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Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This recipe for Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce offers a delightful twist on the classic soft pretzels. These bite-sized treats are perfectly chewy and golden-brown, boiled briefly in a baking soda bath before baking to achieve the signature texture and flavor. Paired with a creamy, flavorful vegan cheese sauce made from vegan cheddar shreds and rice milk, this recipe is a delicious vegan snack or appetizer suitable for sharing.

Ingredients

Scale

Pretzel Bites Dough

  • 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 (approximately 4 cups, plus more as needed)
  • 1/2 tbsp salt

Boiling & Baking

  • 3 quarts water
  • 1/3 cup baking soda
  • Oil or melted vegan butter (for brushing)
  • Pretzel salt (to sprinkle)

Vegan Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tbsp vegan butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1 cup plain, unsweetened rice milk
  • 3/4 cup vegan cheddar cheese shreds (or your favorite vegan cheese)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Paprika (for topping, optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: Whisk together the warm water, sugar, and fast-rise yeast in a bowl. Let this mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy and active, indicating that the yeast is ready.
  2. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of flour and salt. Add the melted vegan butter and the activated yeast mixture. Mix everything together until a dough ball forms, then knead for 5-7 minutes by hand or with a stand mixer using the hook attachment. Add more flour as needed to prevent sticking; the dough should be soft but not overly sticky.
  3. Let Dough Rise: Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough ball inside. Roll it around to coat the surface with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let the dough rise for one hour, or until it approximately doubles in size.
  4. Shape the Pretzel Bites: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Turn the risen dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Cut it into pieces roughly 3/4 inch by 1 inch to form bite-sized pretzels.
  5. Boil the Pretzel Bites: In a large pot, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil. Carefully add the baking soda slowly to prevent bubbling over. Boil the pretzel bites in small batches for about 1 minute, flip them, and boil for another minute. Remove with a slotted spoon and place the bites on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Add Toppings: Brush each boiled pretzel bite with oil or melted vegan butter, then sprinkle generously with pretzel salt to add flavor and texture.
  7. Bake: Bake the pretzel bites in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they are beautifully golden-brown and cooked through.
  8. Prepare the Vegan Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the vegan butter. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the rice milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in garlic powder and salt.
  9. Add Cheese & Broth: Whisk in the vegan cheddar shreds until melted and fully incorporated. Add the vegetable broth and keep whisking until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Optionally, top with a sprinkle of paprika for extra color and flavor.
  10. Serve: Enjoy the warm pretzel bites dipped in the freshly made vegan cheese sauce, perfect as a delicious snack or appetizer.

Notes

  • Ensure the water for activating yeast is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Adding baking soda to boiling water must be done slowly to prevent the water from bubbling over.
  • Dough consistency is important; it should be soft and pliable but not sticky. Add flour gradually as needed.
  • Boiling pretzel bites before baking gives them the characteristic chewy crust.
  • Use vegan butter or oil according to your preference for brushing and in the cheese sauce.
  • The cheese sauce can be adjusted with different vegan cheeses and thickness adjusted with broth or milk.
  • For extra flavor and presentation, sprinkle smoked paprika on the cheese sauce.

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Find it online: https://comfortkitcheneats.com/soft-pretzel-bites-with-vegan-cheese-sauce-recipe/