If you are craving a snack that’s both comforting and delightfully indulgent, look no further than this Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe. These golden, fluffy pretzel bites come paired with a creamy, flavorful vegan cheese sauce that’s rich without any dairy, making it perfect for everyone to enjoy. The contrast between the salty, chewy pretzels and the smooth, garlicky cheese dip is absolutely irresistible and guaranteed to become a go-to treat whether for game day, parties, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, easy-to-find ingredients that work harmoniously to create an unbeatable taste and texture. Each component is chosen to bring that authentic soft pretzel experience and a luscious vegan cheese sauce that’s smooth and full of flavor.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast and helps create the soft dough base.
- Fast-rise yeast: Ensures the dough rises quickly and beautifully fluffy.
- Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a slight sweetness that balances the salty toppings.
- Melted vegan butter: Adds richness and flavor to both the dough and the cheese sauce.
- Flour: Provides structure to the dough; essential for the perfect pretzel texture.
- Salt: Enhances taste and seasoning within the dough and on the pretzels.
- Baking soda: Used for boiling the dough pieces, giving pretzels their signature chewy crust and color.
- Pretzel salt: Adds the classic salty crunch on top of each pretzel bite.
- Plain, unsweetened rice milk: Forms the dairy-free base of the vegan cheese sauce.
- Vegan cheddar cheese shreds: The star ingredient that delivers creamy, cheesy flavor without dairy.
- Vegetable broth: Adds depth and smoothness to the cheese sauce.
- Garlic powder: Infuses savory warmth into the dipping sauce.
- Paprika: Optional topping for a pop of color and mild smoky flavor on the cheese sauce.
How to Make Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by mixing the warm water, sugar, and fast-rise yeast in a bowl. Let this mixture rest for about 10 to 15 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This step is crucial because it indicates your yeast is alive and ready to make the dough rise beautifully soft and airy.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of flour with salt. Pour in the melted vegan butter and the activated yeast mixture, then stir until a rough dough forms. Knead the dough by hand or with a mixer fitted with a hook attachment for 5 to 7 minutes, adding more flour as needed to keep it from sticking. Your dough should be soft but manageable, the foundation of those tender pretzel bites you’re about to make.
Step 3: Let Dough Rise
Lightly oil a clean bowl and place your dough inside, rolling it around so it’s coated with the oil. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and leave it in a warm spot for about one hour, or until the dough roughly doubles in size. This rising stage creates that airy texture inside your pretzels, making each bite wonderfully soft.
Step 4: Shape the Pretzel Bites
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Turn the risen dough onto a floured work surface and roll it out into a large rectangle approximately 1/2 inch thick. Cut the dough into bite-sized pieces about 3/4 inch by 1 inch — these perfect little squares will become your pretzel bites!
Step 5: Boil the Pretzel Bites
In a large pot, bring 3 quarts of water to a rolling boil, then carefully add the baking soda — it will bubble up, so do this slowly. Boil the pretzel bites in batches for about 1 minute on each side. This step is what gives pretzels their iconic chewy crust and golden-brown color once baked.
Step 6: Add Toppings and Bake
Transfer the boiled pretzel bites to your prepared baking sheet. Brush each one generously with oil or melted vegan butter, then sprinkle with pretzel salt. Bake them in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until they toast up to a beautiful golden brown. Your kitchen will smell like the best snack is almost ready!
Step 7: Prepare the Vegan Cheese Sauce for Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe
While the pretzel bites finish baking, melt vegan butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute to make a smooth roux. Gradually whisk in the rice milk to prevent lumps, then stir in garlic powder and salt. Next, add the vegan cheddar cheese shreds and vegetable broth, whisking continuously until the sauce becomes silky and rich. Add a pinch of paprika on top for optional color and smoky warmth.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Dig into these warm, fluffy pretzel bites with your creamy vegan cheese sauce. Whether dipped or drizzled, this dynamic duo is every bit as satisfying as traditional versions, yet totally plant-based and full of heartwarming flavor.
How to Serve Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like chives or parsley over the cheese sauce to brighten up the flavors and add a hint of freshness. A light dusting of smoked paprika or chili flakes can also create a fun twist, adding dimension to the classic snack.
