Name: Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 3 quarts water; 1/3 cup baking soda; Oil or melted vegan butter; Pretzel salt; 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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If there’s one appetizer that screams “crowd pleaser” and never fails to disappear from the snack table, it’s Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce. These pillowy-soft, golden pretzel nuggets have that unmistakable chewy crust you crave, and when paired with a silky, perfectly spiced vegan cheese sauce, every bite is addictive bliss. Whether you’re whipping them up for game day, a family movie night, or just a comforting treat for yourself, you’ll be amazed at how quickly these little bites vanish. Nothing brings people together quite like a warm basket of homemade pretzels and their creamy, melty cheesy partner!

Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something so satisfying about creating Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce from scratch using simple pantry staples. Each component, from the flour to the vegan cheddar, plays its part — for the irresistible flavor, bouncy texture, and that luscious, dip-worthy sauce.

Warm water: Essential for activating the yeast and creating the right dough consistency.
Fast rise yeast: Gives these pretzel bites their fluffy, tender rise in just an hour.
Sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps develop a beautifully golden crust.
Melted vegan butter: Adds richness and makes the dough deliciously soft.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of any good pretzel, giving it structure and that classic chewy bite.
Salt: Enhances flavors throughout the bites and balances the sweetness.
Water (for boiling): The key to that signature pretzel texture after a quick bath.
Baking soda: Creates the deep brown crust by triggering the Maillard reaction during boiling.
Oil or melted vegan butter (for topping): Makes every bite glisten and helps the salt stick.
Pretzel salt: Perfect, chunky salt crystals that bring authenticity and crunch.
Vegan butter (for cheese sauce): Forms the base for the roux, giving your sauce a creamy mouthfeel.
Flour (for cheese sauce): Thickens the sauce to that perfect dippable consistency.
Plain, unsweetened rice milk: Chosen for its neutral flavor and smooth texture in vegan sauces.
Vegan cheddar cheese shreds: Adds bold, cheesy flavor; use your favorite brand for the best melt.
Vegetable broth: Adds depth and enhances the cheesy taste while keeping everything plant-based.
Garlic powder: Brings a subtle savoriness to the cheese sauce.
Salt (for cheese sauce): Balances and perks up all the flavors.
Paprika (optional): Sprinkled on top for a pop of color and warmth.

How to Make Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by whisking 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 fragrant — that’s your yeast working its magic! This step is crucial for getting those signature fluffy bites, so don’t rush it.

Step 2: Make and Knead the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour and salt. Add in the melted vegan butter and your beautifully activated yeast mixture. Mix until a rough dough forms, then knead it by hand or with your stand mixer’s hook for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticking to your hands. If it’s too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Lightly oil a big bowl and roll your dough around in it so it’s coated. Cover with a damp towel and let it rise for about an hour. This is a great time to tidy the kitchen or prep your cheese sauce ingredients! By the end of the hour, your dough should be double in size, puffy, and ready for shaping.

Step 4: Shape and Cut Pretzel Bites

Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut it into roughly 3/4 inch by 1 inch pieces. Each piece will puff up as it bakes into that signature, irresistible nugget shape.

Step 5: Boil with Baking Soda

Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Slowly add in your baking soda — it’ll bubble up at first! Next, working in batches, drop the dough pieces in and boil for about one minute per side. This step is the secret to that classic pretzel flavor and color, so don’t skip or speed through it!

Step 6: Season and Bake

Arrange the boiled pretzel bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush generously with melted vegan butter (or oil) and sprinkle pretzel salt on top. Pop them in a preheated 425°F oven for 10-12 minutes until they’re gloriously golden brown.

Step 7: Whip Up the Vegan Cheese Sauce

While the bites are baking, melt vegan butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until it forms a bubbly roux. Pour in the rice milk, whisking until smooth, and add the garlic powder and salt. Stir in the vegan cheddar shreds until melted, then whisk in the vegetable broth for silky smoothness. A sprinkle of paprika adds a final touch of flair!

How to Serve Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce

Garnishes

Top your hot, golden pretzel bites with a little extra flaky salt or a dusting of smoked paprika. For the cheese sauce, a sprinkle of fresh chives, scallions, or a twist of cracked black pepper makes everything look as good as it tastes. A squeeze of lemon over the cheese can even give a touch of tang that brightens the dip!

Side Dishes

These bite-sized wonders love good company! Pair with crisp pickles, marinated olives, or crunchy raw veggies for a platter full of contrasting textures. If you want something heartier, serve alongside roasted potatoes or a big fresh salad for a more substantial snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile your Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce high on a wooden board for rustic flair, nestle them in a bread basket lined with a cozy towel, or stack them in a towering ring with the cheese sauce at the center for dramatic dipping action. Mini skewers or toothpicks make serving and snacking even easier when you’ve got a hungry crowd!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the pretzel bites cool completely and then stash them in an airtight container. They’ll stay tender and tasty for up to three days, though you’ll probably find they disappear well before then! Keep the cheese sauce in a separate sealed container in the fridge.

Freezing

Both the pretzel bites and cheese sauce freeze beautifully. Freeze the bites on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag, and pour the cooled cheese sauce into a freezer-safe jar or bag. They’re perfect for prepping ahead for parties or when a salty-sweet craving strikes!

Reheating

To revive pretzel bites, warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes — they’ll come back soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. The cheese sauce can be reheated gently on the stove or in short microwave bursts, whisking as you go to restore its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I make the Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite all-purpose gluten-free flour blend for the regular flour, just be aware you may need to adjust liquid amounts slightly for the right dough consistency.

Which vegan cheese melts best in the cheese sauce?

Vegan cheddar shreds work wonderfully, especially brands known for their meltability. Daiya, Violife, or Follow Your Heart are go-to choices that create that creamy, stretchy result you want in a cheese sauce.

Can I shape the pretzel dough into larger pretzels instead of bites?

Definitely! Simply divide the dough and roll into ropes, then twist into traditional pretzel shapes before boiling and baking. Both forms taste equally amazing with the vegan cheese sauce.

What can I use instead of rice milk in the cheese sauce?

While rice milk offers a neutral taste, any plain unsweetened plant milk like oat or soy will work. Just make sure to avoid anything too sweet or flavored, as it can affect the savory profile of the sauce.

Can I prepare Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce in advance for a party?

Yes! Shape and boil your pretzel bites, then refrigerate them unbaked until ready to pop in the oven. You can also make the cheese sauce ahead, then gently reheat just before serving for the ultimate party snack.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce at your next get-together or cozy night in. There’s something so heartwarming about sharing homemade, snackable treats — especially ones this deliciously dippable. Roll up your sleeves, get baking, and let this irresistible duo become your new favorite comfort food ritual!