There is nothing quite as satisfying and cozy as biting into warm, golden Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe. These little pockets of chewy, salty joy paired with a luscious, creamy vegan cheese sauce will have you hooked from the very first dip. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or craving an indulgent snack, this recipe blends the perfect balance of textures and flavors, bringing a delightful vegan twist to a classic favorite that everyone will love.

Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, whether it’s creating the soft, chewy texture of the pretzel bites or the dreamy, smooth consistency of the vegan cheese sauce. The simplicity of these ingredients means you can easily find them, but don’t underestimate their power in shaping this delicious dish.

Warm water: Activates the yeast and gives moisture to the dough for perfect rising.
Fast-rise yeast: Ensures your dough becomes fluffy and rises quickly for that ideal soft texture.
Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a slight sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
Melted vegan butter: Enriches the dough and tops the pretzels, lending a buttery aroma and tenderness.
Flour: The foundation of the dough, creating structure and chewiness, adjustable for ideal dough consistency.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor and sprinkles on top for that iconic pretzel taste.
Baking soda: Used in the boiling water bath, it triggers the browned crust and characteristic pretzel flavor.
Pretzel salt: Coats the pretzel bites to give them a crunchy, salty finish that’s utterly irresistible.
Oil or melted vegan butter: To brush over pretzel bites for rich color and extra taste.
Vegan butter (for sauce): Creates the base of the cheese sauce’s creamy roux.
Flour (for sauce): Thickens the vegan cheese sauce to perfection.
Plain, unsweetened rice milk: Keeps the sauce light and dairy-free while lending a subtle creaminess.
Vegan cheddar cheese shreds: The star that brings cheesy flavor and depth to the sauce.
Vegetable broth: Adds umami and smoothness to the cheese sauce without heaviness.
Garlic powder: Gives a lovely aromatic spice to elevate the sauce.
Paprika (optional): Adds hint of smokiness and color as a finishing flourish.

How to Make Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

First, mix warm water, sugar, and fast-rise yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial because a lively yeast mixture guarantees that perfectly risen, pillowy dough for your pretzel bites.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add melted vegan butter and the frothy yeast mixture. Stir everything until a dough ball forms, then knead by hand or with a stand mixer for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should feel soft, slightly tacky but not overly sticky. Adjust with more flour as needed to reach this texture.

Step 3: Let Dough Rise

Lightly oil a clean bowl and place your dough inside, coating it with oil all around. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it rest in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. This resting time is where the magic happens and your dough becomes soft and airy.

Step 4: Shape the Pretzel Bites

Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Turn out your risen dough onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle about half an inch thick. Then cut into small bite-sized pieces, roughly 3/4 inch by 1 inch — perfect for snacking and dipping!

Step 5: Boil the Pretzel Bites

Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Carefully add baking soda — go slow because the water bubbles up. Boil the pretzel bites in batches for 1 minute on each side. Boiling them in this baking soda bath creates that classic pretzel crust and irresistible flavor.

Step 6: Add Toppings and Bake

Transfer boiled pretzel bites onto your baking sheet. Brush generously with oil or melted vegan butter, then sprinkle pretzel salt on top. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and smelling heavenly.

Step 7: Prepare Vegan Cheese Sauce (Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe)

While the pretzel bites bake, melt vegan butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a smooth roux, cooking for about one minute. Slowly whisk in rice milk, garlic powder, and salt, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add vegan cheddar shreds, stirring until melted and silky. Finish with vegetable broth for creaminess and smooth texture. Optional paprika topping adds a smoky, colorful touch.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Dip your warm, golden soft pretzel bites into this luscious vegan cheese sauce and savor each bite. This recipe perfectly balances the chewy pretzel texture with a creamy, flavorful dip that’s hard to resist.

How to Serve Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or chives add a burst of color and freshness to the dish. You can also dust a little extra paprika or cracked black pepper over the cheese sauce for a vibrant finish that excites the eyes and taste buds alike.

Side Dishes

Pair your soft pretzel bites with fresh vegetable sticks or a crisp salad for balance. Sweet potato fries or roasted garlic potatoes make hearty companions if you want a more filling snack or starter. These sides complement the flavors without overpowering the vegan cheese sauce’s creamy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, arrange your pretzel bites in a communal platter with small bowls of different dipping sauces alongside, like spicy mustard, tangy BBQ sauce, or a garlicky vegan ranch. You can even thread pretzel bites onto skewers to create playful “pretzel kabobs” that are perfect for parties or kid-friendly snacks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. Keep the vegan cheese sauce in a separate sealed jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, stirring well before reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze pretzel bites by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. The cheese sauce can be frozen in ice cube trays, then transferred to a freezer bag for easy portioning.

