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
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)
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