Oh my goodness, have you ever had those fluffy, warm soft pretzel bites at the mall? You know, the ones that practically melt in your mouth? Well, I’ve found a way to recreate that delightful experience right at home, and let me tell you—it’s pure magic! These Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce make for the perfect snack, game-day treat, or even a fun appetizer for your next gathering. Plus, the fact that they’re vegan means everyone can dig in without any worries.
I remember the first time I tried making pretzels. I was a bit nervous, thinking it would be a huge flop. But, as soon as I saw those golden bites puffing up in the oven, my heart soared! I paired them with a creamy vegan cheese sauce that would make anyone second guess their dairy habits. Not to mention, sharing them with friends and hearing their “ooohs” and “aaahs” was the icing on the cake (or should I say, the salt on the pretzel!).
## What’s in Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce?
Let’s break down all the delightful ingredients that will make these pretzel bites not just tasty but also a breeze to prepare!
Warm Water: The base of our dough! Make sure it’s around 110°F, which is pleasantly warm but not hot enough to kill the yeast.
Granulated Sugar: This little sweetener helps feed the yeast, making our pretzels rise beautifully.
Active Dry Yeast: A crucial ingredient that helps our dough puff up. Always check the expiry date—nothing ruins a pretzel party like inactive yeast!
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our pretzel bites. It gives the dough structure and that classic chewy texture.
Salt: Essential for flavor. It may seem like a small amount, but it really makes a difference!
Baking Soda: Used in the boiling step, it gives pretzels their distinctive color and crust. It’s the secret behind that iconic pretzel taste!
Coarse Sea Salt: This is for sprinkling on top before baking. It adds just the right amount of salty crunch that’s simply irresistible.
Vegan Butter: Totally optional for brushing before baking, but I highly recommend it for that extra layer of flavor and shine!
Now moving on to the cheesy goodness…
Cashews: When soaked and blended, they transform into a creamy sensation! They form the base of our vegan cheese sauce.
Nutritional Yeast: This flaky superstar gives that cheesy flavor we all crave, plus it’s packed with B vitamins!
Water: Helps blend the sauce to the perfect consistency. Adjust as needed!
Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tangy kick that balances the creaminess.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These add a nice depth of flavor. Trust me, you won’t want to skip them!
Smoked Paprika: This gives the sauce a subtle smokiness that pairs perfectly with the pretzels.
Salt: A pinch to round out the flavors. Always taste and adjust!
## Is Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Good for You?
Okay, let’s get real for a minute. These pretzel bites are definitely not health food, but they can definitely fit into a balanced diet!
Cashews: Packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein, these nutty delights in your cheese sauce help keep you feeling full while adding essential nutrients.
Nutritional Yeast: Besides being cheesy and delicious, it’s loaded with vitamins, especially B12 for those following plant-based diets.
However, these bites are also made with all-purpose flour, so they’re best enjoyed in moderation—especially if you’re watching your carb intake.
While the pretzels are delicious and comforting, balance them out with some fresh veggies or a light salad if you’re serving these bites for dinner. Just a thought!
## Ingredients
– **For the Soft Pretzel Bites:**
– 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
– 2 tbsp granulated sugar
– 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup baking soda
– Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
– 4 tbsp unsalted vegan butter, melted (optional for brushing)
– **For the Vegan Cheese Sauce:**
– 1 cup cashews, soaked in water for 2-4 hours, drained
– 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt to taste
*This recipe serves about 4-6 people, depending on how hungry everyone is!*
## How to Make Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce?
Ready to dive into this pretzel adventure? Let’s do this:
1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Give it a quick stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. It’s like magic, I promise!
2. Gradually mix in the flour and salt, stirring until a dough forms. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. Place the kneaded dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it’s doubled in size. This is where all the sweet yeast magic happens!
4. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing shortly!
5. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and stir in the baking soda. This step gives the pretzels that soft crust.
6. Punch down the dough (fun!) and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope (about 1 inch thick), then cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1 inch). So cute!
7. Carefully drop the pretzel bites into the boiling baking soda water and boil them for 30 seconds at a time. Use a slotted spatula to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Sprinkle those bites with coarse sea salt and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. It’s going to be hard to wait!
9. While the pretzels are baking, prepare your vegan cheese sauce. In a blender, combine soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, water, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Blend until it’s utterly smooth and creamy.
10. Serve your warm pretzel bites with the cheesy sauce on the side, and get ready for a flavor explosion!
## Pretzel Perfection Tips!
– Got leftovers? No worries! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. Just reheat them in the oven to regain that crispy goodness!
– Feel free to jazz up the vegan cheese sauce! Add spices or herbs to match your cravings. Want a spicy kick? Toss in some jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper—it’ll kick your tastebuds into high gear!
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! It’s bound to impress your friends and family, or just satisfy your own snack cravings on a cozy night in. Let me know how yours turn out, and don’t forget the warm vegan cheese sauce for dipping—trust me, it’s where all the magic happens! Enjoy every gooey, salty bit!
