Introduction
Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce are the perfect snack for anyone craving something savory and comforting, especially for those who follow a plant-based diet. These soft, doughy bites are golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside, making them irresistible when paired with a smooth, creamy vegan cheese sauce. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a movie night, or simply looking for a delicious snack, these soft pretzel bites are an ideal choice. They’re quick to prepare, full of flavor, and can be customized with a variety of seasonings or dips, making them perfect for any occasion.
The History of Soft Pretzels
The origins of soft pretzels can be traced back to ancient times, with early versions of the pretzel believed to have been created by monks in Europe around the 7th century. These early pretzels were made from simple ingredients like flour, water, and salt, symbolizing Christian devotion, with their shape said to represent arms crossed in prayer. Over the centuries, the pretzel evolved, eventually becoming the familiar snack we know today. The soft pretzel, in particular, became a popular street food in cities like Philadelphia, where it remains a beloved part of local food culture. In modern times, pretzels have been adapted into various forms, with soft pretzel bites being a fun, bite-sized variation that is enjoyed worldwide. Paired with dips like mustard or cheese, these pretzel bites have become a staple in many cuisines, including plant-based versions for those following vegan diets.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the pretzel bites, you will need basic ingredients that come together to create that signature chewy texture. The dough is made with all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. The yeast helps the dough rise and achieve the soft, airy texture that makes pretzels so unique. Baking soda is an essential ingredient for the traditional pretzel taste, giving the dough a golden-brown color and distinctive flavor when it’s briefly boiled before baking. Vegan butter is used to brush the pretzels for a rich, buttery finish. As for the vegan cheese sauce, you’ll need plant-based ingredients like nutritional yeast, unsweetened plant milk (such as almond or soy milk), vegan butter, and seasonings like garlic powder and onion powder. The nutritional yeast gives the sauce its cheesy, umami flavor, making it a perfect pairing for the pretzel bites.
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Start by preparing the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups warm water, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 2 teaspoons active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast activates and becomes frothy.
- Add 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough begins to form, then knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a long log and cut it into small bite-sized pieces, around 1 to 1 1/2 inches in size.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1/4 cup baking soda. Drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water in batches, cooking them for about 30 seconds before removing them with a slotted spoon.
- Arrange the pretzel bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then brush them with melted vegan butter. Sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the pretzels are baking, prepare the vegan cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons vegan butter over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in 1 cup plant milk and bring to a simmer. Add 1/4 cup nutritional yeast, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, and salt to taste. Stir until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
- Serve the warm, golden pretzel bites with the creamy vegan cheese sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips for the Perfect Soft Pretzel Bites
To ensure your soft pretzel bites turn out perfectly every time, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure the water you use for the yeast mixture is warm but not too hot—around 110°F (43°C)—as too much heat can kill the yeast. Kneading the dough is crucial to developing the chewy texture, so be sure to knead it for the full 5-7 minutes. For the baking soda bath, don’t skip this step, as it helps to give the pretzels their signature texture and color. When boiling the pretzel bites, work in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which ensures even cooking. For the vegan cheese sauce, feel free to adjust the seasonings to taste, and if the sauce becomes too thick, you can add more plant milk to reach the desired consistency.
Variations and Customizations
While the classic soft pretzel bites with vegan cheese sauce are absolutely delicious, there are plenty of ways to customize them. If you prefer a different dipping sauce, try pairing your pretzel bites with vegan mustard, ranch dressing, or even a sweet cinnamon sugar coating for a dessert-style snack. You can also experiment with adding herbs or spices to the dough, such as garlic powder, rosemary, or thyme, to give the pretzels extra flavor. For the vegan cheese sauce, feel free to experiment with different plant-based cheeses or add a little smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. To add a fun twist, you could also stuff the pretzel bites with vegan cheese before boiling and baking them for a melty, cheesy center.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
Soft pretzel bites with vegan cheese sauce can be a satisfying and delicious treat, but it’s important to be mindful of the nutritional content. While the pretzels themselves are relatively simple and made with whole ingredients, they can still be high in carbohydrates and calories due to the flour and vegan butter used. The vegan cheese sauce, while plant-based, may still be calorie-dense, especially if made with a lot of vegan butter or oil. If you’re looking to lighten the dish, you can use less butter or opt for a lower-fat plant milk in the cheese sauce. Additionally, the pretzel bites are a good source of carbs and can be paired with a side of vegetables or a salad to balance the meal. Keep in mind that as with any indulgent snack, moderation is key to enjoying them as part of a balanced diet.
FAQ
- Can I make these pretzel bites gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make the dough gluten-free. Just ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent for the best texture. - How can I store leftover pretzel bites?
Store any leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven for a few minutes. - Can I freeze soft pretzel bites?
Yes, you can freeze the pretzel bites. After baking and cooling, store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. - What can I use if I don’t have nutritional yeast?
If you don’t have nutritional yeast, you can substitute with vegan cheese shreds, or make your own cheesy sauce using cashews blended with garlic, lemon juice, and a little turmeric for color.
Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce
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
- 1/3 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, then set aside 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. Stir until a ball forms, then knead for 5-7 minutes by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Add more flour as needed to prevent the dough from becoming too sticky (it should remain soft).
- Lightly oil a bowl, then form the dough into a ball. Place it in the bowl and roll it around to coat it with oil.
- Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it rest for about 1 hour, allowing the dough to double in size.
- Once the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick. Cut the dough into pieces about 3/4″ by 1″.
For Boiling:
- Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Once boiling, carefully add the baking soda (the water will rise quickly, so do this slowly).
- In small batches, add the pretzel bites to the boiling water. Boil for about 1 minute, then flip and boil for another minute. Remove the bites and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Continue boiling until all pieces are done.
- 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.
- Slowly pour in the rice milk, whisking continuously to eliminate any clumps. Stir in the garlic powder and salt.
- Whisk in the cheese until fully incorporated. Finally, stir in the vegetable broth until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Top with paprika, if desired. Serve and enjoy by dipping the warm pretzel bites into the sauce!