If you are craving a snack that is irresistibly chewy, delightfully salty, and decadently cheesy, then you have to try this Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe. These bite-sized treats bring that classic soft pretzel charm in little morsels perfect for dipping, sharing, or sneaking some extra snacks for yourself. Paired with a luscious, creamy vegan cheese sauce, this recipe merges comforting textures with bold, rich flavors that will keep you reaching for more. Trust me, once you make these, they will quickly become your go-to comfort appetizer or party favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe means gathering some simple, everyday ingredients that each play a vital role in crafting the perfect soft pretzel bites and their dreamy vegan cheese sauce. From the yeast that makes the dough rise to the baking soda bath that creates the signature pretzel crust, every component contributes to making these bites exceptional.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast and helps create a soft, pliable dough.
- Fast-rise yeast: Powers the dough’s rise for that airy but chewy texture.
- Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds just a touch of sweetness to balance the pretzel’s saltiness.
- Melted vegan butter: Adds richness and a tender crumb to the dough.
- Flour (4+ cups): The foundation of the dough, providing structure and chew.
- Salt (1/2 tbsp for dough): Enhances all the flavors and gives that classic pretzel seasoning.
- Water (3 quarts): Used in the baking soda bath to create the pretzel crust.
- Baking soda (1/3 cup): Essential for that distinctive pretzel glaze and golden crust.
- Oil or melted vegan butter (for brushing): Adds a shine and extra flavor to the finished bites.
- Pretzel salt: The star seasoning that gives each bite a perfect salty crunch.
- Vegan butter (2 tbsp for sauce): Starts the creamy base of the cheese sauce.
- Flour (2 tbsp for sauce): Thickens the vegan cheese sauce to just the right consistency.
- Unsweetened plain rice milk (1 cup): Creates a smooth, neutral-flavored sauce base to let the vegan cheddar shine.
- Vegan cheddar cheese shreds (3/4 cup): Provides that melty, savory cheesy taste we all crave.
- Vegetable broth (1/4 cup): Adds subtle depth and flavor to the cheese sauce.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Infuses the sauce with a gentle savory kick.
- Salt (1/2 tsp for sauce): Balances and enhances the sauce’s flavors.
- Paprika (optional): Adds a pop of color and mild smoky aroma when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing the warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Let this sit for about 5 minutes until it’s frothy and bubbly—this shows your yeast is perfectly activated and ready. Then add melted vegan butter, salt, and most of the flour, stirring until a sticky dough forms. Keep adding flour until you have a smooth, elastic dough that’s no longer sticky to the touch. This step is all about finding the right dough texture for those soft, chewy pretzels.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Cover your dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, roughly 45 minutes to an hour. This rise develops flavor and that chewy inside texture everyone loves about pretzels.
Step 3: Shape the Pretzel Bites
Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air, then turn it onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a log shape and cut into small, bite-sized pieces. These little bites will cook evenly and give you the perfect portable snack every time.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Soda Bath
In a large pot, bring the 3 quarts of water to a simmer and slowly add the baking soda. This alkaline water bath is crucial because it gives the pretzel bites their blissfully golden, chewy crust once baked.
Step 5: Boil the Pretzel Bites
Drop the dough pieces gently into the boiling baking soda water in batches, letting them cook for about 20-30 seconds. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. This quick soak primes the dough for that classic pretzel texture.
Step 6: Bake and Season
Brush the boiled pretzel bites with oil or melted vegan butter and sprinkle generously with pretzel salt. Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. The smell alone will have you counting down the minutes!
Step 7: Make the Vegan Cheese Sauce
Use a saucepan to melt 2 tablespoons of vegan butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for a minute or so, stirring constantly, to form a roux. Slowly add rice milk and vegetable broth, whisking until smooth and thickened. Stir in vegan cheddar shreds, garlic powder, and salt until melted and creamy. This sauce is the perfect dip partner for your soft pretzel bites.