Reheating

Reheat pretzel bites in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore that fresh-baked softness and crunch. Warm vegan cheese sauce gently on the stove or microwave at low power, stirring frequently to regain its creamy texture without separating.

FAQs

Can I use other plant-based milks instead of rice milk for the cheese sauce?

Absolutely! Unsweetened almond, oat, or soy milk can work just as well. Just make sure they are plain and unsweetened to preserve the balance of flavors in your vegan cheese sauce.

What if I don’t have vegan cheddar cheese shreds?

You can substitute with any shredded vegan cheese you prefer. Some brands offer smoked or spicy varieties, which can add a unique flavor twist to your sauce that pairs beautifully with the soft pretzel bites.

How do I make sure the dough is not too sticky or dry?

Start with 4 cups of flour and add more gradually while kneading until the dough feels soft and slightly tacky but not sticking heavily to your hands or surface. This balance is key for tender but manageable dough.

Why is the baking soda bath important?

The baking soda bath triggers a chemical reaction on the pretzel surface that gives that iconic brown color and distinctive pretzel flavor. Skipping this step will result in doughy bread rather than the beloved chewy pretzel crust.

Can I make the vegan cheese sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently and stir well to bring back its creamy consistency before serving with your soft pretzel bites.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing homemade Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe with loved ones — this recipe delivers comfort and crave-worthy flavor all in one bite. Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, these pretzels and that dreamy cheese sauce will quickly become your go-to snack or party favorite. Give it a try and enjoy all the deliciousness!

Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe

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4.3 from 90 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

These soft pretzel bites with vegan cheese sauce are a delicious, plant-based twist on a classic snack. Made with a tender, chewy dough boiled in a baking soda bath and baked to golden perfection, these pretzel bites are perfect for sharing. The creamy vegan cheese sauce, flavored with garlic and a hint of paprika, is the perfect dip for these warm, salty bites. Easy to prepare and guaranteed to satisfy your craving for soft pretzels with a gooey cheese dip without any dairy.

Ingredients

Scale

Pretzel Bites 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

Boiling Solution and Topping

3 quarts water
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 your favorite vegan cheese)
1/4 cup vegetable broth
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
Paprika, for topping (optional)

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Instructions

Activate the Yeast: Whisk together the warm water, sugar, and fast-rise yeast in a bowl. Let this mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy and active, signaling the yeast is ready to use.
Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of flour and salt. Add the melted vegan butter and the activated yeast mixture. Mix all ingredients together until a dough ball forms. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a hook attachment. Add more flour as needed to keep the dough soft but not sticky.
Let Dough Rise: Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough inside, turning it to coat the surface with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and allow the dough to rise for one hour or until it has doubled in size.
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 lightly floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle about 1/2 inch thick, then cut into pieces roughly 3/4 inch by 1 inch in size.
Boil the Pretzel Bites: Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Slowly add the baking soda to the boiling water to prevent overflow. Boil the pretzel bites in batches for about 1 minute, flip them, and boil for an additional minute. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Add Toppings: Brush each boiled pretzel bite with oil or melted vegan butter, then sprinkle generously with pretzel salt.
Bake: Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare the Vegan Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the vegan butter. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually pour in the rice milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in garlic powder and salt.
Add Cheese & Broth: Whisk in the vegan cheddar cheese shreds until fully melted and incorporated. Add the vegetable broth and continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Optionally, top with a pinch of paprika for color and flavor.
Serve: Enjoy the warm pretzel bites dipped in your freshly made vegan cheese sauce for a cozy, satisfying snack or appetizer.

Notes

Use warm water (not hot) to activate the yeast properly.
Adding more flour gradually helps achieve the right dough consistency.
The baking soda bath is essential for the pretzels’ distinctive chewy crust and golden color.
You can substitute the vegan cheese with your preferred variety as long as it melts well.
Pretzel salt can be replaced with coarse sea salt if unavailable.
Serve pretzels warm for the best texture and flavor.
Leftover pretzels can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispness.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 17 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American