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Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe | Snack Idea

There’s something magical about making soft pretzels bites with vegan cheese sauce recipe from scratch—I still remember how warm my kitchen smelled as these little golden bites came out of the oven. I love that satisfying chew with just a touch of crispness on the outside.

This recipe became one of my favorite snacks to make for family game nights or cozy movie evenings. Once you try it, you’ll understand why I can’t stop snacking on them! If you enjoy cozy, comforting snacks, you might also love the Easy One Pot Jambalaya Recipe for another hearty homemade dish.

Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

For the Pretzel Bites

1 ½ cups warm water — warm water helps activate the yeast and ensures a soft, fluffy dough.
2 ¼ teaspoons fast-rise yeast — gives the dough its lift and airy texture.
2 tablespoons sugar — feeds the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness for balance.
¼ cup melted vegan butter — adds a rich, buttery flavor and keeps the dough soft.
4 + cups all-purpose flour — provides structure; add more if the dough feels sticky.
½ tablespoon salt — enhances the overall flavor.

For the Boiling Bath

3 quarts water — enough to let pretzel bites float freely
⅓ cup baking soda — creates that classic pretzel flavor and golden-brown crust.

For the Topping

Oil or melted vegan butter — helps salt stick and adds a glossy finish.
Coarse pretzel salt — gives the bites their signature salty crunch.

For the Vegan Cheese Sauce

2 tablespoons vegan butter — the base for a smooth, creamy sauce.
2 tablespoons flour — thickens the sauce and gives it body.
1 cup unsweetened rice milk — neutral flavor keeps the sauce light and smooth.
¾ cup vegan cheddar cheese shreds — melts beautifully for that cheesy goodness.
¼ cup vegetable broth — enhances flavor and adjusts the texture.
½ teaspoon garlic powder — adds a gentle savory note.
½ teaspoon salt — balances the taste perfectly.
Paprika (optional) — sprinkle on top for a touch of color and spice.

Variations

Want to personalize your pretzel bites or sauce? Try these easy swaps and add-ons!

Swap rice milk for oat or soy milk if you prefer a creamier sauce.
Experiment with different vegan cheese brands—some melt smoother or sharper in flavor.
Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy twist.
Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning instead of pretzel salt for a fun flavor upgrade.
Make it gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend—just adjust the liquid slightly if needed.
For a sweet-and-salty version, drizzle maple syrup on top before serving.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including dough rising)
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large mixing bowl — for combining and proofing the dough.
Stand mixer with dough hook — saves effort and ensures smooth kneading.
Large pot — to prepare the baking soda water bath.
Slotted spoon — to safely remove boiled dough pieces.
Baking sheet lined with parchment paper — prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
Saucepan — for melting and mixing the vegan cheese sauce.

How to Make Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce

Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to help the dough rise perfectly.

Make and Knead the Dough

Add the melted vegan butter, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until the dough starts to come together, then knead it for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. It should feel soft but not sticky—add a little extra flour if needed.

Let the Dough Rise

Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside, and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise for about an hour or until it doubles in size. This resting time gives your pretzel bites their light and chewy texture.

Shape and Cut Pretzel Bites

Once risen, punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Roll it into long ropes about ½ inch thick, then cut into small 1-inch pieces. Each piece will puff up beautifully during baking.

Boil in Baking Soda Water

Bring 3 quarts of water and baking soda to a gentle boil. Carefully drop in a few dough pieces at a time, letting them boil for 30 seconds to 1 minute. This quick bath gives them that signature pretzel flavor and golden crust.

Season and Bake

Transfer boiled bites to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each with melted vegan butter or oil and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 10–12 minutes until they turn golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges.

Make the Vegan Cheese Sauce

While the pretzels bake, prepare the sauce. Melt vegan butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly pour in rice milk while whisking to avoid lumps.

Add vegan cheese, broth, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until melted and smooth. Sprinkle it with paprika before serving, if you like a touch of color. You can also enjoy these pretzel bites alongside the Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe for a hearty and comforting combo.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

After making this recipe a few times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make it even better:

I always check the water temperature for the yeast—it should be warm, not hot. If it’s too hot, the yeast won’t activate properly.
When cutting the dough, keep the pieces roughly the same size so they bake evenly.
Use a slotted spoon to gently lift bites out of the boiling water to avoid tearing them.
For extra flavor, brush the baked pretzel bites with melted vegan butter right after they come out of the oven.
I like making the cheese sauce just as the pretzels finish baking so it’s hot and ready for dipping.

How to Serve Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce

Presentation makes all the difference! Serve your golden pretzel bites on a wooden platter or in a rustic bowl. Pour the warm vegan cheese sauce into a small dip bowl or ramekin and place it in the center. Sprinkle a pinch of pretzel salt or smoked paprika on top for a pop of color. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions for freshness. These bites are perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or movie-night treat.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:

Calories: ~280 kcal
Protein: ~7 g
Carbohydrates: ~46 g
Fat: ~7 g

This snack is a great balance of comfort and energy—perfect for sharing or indulging solo!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storage

Allow pretzel bites to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for one day or in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the cheese sauce in a separate airtight container in the fridge.

Freezing

You can freeze both pretzel bites and cheese sauce! Freeze baked pretzel bites on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag once solid. Freeze the cheese sauce in a freezer-safe jar or bag for up to two months.

Reheating

Reheat pretzel bites in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until warm and slightly crisp. Warm the cheese sauce on the stove over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between until smooth and creamy again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why these pretzel bites with vegan cheese sauce are such a hit in my home:

Easy to prepare: Simple pantry ingredients and straightforward steps make this beginner-friendly.
Irresistible texture and flavor: Soft and chewy bites paired with creamy, cheesy goodness—what’s not to love?
Customizable: You can make them spicy, gluten-free, or even sweet depending on your mood.
Crowd-pleasing: Perfect for parties, snacks, or even dinner appetizers—everyone loves them.
Vegan-friendly: A fully plant-based treat that satisfies even non-vegans!

This recipe is everything you want in a snack—warm, salty, cheesy, and comforting. Once you pull these pretzel bites out of the oven, don’t be surprised if they disappear faster than you expect. They’re that good!

Ben Carraoli