How to Serve Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Finish off your soft pretzel bites with a sprinkle of coarse pretzel salt or paprika for a touch of color and extra zing. Fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley can brighten the plate and add a garden-fresh aroma that complements the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
For a fuller snack or appetizer spread, serve the pretzel bites alongside tangy mustard dips, crisp pickles, or a fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette. These pairings balance the richness of the cheese sauce and enhance the overall flavor experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe in a rustic wooden bowl with little ramekins of dipping sauces around the table. You could also thread pretzel bites onto skewers for a fun presentation at parties. Adding colorful napkins or placing the bites atop a bed of lettuce adds a lovely visual contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover pretzel bites should be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the crust pleasantly chewy without drying out the interior.
Freezing
If you want to save pretzel bites for later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to 3 months. Freeze the vegan cheese sauce separately in a sealed container to maintain its creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat pretzel bites in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their fresh-baked crispness. Warm the vegan cheese sauce gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring frequently to prevent it from separating.
FAQs
Can I make the Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe gluten-free?
While this recipe is designed for traditional all-purpose flour, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but results may vary in texture and rise. Using xanthan gum and gluten-free yeast can help mimic the chewiness of classic pretzels.
What if I don’t have vegan cheddar shreds for the cheese sauce?
You can substitute with any vegan cheese that melts well, like mozzarella-style or a smoked vegan cheese for a different twist in flavor. Nutritional yeast can also enhance the cheesy taste if you want to boost the flavor further.
Is the baking soda bath really necessary?
Yes! The baking soda bath is what gives the pretzel bites their signature golden crust and chewy exterior. Skipping this step will result in a breadier texture closer to regular rolls rather than true pretzels.
How can I make the cheese sauce thicker?
If your vegan cheese sauce is a little thin, simply simmer it longer to reduce and thicken or add a tiny bit more flour or vegan cheese shreds during cooking. Stir constantly to avoid lumps.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Just take it out an hour before shaping and baking to bring it back to room temperature and finish the process.
Final Thoughts
If you loved classic pretzels as a kid or even as an adult, then this Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe is bound to become a new favorite. It’s fun to make, full of comforting flavors, and perfectly satisfying every time. So grab your ingredients, get cozy in the kitchen, and treat yourself and loved ones to this deliciously warm, melty, and delightful snack that everyone will adore.
Print
Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delight in these soft pretzel bites paired with a creamy vegan cheese sauce, perfect for a snack or party appetizer. The pretzels are chewy with a golden crust, while the dairy-free cheese sauce adds rich, savory flavor without any animal products.
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 all-purpose 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 all-purpose flour
- 1 cup plain, unsweetened rice milk
- 3/4 cup vegan cheddar cheese shreds
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Paprika (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sugar; sprinkle the fast-rise yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add the melted vegan butter, salt, and 4 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined, then knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, adding more flour as needed until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape Pretzels: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into small pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and cut into bite-sized pieces to form the pretzel bites.
- Prepare Baking Soda Bath: Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Slowly add the baking soda (be cautious as it will bubble up). Reduce to a simmer.
- Boil Pretzel Bites: Drop the pretzel bites into the simmering baking soda bath in batches, boiling each batch for 20-30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake Pretzel Bites: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Brush the pretzel bites with oil or melted vegan butter and sprinkle with pretzel salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Make Vegan Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt vegan butter. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in rice milk and vegetable broth, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in vegan cheddar shreds, garlic powder, and salt until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat and optionally sprinkle with paprika for extra color and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the warm pretzel bites alongside the vegan cheese sauce for dipping. Enjoy as a tasty snack or party appetizer.
Notes
- If you prefer a stronger tangy pretzel flavor, let the dough ferment longer during the first rise.
- The baking soda bath is crucial for achieving the signature pretzel crust and color.
- You can customize the cheese sauce by substituting with different vegan cheeses or adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Store leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain their crispness.
- To make the recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, although texture may vary.
