Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate party snack, these Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce absolutely deliver! Each fluffy pretzel morsel boasts that golden crust and signature salty burst, while the ridiculously creamy cheese sauce is totally plant-based magic. This crowd-pleaser is proof that snack time can be both nostalgic and decadent—especially when everyone at the table can join in. Whether you’re setting a game-day spread, movie night, or simply treating yourself, Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce are here to steal the show (and your heart) every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients truly shine in this recipe, each one playing a starring role to achieve chewy-soft pretzel bites and a luscious, dairy-free cheese sauce. Don’t skip or substitute unless noted—every component brings something special to the table!

• Warm water: Activates the yeast and brings the dough together—don’t go too hot or too cold!
• Fast rise yeast: Gives our pretzel bites that essential lift and tender, airy texture.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast for a perfect rise and adds a hint of sweetness to the dough.
• Melted vegan butter: Infuses rich, buttery flavor in both dough and topping—essential for that classic pretzel taste.
• Flour: Provides the structure; adjust as needed for a soft (not sticky) dough.
• Salt: Balances out the flavor profile; essential inside and out!
• Water (for boiling): Boiling dough is the secret to that famous chewy pretzel crust.
• Baking soda (for boiling): Gives pretzels their distinctive golden-brown color and unique flavor—don’t skip!
• Oil or melted vegan butter (for topping): Ensures that perfectly glossy, flavorful finish.
• Pretzel salt: Those crunchy, salty bursts on top make every bite pop.
• Vegan butter (for cheese sauce): The creamy base for our luscious vegan cheese sauce.
• Flour (for cheese sauce): Helps thicken the sauce into a silky dip.
• Plain, unsweetened rice milk: Chosen for its neutral flavor and smooth consistency. Almond or oat milk work in a pinch!
• Vegan cheddar cheese shreds: Melts beautifully into ooey-gooey cheese goodness—feel free to use your favorite brand.
• Vegetable broth: Adds body and savory depth to the sauce.
• Garlic powder: Infuses the sauce with aromatic, garlicky warmth.
• Salt: Unlocks all those cheesy flavors!
• Paprika (optional): A dusting over the cheese sauce adds color and a gentle smokiness.

How to Make Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Kick things off by whisking together your warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let this magical combo sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for a foamy, slightly creamy mixture—that’s the sign your yeast are dancing and ready to lift your dough to pillowy heights!

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In your largest mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of flour with the salt. Pour in the melted vegan butter and your frothy yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 5 to 7 minutes (by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook). Add more flour if needed; you want a dough that’s soft yet not overly sticky. Next, lightly oil a bowl, shape the dough into a ball, and give it a spa treatment—twirl it around in the oil so it’s fully coated.

Step 3: Proof the Dough

Cover the bowl with a damp towel and set it aside for about an hour. The dough will relax and rise, doubling in volume while you kick back or prep your cheese sauce ingredients. This rest creates the signature lightness you adore in soft pretzels!

Step 4: Shape and Cut the Pretzel Bites

Once your dough has risen to the occasion, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle about half an inch thick. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, slice the dough into approximately 3/4″ x 1″ pieces—mini bites, primed for snacking. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 5: Boil the Pretzel Bites

Fill a large pot with about 3 quarts of water and bring it to a rolling boil. Carefully add in the baking soda; it may bubble vigorously, so take your time! Working in batches, drop the pretzel pieces into the boiling solution. After one minute, flip them over and boil for a minute more, then scoop them out and line them up on your prepared baking sheet. This process creates that unparalleled chewy crust every pretzel fan craves.

Step 6: Season and Bake

Before sliding your bites into the oven, brush them with melted vegan butter or oil, then generously sprinkle with pretzel salt. Bake them for 10 to 12 minutes, until they’re deeply golden and calling your name. The aroma alone will have everyone peeking into the kitchen!

Step 7: Make the Vegan Cheese Sauce

While your pretzel bites bake, create pure comfort in a saucepan. Melt the vegan butter over medium heat, add in the flour, and whisk until completely blended—this is your roux! Gently pour in the rice milk, whisking to banish any lumps, then add garlic powder and salt. Stir in the vegan cheddar until it melts into a gorgeous, creamy dip. Lastly, whisk in the veggie broth so the sauce is perfectly silky. Dust with paprika if you’re feeling fancy! This is the cheese sauce that makes Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce legendary.

How to Serve Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce

Garnishes

For that finishing touch, try dusting your pretzel bites with a little extra pretzel salt or a sprinkle of coarse sea salt right out of the oven—the salt melts into the hot dough, intensifying every bite. As for the vegan cheese sauce, a dash of smoked paprika, chopped chives, or even a few chili flakes can instantly make your snacks pop and look restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce shine solo, but they love a little company! Serve alongside fresh crudités, tangy pickles, or even a crisp green salad. For heartier gatherings, add some vegan sausages, roasted potatoes, or a bowl of creamy tomato soup. They’re the MVPs of a lively snack board or a cozy dinner spread.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to dazzle, pile the pretzel bites into a rustic basket lined with a napkin and nestle a warm little bowl of the vegan cheese sauce in the middle. Or, skewer a few for a shareable pretzel “kebab”! For parties, arrange them in a circular “wreath” around the dipping sauce, or offer a trio of dips—cheese, mustard, and a spicy vegan ranch—for an irresistible, interactive table centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow stumble upon leftovers (unlikely, but miracles happen!), keep them fresh by storing the cooled pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or in the fridge for up to three days. The vegan cheese sauce should go straight into the fridge in a sealed container and stay happy for up to four days.

Freezing

Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce can easily become your make-ahead snack heroes. Freeze the completely cooled pretzel bites in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months! The cheese sauce can also be frozen, though it may need a good whisk after thawing to regain smoothness.

Reheating

To bring your pretzel bites back to life, pop them in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp again. For the sauce, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring regularly; add a splash of rice milk or broth if it’s too thick. Snack perfection, round two!

FAQs

Can I use a different plant milk for the cheese sauce?

Absolutely! While rice milk is preferred for its neutral flavor, unsweetened almond, soy, or oat milk also work well. Just make sure whichever milk you choose isn’t sweetened or flavored, so the vegan cheese sauce keeps its savory character.

Why do I need to boil the pretzel bites in baking soda?

Boiling in a baking soda solution is what gives Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce their uniquely chewy crust and deep golden color. This quick step creates that authentic pretzel experience that you just can’t get from baking alone!

Can I make these gluten free?

Yes, you can try swapping in a cup-for-cup gluten free flour blend. Keep in mind that the dough texture may change, and you might need to adjust the liquid amounts a little, but many readers have loved these as gluten free treats!

My dough didn’t rise—what went wrong?

This almost always comes down to yeast that’s expired or water that’s too hot or cold. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that your water is just warm to the touch—about 110°F. That’s the sweet spot for happy, bubbly yeast.

Can I double the cheese sauce for a larger group?

Absolutely! Just double all sauce ingredients and cook as usual. No one ever complains about extra vegan cheese sauce—especially when there are plenty of Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce on the table!

Final Thoughts

If you love comfort food that’s shareable, crowd-pleasing, and just a tad nostalgic, you owe it to yourself to make Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce. These bites bring people together in the most delicious way—so gather your crew and get dipping!

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