Side Dishes
Pair these pretzel bites with a crisp vegan coleslaw or a fresh cucumber salad to add some crunch and cool contrast. They also work wonderfully alongside hearty soups or stews for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the pretzel bites on a platter with small bowls of different dipping sauces including your vegan cheese sauce, mustard, or a tangy marinara. Try skewering pretzel bites with colorful veggies for a playful and grab-friendly presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover pretzel bites cool completely and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The vegan cheese sauce is best kept separately in the fridge to maintain its creamy texture, where it will last about 3-4 days.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked pretzel bites by spreading them out on a baking sheet and freezing until solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container and store for up to one month. Freeze the vegan cheese sauce in a separate container for up to two weeks.
Reheating
To reheat the pretzel bites, bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Reheat the cheese sauce gently on the stove over low heat, whisking often to restore its creamy consistency without separating.
FAQs
Can I use any other plant-based milk for the vegan cheese sauce?
Absolutely! Almond, oat, or soy milk all work well as alternatives to rice milk. Just choose an unsweetened, plain variety to keep the savory flavor of the sauce intact.
What does boiling the pretzel bites in baking soda water do?
Boiling in a baking soda bath creates a distinctive chewy crust and deep golden color by triggering the Maillard reaction during baking. It’s a must for authentic soft pretzel texture and flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Since traditional pretzel dough requires gluten for structure and chewiness, this recipe is best with regular flour. However, experimenting with gluten-free blends and xanthan gum might give decent results, though texture will differ.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Yes! After kneading, lightly oil the dough, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping the pretzel bites and continuing with boiling and baking.
What vegan cheeses work best in the cheese sauce?
Look for vegan cheddar-style shreds as they melt well and offer a rich, sharp flavor. Some brands melt creamier than others, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite.
Final Thoughts
This Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe is truly a delight from start to finish. It brings together the joy of homemade pretzels with the comfort of a creamy, dairy-free cheese dip—perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself. Once you try these, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought snacks again. So roll up your sleeves, get cozy in the kitchen, and enjoy the magic of freshly baked soft pretzel bites with that irresistibly dream-worthy vegan cheese sauce.
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Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 22 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 the perfect savory snack for any occasion. Soft, chewy pretzel bites are boiled in a baking soda bath for that classic pretzel texture, then baked to golden perfection. They’re paired with a creamy, flavorful vegan cheese sauce made from vegan cheddar shreds and enriched with a smooth roux, garlic, and vegetable broth. Ideal for vegan diets and guaranteed to satisfy your craving for a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Pretzel Bites
- 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
- 3 quarts water (for boiling)
- 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 favorite vegan cheese)
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Paprika (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: Whisk together warm water, sugar, and fast-rise yeast in a bowl. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until frothy and active, which ensures your dough will rise properly.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add melted vegan butter and the activated yeast mixture. Mix until a dough ball forms, then knead for 5-7 minutes by hand or with a stand mixer until soft but not sticky. Add more flour if needed.
- Let Dough Rise: Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough inside, rolling it around to coat with oil. Cover with a damp towel and let it rise for one hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Pretzel Bites: Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll into a 1/2-inch-thick rectangle. Cut into 3/4″ x 1″ pieces for bite-sized pretzels.
- Boil the Pretzel Bites: Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add baking soda slowly to avoid bubbling over. Boil pretzel bites in batches for 1 minute on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add Toppings: Brush each pretzel bite with melted vegan butter or oil, then generously sprinkle with pretzel salt.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and perfectly cooked through.
- Prepare the Vegan Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt vegan butter. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in rice milk to prevent lumps. Stir in garlic powder and salt.
- Add Cheese & Broth: Whisk in vegan cheddar shreds until melted and smooth. Add vegetable broth and continue whisking until sauce is creamy and well combined. Optionally, sprinkle with paprika for extra flavor and color.
- Serve: Enjoy the warm soft pretzel bites dipped in the creamy vegan cheese sauce for a delightful snack or appetizer.
Notes
- Make sure the water used for activating yeast is warm, around 100-110°F, to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- If dough is too sticky, gradually add flour, but avoid making it too dense.
- Boiling pretzel bites in baking soda water is key for the distinctive pretzel crust and flavor.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- The vegan cheese sauce can be customized with different vegan cheeses to suit your taste.
- Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.
- This recipe can be doubled or halved easily to suit serving needs.
