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Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 81 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Add Toppings: Brush each pretzel bite with melted vegan butter or oil, then generously sprinkle with pretzel salt.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and perfectly cooked through.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/soft-pretzel-bites-with-vegan-cheese-sauce-recipe-2/