Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce

Introduction

Soft pretzel bites with vegan cheese sauce are the perfect combination of fluffy, salty, and savory goodness that makes for an irresistible snack or appetizer. These warm, bite-sized pretzels are golden brown on the outside and soft on the inside, offering the perfect texture with each delicious bite. Paired with a rich and creamy vegan cheese sauce, this dish is not only a treat for those following plant-based diets but for anyone craving a comforting snack. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a fun family activity in the kitchen, or just indulging in a cozy evening at home, these soft pretzel bites will quickly become a favorite. They’re easy to make, customizable, and can be served with a variety of dips and sauces, but the vegan cheese sauce adds a rich, cheesy flavor that makes them even more delightful.

The History of Soft Pretzels

The history of pretzels dates back over a thousand years, with their origins often traced to ancient Rome. The first pretzels were made by monks in Italy during the 7th century as a simple bread dough twisted into a knot shape, resembling arms crossed in prayer. The pretzel shape, signifying the Christian Trinity, became known as “pretiola,” meaning “little reward” in Latin. In the 18th century, German immigrants brought pretzels to the United States, and they became especially popular in Pennsylvania, where they were baked in local bakeries. Over time, soft pretzels evolved from their hard, crunchy predecessors into the chewy, doughy delight we know today. The addition of sauces, especially cheese, became popular in the 20th century, making the soft pretzel a classic American snack. The combination of pretzels with cheese sauce became a popular pairing, although cheese was often dairy-based. With the rise of plant-based eating, vegan cheese sauces have become an excellent alternative for those who prefer dairy-free options while still enjoying this beloved snack.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Pretzel Bites:

• Flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and chewiness. All-purpose flour is commonly used, but bread flour can give even more structure and texture.
• Yeast: Essential for leavening, yeast helps the dough rise and become soft and fluffy. Active dry yeast is a good choice, but instant yeast works as well.
• Sugar: A small amount of sugar feeds the yeast and helps the dough rise. It also adds a slight sweetness to balance the salty pretzel exterior.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and strengthens the dough structure, providing the characteristic savory taste of pretzels.
• Warm Water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough. It should be warm but not too hot, around 110°F (43°C).
• Baking Soda: Used in the boiling water bath, it gives the pretzels their distinct golden-brown crust.
• Vegan Butter: Adds richness and helps create a soft, tender pretzel. It can also be brushed over the pretzels for a shiny finish.

For the Vegan Cheese Sauce:

• Cashews: Soaked and blended, cashews provide the creamy base for the vegan cheese sauce, giving it a rich texture.
• Nutritional Yeast: Adds a cheesy, nutty flavor, making it a key ingredient in many vegan cheese sauces.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavor of the cheese sauce and balances its richness.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth and savory flavor to the sauce.
• Onion Powder: A subtle but important flavor that enhances the cheese sauce.
• Plant-Based Milk: Use unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or another plant-based milk to help blend the sauce smoothly.
• Turmeric: Gives the cheese sauce a yellow color and a slight earthy flavor, mimicking traditional cheese sauce.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the sauce, bringing all the ingredients together.

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.
2. Mix the Dough: Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms, then knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
3. Let the Dough Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Pretzel Bites: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small pieces. Roll each piece into a small ball or bite-sized piece.
5. Boil the Pretzel Bites: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1/4 cup of baking soda to the water. Carefully drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water for about 30 seconds each, then remove and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake the Pretzel Bites: Brush each pretzel bite with melted vegan butter and sprinkle with sea salt. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
7. Prepare the Vegan Cheese Sauce: While the pretzels bake, combine all the cheese sauce ingredients in a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Heat in a saucepan over medium heat until warm and thickened, stirring occasionally.
8. Serve: Once the pretzel bites are baked and golden, serve them hot with the creamy vegan cheese sauce for dipping.

