Soft pretzels are a beloved snack around the world—warm, chewy, and perfectly salted. Now imagine those classic soft pretzels in bite-sized form, ideal for dipping, sharing, and snacking. Even better, pair them with a rich, creamy, and totally plant-based vegan cheese sauce for a snack that’s both indulgent and cruelty-free.
If you’ve been craving something savory, warm, and irresistibly cheesy but want to avoid dairy, this recipe for Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce is exactly what you need. It’s simple to make from scratch, uses everyday ingredients, and tastes just like a fun, authentic pretzel experience—but with a vegan twist.
Why Make Soft Pretzel Bites at Home?
- Freshness: Nothing beats the aroma and flavor of freshly baked pretzels straight from your oven.
- Control Ingredients: Homemade means you can skip preservatives and customize the salt, herbs, or toppings.
- Perfect Party Snack: Bite-sized pretzels are easy to share at game nights, movie marathons, or casual gatherings.
- Vegan-Friendly: Paired with a dairy-free cheese sauce, this snack suits vegan, lactose-intolerant, or allergy-sensitive diets.
- Fun to Make: It’s a fun baking project for all ages and skill levels.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soft Pretzel Bites:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons baking soda (for boiling water bath)
- Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
For the Vegan Cheese Sauce:
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 15-20 minutes)
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky kick)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for tanginess)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pretzel Dough
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the flour and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Shape the Pretzel Bites
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a long rope (about 12-14 inches).
- Cut each rope into 1-1.5 inch pieces to create bite-sized pretzels.
3. Boil the Pretzel Bites
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the baking soda carefully (it will bubble up).
- Drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water in batches, boiling for about 30 seconds.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake the Pretzel Bites
- Sprinkle coarse sea salt generously over the pretzel bites.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
5. Make the Vegan Cheese Sauce
- Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a blender.
- Add nutritional yeast, plant milk, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and mustard.
- Blend on high until smooth and creamy, adding more plant milk if needed for consistency.
- Warm the sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your soft pretzel bites warm alongside the vegan cheese sauce for dipping. They also go well with:
- Mustard or spicy mustard sauce
- Vegan ranch dressing
- Marinara sauce for an Italian twist
These pretzel bites are great for:
- Parties and get-togethers
- Movie nights
- Game day snacks
- Kid-friendly lunchboxes
Tips for the Best Soft Pretzel Bites
- Warm water is key: Too hot or cold can kill the yeast.
- Don’t skip the baking soda bath: This step gives pretzels their signature chewy crust and deep brown color.
- Use coarse salt: It adds texture and the perfect salty bite.
- Adjust thickness: If you want softer pretzels, make your bites thicker.
- Customize the cheese sauce: Add jalapeños or chipotle powder for heat, or turmeric for color.
Nutritional Benefits
- Vegan Cheese Sauce: Made from nutrient-dense cashews and nutritional yeast, which is high in B vitamins and protein.
- No artificial additives: Homemade means fresh, wholesome ingredients.
- Plant-based: Great for heart health and reducing dairy intake.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce are a delightful snack that combines classic comfort with modern plant-based eating. Whether you’re vegan or just love a good dip, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of chewy, salty, and creamy in every bite. It’s a fun kitchen project that yields impressive results and brings everyone to the table.
Try this recipe today and watch your friends and family fall in love bite by bite!