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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

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)


Instructions

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