Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe

Introduction

I recently made these soft pretzel bites with vegan cheese sauce for a family movie night, and they were an absolute hit! Not only are they fun to make, but they also turned out to be incredibly delicious—warm, soft, and perfectly salty with a creamy, cheesy dip that complemented the pretzels perfectly. Even my non-vegan family members couldn’t get enough of these bites! The vegan cheese sauce was smooth, rich, and flavorful, adding the perfect finishing touch to the soft pretzels. What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to make a vegan version of a classic favorite. The whole family loved them, and we all agreed that these will be a regular snack in our household from now on. They’re perfect for parties, game nights, or just when you’re craving a comforting snack.

Why You’ll Love This Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe

These Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce are the perfect combination of comfort and flavor. The pretzels themselves are soft, fluffy, and perfectly salted, while the homemade vegan cheese sauce is creamy, rich, and indulgent. This recipe is not only easy to make but is also a healthier alternative to traditional pretzel bites, with no dairy involved. The best part is that these soft pretzels pair wonderfully with the smooth, cheesy sauce that’s also dairy-free. They are great for appetizers or as a snack and are sure to please both vegans and non-vegans alike. With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate this classic snack in a healthier, cruelty-free version that everyone will love.

Ingredients

For the Pretzels:

• 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 (start with 4 cups and add more as needed)
• 1/2 tbsp salt

For Boiling:

• 3 quarts water
• 1/3 cup baking soda

For Topping:

• Oil or melted vegan butter (for brushing)
• Pretzel salt (or coarse salt)

For the 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

For the Pretzel Bites:

1. Activate the Yeast:
   In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Whisk to dissolve, then let sit for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and activated.
2. Prepare the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of flour and the salt. Add the melted vegan butter and the activated yeast mixture. Stir to combine until the dough starts to come together into a ball.
3. Knead the Dough:
   Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook. Add more flour as needed to prevent sticking, ensuring the dough stays soft but not too sticky.
4. Let the Dough Rise:
   Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough inside, rolling it to coat with oil. Cover with a damp towel and let rise for 1 hour, or until the dough doubles in size.
5. Shape the Pretzel Bites:
   Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, and roll it into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Cut the dough into small 3/4″ x 1″ pieces, shaping them into bite-sized pretzel pieces.
6. Boil the Pretzel Bites:
   Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the baking soda slowly, being careful as it will foam. Working in batches, gently drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water and cook for 1 minute on each side. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Add Toppings and Bake:
   Brush each pretzel bite with melted vegan butter or oil and sprinkle with pretzel salt. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.

For the Vegan Cheese Sauce:

1. Make the Roux:
   Melt the vegan butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until it starts to bubble but not brown.
2. Add Liquids:
   Slowly add the rice milk and vegetable broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Once smooth, bring to a simmer.
3. Incorporate the Cheese:
   Stir in the vegan cheddar cheese shreds and continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and thickened. Add garlic powder and salt for flavor.
4. Serve:
   Once the cheese sauce is smooth and creamy, transfer to a serving dish. Optionally, sprinkle with paprika for color and an extra kick of flavor. Serve alongside your freshly baked soft pretzel bites.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, 1 pretzel bite with cheese sauce)

• Serving Size: 1 pretzel bite with 2 tbsp cheese sauce
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Course: Appetizer
• Cuisine: American, German
• Diet: Vegan
• Keywords: soft pretzel bites, vegan pretzels, pretzels with cheese sauce, homemade pretzels, vegan cheese sauce, appetizer recipes

How to Serve

• With Vegan Cheese Sauce: Serve these pretzel bites with a side of creamy vegan cheese sauce for dipping. It’s the perfect pairing that brings out the flavor of the pretzels.
• With Mustard: For a tangy contrast, serve with mustard on the side, such as spicy brown mustard or Dijon mustard.
• As an Appetizer: These pretzel bites make a great appetizer for parties, game nights, or casual gatherings.
• As a Snack: Enjoy these pretzel bites as a savory snack, perfect for enjoying in front of a movie or with friends.
• Topped with Fresh Herbs: Garnish the pretzel bites with chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness.

Additional Tips

1. Keep Dough Soft: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. However, be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make the pretzels tough.
2. Boil in Batches: Boiling the pretzel bites in small batches ensures they cook evenly and don’t stick together.
3. Customize the Cheese Sauce: You can add extra flavors to the cheese sauce, such as smoked paprika, nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
4. Serve Fresh: For the best texture, serve the pretzel bites immediately after baking. They’re at their peak when fresh and warm.
5. Make Ahead: You can make the pretzels and freeze them before boiling. When ready, boil them and bake them as usual. This makes for an easy, make-ahead snack!

FAQ

1. Can I make these pretzel bites gluten-free?
   Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these pretzels gluten-free.
2. Can I make the cheese sauce spicy?
   Absolutely! Add some jalapeño, cayenne pepper, or chili powder to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
3. Can I use a different type of vegan cheese?
   Yes, feel free to use your favorite vegan cheese. You can experiment with different flavors like vegan mozzarella or even a blend of cheeses.
4. How do I keep the pretzel bites soft?
   To keep the pretzels soft, brush them with a bit of melted vegan butter or oil right after baking.
5. Can I freeze the pretzel bites?
   Yes, you can freeze the uncooked pretzel bites before boiling. When ready to bake, just boil them and bake as usual.
6. Can I make these pretzels bigger?
   Absolutely! You can shape the dough into larger pretzels if you prefer, just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly.
7. Do I need to use fast-rise yeast?
   Fast-rise yeast is used to speed up the rising process, but you can use regular yeast as well. Just allow the dough more time to rise.
8. How do I store leftovers?
   Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for longer storage.
9. **Can I use plant-based milk other than

rice milk?**
Yes, you can use any unsweetened plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk, but rice milk is preferred for its neutral flavor.

10. Can I make these pretzel bites without boiling them?
    Boiling the pretzel bites is what gives them that classic pretzel texture, so it’s recommended not to skip this step for the best result.

Conclusion

These Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce are a delicious, indulgent snack that’s perfect for any occasion. They’re soft, warm, and perfectly paired with the creamy, cheesy sauce. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them for a movie night, or looking for a fun homemade snack, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. It’s simple, customizable, and incredibly satisfying. Give it a try and enjoy these classic pretzels in a vegan-friendly version that everyone will love!

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