If you’re craving a snack that’s irresistibly soft, perfectly salty, and paired with a luscious, dairy-free dip, you have to try this Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe. These fluffy pretzel bites come out golden from the oven with a delightful chew and crisp edges, while the vibrant vegan cheese sauce brings a creamy, savory touch packed with wholesome plant-based ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying these bites at a casual gathering or prepping a cozy night in, they’re a total crowd-pleaser that feels indulgent without any dairy or fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to bring this recipe to life. Each element plays a crucial part: from the yeast that makes the dough balloon beautifully, to the nutritional yeast that gives the vegan cheese sauce its lovely depth and cheesy flavor.
- Warm water (1 1/2 cups at 110°F): Activates the yeast so your dough rises perfectly fluffy.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The magic starter for that soft, airy texture in the pretzels.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Feeds the yeast for a gentle sweetness in the dough.
- All-purpose flour (4 cups): The sturdy base that shapes your soft pretzels.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness in the dough.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons for dough + 2 tablespoons for sauce): Keeps the dough tender and enriches the sauce with a silky finish.
- Baking soda (1/2 cup): Essential for the boiling step to get the classic pretzel crust.
- Coarse salt (for topping): Adds that signature crunchy, savory finish on pretzel bites.
- Peeled and diced potatoes (1 cup) & diced carrots (1/4 cup): Provide creaminess and natural sweetness to the vegan cheese sauce.
- Raw cashews (1/4 cup): Create a smooth, rich texture in the sauce without dairy.
- Unsweetened plant milk (1/2 cup): Keeps the cheese sauce silky with a neutral flavor.
- Nutritional yeast (1/4 cup): Delivers that irresistible cheesy flavor perfect for vegan dishes.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon) & apple cider vinegar (1 teaspoon): Add brightness and a subtle tang to balance the sauce.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon) & onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Build a savory depth in the vegan cheese sauce.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) & turmeric (1/4 teaspoon): Season the sauce and give it a lovely golden hue.
- Smoked paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Introduces a mild smoky warmth that makes the cheese sauce truly special.
How to Make Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining warm water, active dry yeast, and brown sugar in a large bowl. Let it rest for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This step is key for ensuring your pretzel dough will rise beautifully, giving you that light yet chewy texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Knead everything together for 5 to 7 minutes until a smooth and elastic dough forms. It will feel slightly tacky but not sticky—this perfect balance sets the stage for soft and fluffy pretzel bites.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, letting it rise for about an hour. During this time, the dough should double in size. This rise not only improves the texture but also makes the pretzel bites airy and soft.
Step 4: Shape the Pretzel Bites
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, then cut into 1-inch pieces to create your bite-sized pretzels.
Step 5: Boil Pretzel Bites
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and carefully add the baking soda—it will fizz up, so add it slowly to avoid spills. Boil the pretzel bites in batches for 30 seconds each. This step is what gives the pretzels their iconic chewy crust and golden color when baked.
Step 6: Bake the Pretzel Bites
After boiling, place the pretzel bites onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Sprinkle each with coarse salt for that perfect salty crunch. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until they turn golden brown and smell deliciously warm and toasty.
Step 7: Make the Vegan Cheese Sauce
While the pretzels bake, boil together the diced potatoes, carrots, and cashews for about 10 minutes until tender. Drain and transfer them to a blender. Add plant milk, nutritional yeast, olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, turmeric, and smoked paprika. Blend until silky smooth and creamy. If the sauce feels thick, add a splash more plant milk to reach your desired consistency.
How to Serve Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle the pretzel bites with extra coarse salt or a pinch of dried herbs like rosemary or thyme. Freshly cracked black pepper or a dash of smoked paprika on the vegan cheese sauce can elevate the flavors and add a gourmet touch.