Tips for the Perfect Soft Pretzel Bites

• Rest the Dough: Make sure to let the dough rise fully to achieve light, fluffy pretzel bites. Don’t rush the process!
• Boil Briefly: Boiling the pretzels before baking gives them the characteristic chewy texture and deep golden crust.
• Use a Parchment Liner: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the pretzel bites from sticking.
• Add More Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika, on the pretzel bites for extra flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight for a slower rise, or freeze the pretzel bites before baking and bake from frozen when you’re ready to serve.

Variations and Customizations

• Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Bites: After brushing the baked pretzel bites with vegan butter, sprinkle them with garlic powder and grated vegan parmesan for an added burst of flavor.
• Stuffed Pretzel Bites: Stuff the dough with vegan cheese, sautéed vegetables, or even vegan sausage before rolling them into balls for a stuffed version of the pretzel bites.
• Sweet Pretzel Bites: Omit the salt and brush the pretzel bites with cinnamon sugar after baking for a sweet treat.
• Flavored Vegan Cheese Sauce: Customize the cheese sauce by adding chili flakes, jalapeños, or smoked paprika for a spicy kick.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

These soft pretzel bites with vegan cheese sauce are a great option for anyone following a plant-based or dairy-free diet. The pretzels are made with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and vegan butter, while the cheese sauce relies on cashews, nutritional yeast, and plant-based milk to create a creamy texture without dairy. The combination of whole-food ingredients ensures that these snacks are not only delicious but also packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein from cashews. However, they can be high in calories and should be enjoyed in moderation as a treat or snack. You can reduce the calorie count by using less butter or serving them with a side of veggies for a more balanced meal.

FAQ

Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight for a slower rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.
Can I freeze the pretzel bites? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pretzel bites. Just freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Is there a substitute for cashews in the cheese sauce? Yes, you can use sunflower seeds or almonds as a substitute for cashews in the cheese sauce.
Can I make the pretzel bites gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend, but be aware that the texture may vary slightly.
How can I make the vegan cheese sauce spicier? Add a pinch of chili powder, cayenne pepper, or finely chopped jalapeños to the sauce for an extra kick.

Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce

These soft pretzel bites with vegan cheese sauce are a delicious and satisfying snack that’s perfect for plant-based eaters and cheese lovers alike. Easy to make and customizable, they offer the perfect combination of chewy pretzels and creamy cheese sauce for an irresistible treat.

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Prep Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 42 minutes mins

Servings 6

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
• 1/2 tbsp salt

For Boiling:

• 3 quarts water
• ⅓ cup baking soda

For Topping:

• Oil or melted vegan butter
• Pretzel salt

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tbsp vegan butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 cup plain unsweetened rice milk (we prefer rice milk for its neutral flavor)
• 3/4 cup vegan cheddar cheese shreds can substitute with your favorite vegan cheese shreds
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Paprika for topping (optional)

Instructions

 

For the Pretzel Bites:

• Whisk together warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to activate.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of flour and salt.
• Add the melted vegan butter and the activated yeast mixture to the flour. Mix until a dough ball forms, then knead for 5-7 minutes by hand or using a stand mixer with the hook attachment. Add extra flour as needed to prevent the dough from being too sticky, but it should still remain soft.
• Lightly oil a bowl, form the dough into a ball, and place it inside, rolling it around to coat in oil.
• Cover the bowl with a wet towel and let it sit for about an hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
• Once the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface, roll it out into a large rectangle about 1/2 inch thick, and cut it into approximately 3/4″ x 1″ pieces.
• Boil 3 quarts of water in a large pot. Once boiling, carefully add the baking soda (be cautious as the water will rise quickly).
• In small batches, add the pretzel bites to the boiling water. Boil for around 1 minute, flip, and boil for another minute. Remove and place the bites on the prepared baking sheet. Continue with the remaining pieces.
• Brush each pretzel bite with melted vegan butter or oil and sprinkle with pretzel salt.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.

For the Sauce:

• Melt the vegan butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the flour and whisk until fully combined.
• Pour in the rice milk and whisk until smooth with no clumps. Stir in the garlic powder and salt.
• Whisk in the vegan cheese until completely incorporated, then add the vegetable broth, stirring until the sauce is creamy.
• Top with paprika, if desired. Serve by dipping the warm pretzels into the sauce!