Soft pretzel bites served with vegan cheese sauce on a wooden platter

Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce

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why make this recipe

Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce are a fun and delicious snack perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and can be enjoyed by everyone, whether you follow a vegan diet or not. The warm, soft pretzel bites pair wonderfully with the creamy, flavorful cheese sauce, making them irresistible. These treats are not only tasty but also make for a great appetizer or game day snack that everyone will love.

how to make Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups warm water
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 package active dry yeast
  • 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
  • 10 cups water
  • 2/3 cup baking soda
  • Coarse sea salt

For the Vegan Cheese Sauce:

  • 1 cup raw cashews, soaked
  • 1 ¼ cups water
  • 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and salt. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
  2. Add the flour and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until the dough comes together.
  3. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until it feels smooth. Place it in a greased bowl and let it rise for 1 hour.
  4. Preheat your oven to 450°F. In a large pot, bring the water and baking soda to a boil.
  5. Divide the dough into small pieces and shape each piece into pretzel bites.
  6. Boil the pretzel bites in the baking soda water for 30 seconds, then place them on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown.
  7. For the cheese sauce, blend all the ingredients together until smooth. Heat the mixture in a saucepan until it thickens.

how to serve Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce

Serve the soft pretzel bites warm, with the vegan cheese sauce on the side for dipping. You can sprinkle some coarse sea salt on top of the pretzels for added flavor. These bites make for a great party snack or a fun family meal.

how to store Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce

To store leftover pretzel bites, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the cheese sauce, store it in a separate container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can reheat the bites in the oven before serving again.

tips to make Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce

  • Make sure your water is warm, not hot, when activating the yeast.
  • Knead the dough well to achieve the right texture.
  • If you want a more intense flavor, try adding spices to the dough.
  • Soaking the cashews makes for a creamier cheese sauce, so don’t skip this step!

variation

You can add different toppings to the pretzel bites before baking, such as sesame seeds or garlic powder for added flavor. For a spicy kick, you can mix in some red pepper flakes into the cheese sauce.

FAQs

  1. Can I freeze the pretzel bites?
    Yes, you can freeze the pretzel bites. Just let them cool and then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw them before reheating.

  2. What can I use instead of cashews for the cheese sauce?
    You can try using sunflower seeds or blended silken tofu as alternatives if you have nut allergies.

  3. Can I make these pretzel bites without vegan butter?
    Yes, you can substitute vegan butter with coconut oil or any neutral oil if desired. Just melt it before mixing it into the dough.

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