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Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 32 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

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