Side Dishes
The warm, soft pretzel bites with vegan cheese sauce pair beautifully with fresh-cut veggies like celery and carrot sticks, or a crisp green salad tossed with tangy vinaigrette. For something heartier, try serving alongside a bowl of vegan chili or a robust tomato soup for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pretzel bites in a rustic wooden board surrounded by small dipping bowls filled with your vegan cheese sauce and other favorite dips like spicy mustard or a creamy avocado spread. For parties, tuck a few pretzel bites on skewers with cherry tomatoes and olives for a fun finger food option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container or a resealable bag. They will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, perfect for quick snacks or reheating later.
Freezing
You can freeze baked pretzel bites by laying them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for about 2 months and thaw quickly when you need them.
Reheating
To bring back that perfect crisp and softness, reheat pretzel bites in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make them chewy or tough. Warm the vegan cheese sauce gently on the stove or in short intervals in the microwave, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Gluten-free flours vary widely in texture and elasticity, which are crucial for pretzels. While you might attempt it, results may be denser or crumbly. A blend formulated for bread could work better, but the traditional chew may be hard to achieve.
Is it necessary to boil pretzel bites in baking soda water?
Yes! This step is key to developing the classic pretzel crust and flavor. The alkaline water reacts with the dough, giving pretzels their characteristic chewy texture and that golden-brown hue after baking.
Can I make this vegan cheese sauce without cashews?
Cashews provide creaminess and body, but you could substitute with soaked sunflower seeds or even white beans. Keep in mind the flavor and texture might shift slightly, so adjust seasonings to taste.
How spicy can I make the vegan cheese sauce?
Feel free to add a pinch of chipotle powder, cayenne, or your favorite hot sauce to give the cheese sauce some kick. Start small—you can always add more to suit your heat tolerance.
What is the best plant milk to use in this recipe?
Neutral-flavored plant milks like oat or almond milk work best. Their mild taste won’t overpower the sauce and helps keep the texture creamy without adding extra sweetness or tang.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats pulling warm, soft pretzel bites out of the oven and dunking them into a velvety pool of vegan cheese sauce. This Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe is such a joy to make and eat, whether for entertaining friends or cozy nights at home. Give it a try—you just might find yourself reaching for these comforting bites again and again.
Print
Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce are a delicious, plant-based appetizer featuring warm, chewy pretzel bites paired with a creamy, flavorful vegan cheese dip made from potatoes, carrots, and cashews. Perfect for entertaining or a tasty snack, this recipe combines classic baking and boiling techniques with a smooth blended vegan sauce that’s dairy-free and satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Pretzel Bites:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup baking soda (for boiling)
- Coarse salt (for topping)
For the Vegan Cheese Sauce:
- 1 cup peeled and diced potatoes
- 1/4 cup diced carrots
- 1/4 cup raw cashews
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk (oat or almond milk recommended)
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and brown sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Knead the ingredients together for about 5 to 7 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
- Let Dough Rise: Cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare Oven and Boiling Water: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and carefully add the baking soda; this will be used for boiling the pretzel bites.
- Shape Pretzel Bites: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
- Boil Pretzel Bites: Working in batches, boil the pretzel bites in the baking soda water for 30 seconds. This step gives the pretzels their characteristic chewy crust.
- Bake Pretzel Bites: Remove the boiled bites with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle evenly with coarse salt. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prepare Vegan Cheese Sauce: While the pretzels bake, boil potatoes, carrots, and cashews together in water for about 10 minutes or until all are soft.
- Blend Cheese Sauce: Drain the boiled vegetables and cashews, then add them to a blender with plant milk, nutritional yeast, olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, turmeric, and smoked paprika. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more plant milk if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- Serve: Serve the warm pretzel bites with the vegan cheese sauce on the side for dipping and enjoy this delightful vegan appetizer.
Notes
- Use oat or almond milk for a neutral-flavored cheese sauce.
- Pretzel bites can be frozen after baking and reheated in the oven for convenience.
- For a spicier cheese sauce, add hot sauce or chipotle powder while blending.
