You know, there’s something wonderful about the aroma of freshly baked pretzels filling the house. It brings everyone together, making our home feel warm and inviting. In fact, these pretzel bites are almost like a magic trick for family gatherings. You whip them up as a little snack, and suddenly everyone’s laughing, talking, and enjoying each other’s company. They’re simple to make, yet, such a delightful treat.
That’s what’s special about cooking as a family, isn’t it? It’s those moments of togetherness and the shared experience of creating something delicious. But trust me, these soft pretzel bites aren’t your run-of-the-mill snacks. With a vegan twist, they’re perfect for anyone trying to make healthier choices without compromising on flavor.
Making them is pretty straightforward. I love how the dough comes together – soft and flexible, almost like playing with a delicious cloud. The best part? No fancy ingredients required! Just simple, pantry staples turn into something memorable. Of course, the accompanying vegan cheese sauce is the real pièce de résistance. Creamy, cheesy, and with just a hint of garlic – it’s the ideal dip for your warm, salty pretzels.
So, if you’re looking for a recipe that’ll make your family ask for seconds (and thirds), this is it! Tuck this one into your recipe book because these soft pretzel bites with vegan cheese sauce are about to steal the show. Whether it’s a game day or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to turn any ordinary night into something extraordinary. Ready to give it a whirl?
How to Make Soft Pretzel Bites With Vegan Cheese Sauce
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Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 cup melted plant-based butter
- 4+ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tablespoon salt
- 3 quarts water
- 1/3 cup baking soda
- Oil or melted plant-based butter for brushing
- Coarse pretzel salt
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter for the sauce
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for the sauce
- 1 cup plain, unsweetened rice milk
- 3/4 cup shreds of vegan cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt for the sauce
- Paprika for garnishing (optional)
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit for around 10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
- In a large bowl, mix 4 cups of flour with 1/2 tablespoon salt to start forming the dough.
- Pour in the melted plant-based butter and the frothy yeast mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, adding more flour if it’s sticky.
- Grease a bowl lightly, place the dough inside, and swirl it around so it’s coated. Cover and let it rise for about an hour until it’s doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roll the risen dough onto a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness, then slice into small, rectangular pieces.
- In a big pot, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil. Add baking soda cautiously, then boil the cut pretzel pieces in small sets for 1 minute on each side.
- Transfer these boiled pretzels onto the prepared baking sheet, brush with melted plant-based butter or oil, and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.
- For the cheese sauce, heat 2 tablespoons of plant-based butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour.
- Gradually incorporate the rice milk, mixing to avoid lumps, then add garlic powder and salt.
- Introduce the vegan cheddar cheese, stirring until smooth, and finally mix in the vegetable broth for a creamy finish. Optionally, top with paprika for extra flavor.
Enjoy these warm pretzel bites dipped in the luscious cheese sauce – perfect for sharing!
Storing Suggestion
To store your soft pretzel bites, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator, ensuring they stay fresh for about a week. The cheese sauce should be refrigerated in a sealed container and can last for up to five days. Reheat the pretzels in an oven at a low temperature for the best result.
Cooking Tips
If you find your dough too sticky, don’t hesitate to add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time. A little extra plant-based butter brushed on top before baking adds a nice gloss and deeper flavor. For the cheese sauce, ensure you whisk constantly as you add the rice milk to keep it smooth and velvety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pretzel bites fresh out of the oven with the warm cheese sauce on the side. They can also be garnished with chopped herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for color. To make them a part of a more substantial meal, consider pairing them with a fresh salad or vegetable platter. A sparkling lemonade or iced tea would also complement this delightful snack perfectly.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have rice milk, almond milk or oat milk are great alternatives for the cheese sauce. You might replace the plant-based butter with coconut oil or olive oil in a pinch. While vegan cheddar is recommended for that cheesy flavor, nutritional yeast can add a similar taste if needed.
Seasonal Variations
In the summer, experiment with adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for an extra aromatic touch. During the fall, a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar on top of the pretzels, before baking, can add a delightful sweetness. Spring and winter provide great opportunities to incorporate different cheese alternative blends that suit the season’s harvests.
Allergen Information
Common allergens in this recipe include wheat (flour) and soy (potentially from vegan cheese shreds). For a gluten-free version, substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure the vegan cheese used does not contain soy or choose a soy-free brand. Always check the labels for any unexpected allergens.
FAQ
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. After kneading, let it rise, then cover it tightly. Store it in the refrigerator, and when you are ready to make the pretzel bites, allow the dough to come to room temperature before proceeding with cutting and boiling.
How can I ensure the pretzels are soft?
To keep the pretzels soft, avoid over-baking them. They should be removed from the oven as soon as they achieve a golden brown color. Using enough water in the boiling stage ensures they come out fluffy. Also, don’t forget the brush of plant-based butter, which contributes to their tenderness.
Is it okay to freeze the pretzel bites?
Absolutely! Let the cooked pretzel bites cool completely, then place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm them in a preheated oven until hot and soft.
What can I pair with the cheese sauce?
The cheese sauce pairs beautifully with raw vegetables, like broccoli or bell peppers, or atop baked potatoes. It’s also delicious as a dip for tortilla chips. If you enjoy spicy flavors, adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce can also be quite interesting.
Can I make the vegan cheese sauce non-dairy but not vegan?
Certainly! If you want a non-dairy sauce but aren’t focused on maintaining vegan ingredients, you could use dairy cheese while sticking with rice or almond milk. Choose a cheese variety that melts well, like mozzarella or fontina, to ensure a creamy texture.
Why is baking soda essential in this recipe?
Baking soda is crucial because it contributes to achieving that classic pretzel crust texture. The alkaline solution helps create a deep golden-brown color and signature chewy texture once baked. Without this step, they might resemble bread more than pretzels.
Storing Suggestion
For shelf-stability, store pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Refrigerate the cheese sauce in a sealed container and use within five days. For reheating, consider low-temperature baking for pretzels until warm.
Soft Pretzel Bites With Vegan Cheese Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 cup melted plant-based butter
- 4+ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tablespoon salt
- 3 quarts water
- 1/3 cup baking soda
- Oil or melted plant-based butter for brushing
- Coarse pretzel salt
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter for the sauce
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for the sauce
- 1 cup plain, unsweetened rice milk
- 3/4 cup shreds of vegan cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt for the sauce
- Paprika for garnishing (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes until it's frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of flour and 1/2 tablespoon of salt.
- Add the melted plant-based butter and the activated yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms and knead for 5-7 minutes, adding more flour if it gets sticky.
- Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough inside, rolling it to coat. Cover it with a damp towel and let it rise for about an hour until it doubles in size.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick and cut it into 3/4" by 1" pieces.
- In a large pot, bring the 3 quarts of water to a boil. Carefully add the baking soda to the boiling water.
- Drop the pretzel pieces into the boiling water in small batches, boiling for 1 minute on each side. Remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with melted plant-based butter or oil and sprinkle with pretzel salt. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes until they're golden brown.
- For the cheese sauce, melt 2 tablespoons of plant-based butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add in 2 tablespoons of flour and mix well.
- Gradually whisk in the rice milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Stir in the garlic powder and salt.
- Add in the vegan cheddar cheese, whisking until smooth, and finally mix in the vegetable broth until the sauce is creamy. Top with paprika if you like.
- Enjoy these pretzel bites warm with the cheesy sauce for dipping! They're perfect for cozy nights.
