Description
Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce is a delightful plant-based snack that combines the savory goodness of homemade pretzel bites with a creamy, dairy-free cheese sauce. Perfect for parties or cozy nights in, these bites are a crowd-pleaser for vegans and non-vegans alike.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pretzel Bites:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup baking soda (for boiling)
- coarse salt for sprinkling
For the Vegan Cheese Sauce:
- 1 cup peeled and diced potatoes
- 1/4 cup diced carrots
- 1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- To make the pretzel bites: Combine warm water, yeast, and brown sugar in a large bowl. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Stir in salt, olive oil, and flour. Mix and knead the dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil. Meanwhile, punch down the dough and divide into 6 pieces. Roll each into a rope and cut into 1-inch bites. Working in batches, boil the pretzel bites for 30 seconds, then transfer to the baking sheet. Sprinkle with coarse salt and bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.
- To make the vegan cheese sauce: Boil the potatoes and carrots until fork-tender. Drain and transfer to a blender with plant milk, nutritional yeast, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and smoked paprika. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm with pretzel bites.
Notes
- For extra flavor, brush the pretzel bites with melted vegan butter after baking.
- The cheese sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
