vegan cheese sauce. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley can also brighten the presentation and flavor just before serving.
Side Dishes
Serve these pretzel bites alongside fresh-cut veggies, a zesty vegan ranch dip, or even a tangy mustard sauce to complement the cheesy richness. They shine as a shareable appetizer during game day or a cozy snack paired with your favorite cold brew or sparkling drink.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange the pretzel bites in a festive bowl surrounded by small cups of dipping sauces—including the creamy vegan cheese sauce, spicy ketchup, or smoky BBQ. This makes for an inviting, interactive experience, perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover pretzel bites, store them in an airtight container once cooled to room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, retaining much of their texture and flavor, perfect for a quick snack later.
Freezing
Freeze leftover pretzel bites by arranging them on a baking sheet in a single layer and placing in the freezer until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be stored for up to 2 months. This method keeps them ready to enjoy whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the pretzel bites in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warm and slightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving to preserve that perfect chewy and crusty texture. Reheat the vegan cheese sauce gently on low heat, stirring regularly to bring back its creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I make the pretzel bites gluten-free?
Gluten-free flours don’t behave quite the same as wheat flour, so making Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe gluten-free can be tricky. You might need a special blend designed for baking and additional binding agents. Experiment with gluten-free baking mixes for the best results.
What can I substitute for rice milk in the cheese sauce?
While rice milk is preferred for its neutral flavor, you can use other plant-based milks like oat or almond milk. Just be sure they are unsweetened and plain to keep the sauce savory and creamy without any unexpected sweetness.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Yes! After kneading, cover the dough tightly and refrigerate it overnight. It will rise slowly in the fridge, which can actually develop more flavor. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking the pretzel bites.
How spicy is the vegan cheese sauce?
The sauce is mild and creamy with a subtle garlic note, and the paprika topping adds a gentle hint of smokiness if you choose to include it. You can easily customize the spice level by adding a pinch of cayenne or chili powder if you love a little heat.
Can I freeze the vegan cheese sauce?
Freezing vegan cheese sauce is possible but can impact its texture slightly, making it grainy upon thawing. It’s best to prepare fresh sauce whenever possible, but if freezing, thaw gently and whisk well before reheating.
Final Thoughts
Making Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe at home is such a rewarding experience—warm, flavorful bites paired with a luscious, dairy-free cheese sauce that everyone will rave about. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying solo, these pretzel bites bring an extra dose of comfort and joy to any occasion. Give the recipe a try and discover your new favorite snack that’s vegan-friendly and downright delicious!
Print
Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 1h 30m
- Cook Time: 12m
- Total Time: 1h 42m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce are a delightful snack perfect for sharing. They feature a chewy, golden-brown pretzel exterior and a warm, creamy vegan cheese dipping sauce. This recipe is vegan-friendly and perfect for parties, game days, or any casual gathering.
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
Baking Solution
- 3 quarts water
- 1/3 cup baking soda
Topping
- Oil or melted vegan butter, for brushing
- Pretzel salt
Vegan Cheese Sauce
- 2 tbsp vegan butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 cup plain, unsweetened rice milk (preferred for neutral flavor)
- 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 (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, fast-rise yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in melted vegan butter, then gradually mix in flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat baking solution: In a large pot, bring 3 quarts of water and the baking soda to a boil. This will be used to boil the pretzel bites for their distinctive texture and color.
- Shape the pretzel bites: Once risen, punch down the dough and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into long ropes about 1-inch in diameter. Cut the ropes into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-1.5 inches long.
- Boil pretzel bites: Carefully drop the pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda water in batches, boiling each side for about 30 seconds. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake pretzel bites: Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Brush each pretzel bite with oil or melted vegan butter and sprinkle generously with pretzel salt. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Make vegan cheese sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the vegan butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in rice milk and vegetable broth, stirring constantly until thickened. Add vegan cheddar cheese shreds, garlic powder, and salt. Continue stirring until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce. Optionally, sprinkle with paprika for color and extra flavor.
- Serve: Serve the warm pretzel bites with the vegan cheese sauce for dipping. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use plain, unsweetened rice milk for a neutral, creamy cheese sauce base.
- Ensure the baking soda water is boiling before adding the pretzel bites for the proper texture.
- Adjust the amount of pretzel salt according to your taste preference.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but note texture differences.
- The cheese sauce can be customized with your favorite vegan cheese or additional spices.
- Leftover pretzel bites can be reheated in the oven to retain their crispness.
