Description
These Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce offer a deliciously chewy snack perfect for sharing. The homemade pretzel dough is boiled in a baking soda bath for that signature crust before baking to golden perfection. Paired with a creamy, savory vegan cheese sauce made from plant-based ingredients, this recipe is a crowd-pleasing vegan twist on a classic snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Pretzel 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 & Baking
- 3 quarts water
- 1/3 cup baking soda
- Oil or melted vegan butter (for brushing)
- Pretzel salt
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 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 that the yeast is ready to use.
- Make 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 everything until a dough forms, then knead for 5-7 minutes by hand or with a stand mixer, adding extra flour if needed, aiming for a soft, slightly sticky dough.
- Let Dough Rise: Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough inside, turning to coat all sides. Cover with a damp towel and let it rise for about one hour until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Pretzel Bites: Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Transfer the risen dough to a floured surface, roll it into a 1/2-inch thick rectangle, and cut into roughly 3/4 x 1-inch pieces.
- Boil Pretzel Bites: Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot and slowly add the baking soda. Boil the pretzel bites in small batches for one minute per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush and Salt: Brush each pretzel bite with oil or melted vegan butter, then sprinkle generously with pretzel salt to enhance flavor and texture.
- Bake Pretzels: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the pretzel bites are golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Make Vegan Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt vegan butter. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually add rice milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in garlic powder and salt.
- Add Cheese and Broth: Mix in the vegan cheddar shreds and stir until fully melted and smooth. Add vegetable broth and continue whisking until the sauce achieves a creamy consistency. Optionally, top with paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the warm pretzel bites with the vegan cheese sauce for dipping and enjoy this comforting, plant-based snack.
Notes
- Ensure the water used for activating yeast is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- You can adjust flour quantity slightly depending on humidity and dough consistency; dough should be soft but manageable.
- The baking soda wash is essential for that signature pretzel crust and flavor.
- Use a slotted spoon to handle pretzels after boiling to avoid sogginess.
- The vegan cheese sauce can be customized with your preferred vegan cheese types for different flavors.
- Paprika topping in the cheese sauce adds color and a mild smoky note but is optional.
- These pretzel bites are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven to retain crispness.
