These Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce are buttery, fluffy, and irresistibly good. They’re a fantastic hands-on baking project and ideal for sharing with friends or family. Perfect for dipping in vegan cheese sauce, mustard, or your favorite dip, this recipe brings pub-style snacks right to your home—with a plant-based twist!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Pretzel Bites

• 1½ cups warm water

• 2¼ tsp fast rise yeast

• 2 tbsp sugar

• ¼ cup melted vegan butter

• 4+ cups flour

• ½ tbsp salt

For Boiling

• 3 quarts water

• ⅓ cup baking soda

For Topping

• Oil or melted vegan butter

• Pretzel salt

For the Vegan Cheese Sauce

• 2 tbsp vegan butter

• 2 tbsp flour

• 1 cup plain, unsweetened rice milk (or other plant-based milk)

• ¾ cup vegan cheddar cheese shreds

• ¼ cup vegetable broth

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp salt

• Paprika (optional, for topping)

Directions

Pretzel Bites

1. Whisk together warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to activate.

2. In a large bowl, mix 4 cups flour and salt.

3. Add melted vegan butter and activated yeast mixture. Mix until dough forms a ball. Knead for 5–7 minutes, adding flour as needed (dough should be soft, not sticky).

4. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a wet towel, and let rise for 1 hour.

5. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

6. Roll out dough to ~½ inch thick rectangle. Cut into ¾”x1″ bite-sized pieces.

7. Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil. Slowly add baking soda (careful—it will bubble up).

8. Boil pretzel bites in small batches: 1 minute per side. Remove and place on the baking sheet.

9. Brush with oil or melted vegan butter, sprinkle with pretzel salt.

10. Bake 10–12 minutes until golden brown.

Vegan Cheese Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt vegan butter over medium heat.

2. Whisk in flour until combined.

3. Slowly add rice milk, whisking to avoid clumps.

4. Add garlic powder and salt.

5. Stir in vegan cheese and whisk until melted.

6. Add vegetable broth and whisk until smooth and creamy.

7. Top with paprika if desired.

Nutrients (approx. per serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 310

• Protein: 6g

• Fat: 14g

• Saturated Fat: 3g

• Carbohydrates: 40g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 2g

• Sodium: 680mg

Why You’ll Love These Pretzel Bites

These soft pretzel bites are more than just a tasty snack—they’re a fun and satisfying baking experience. From the first step of activating the yeast to the final brushing of vegan butter over freshly baked pretzels, this is the kind of recipe that invites hands-on participation and delivers rewarding results. Whether you’re new to bread-making or a seasoned home baker, you’ll appreciate how accessible and foolproof this recipe is.

In addition to the baking process, the recipe includes a step that gives pretzels their distinct taste and texture: the baking soda bath. This essential part of pretzel-making ensures the dough puffs up, takes on a chewy crust, and develops its signature deep brown color. The transformation is almost magical and contributes to a texture that’s both fluffy and toothsome.

Paired with the rich and creamy vegan cheese sauce, the pretzel bites become even more irresistible. The sauce adds a luscious, cheesy note with a touch of garlic and umami, replicating the flavor and consistency of traditional nacho cheese without the use of dairy. It’s not just a dip—it’s the soul mate of these pretzel bites.

The Vegan Twist That Shines

One of the standout features of this recipe is its clever use of plant-based ingredients. By substituting conventional dairy and eggs with vegan alternatives, this recipe caters to a broader range of dietary needs without compromising on flavor or texture. The use of rice milk and vegan butter in the cheese sauce yields a creamy, silky texture that rivals its dairy counterpart. Vegan cheddar cheese shreds melt beautifully into the sauce, creating a velvety dip perfect for coating every bite.

These substitutions make the recipe not only inclusive but also lighter and easier to digest for many people. It’s an excellent example of how classic comfort food can be reimagined for modern lifestyles—whether for ethical, health, or allergy-related reasons.

Flavor and Texture Profile

The flavor of these soft pretzel bites is classic and comforting, with subtle sweetness from the dough, a savory hit from the coarse salt topping, and a deeply satisfying chew. The pretzels have a slightly crisp crust thanks to the baking soda bath, which mimics traditional lye dips used in pretzel bakeries. Inside, they remain pillowy and tender, making them ideal for dipping or eating on their own.

The vegan cheese sauce complements the pretzel bites with its smooth, rich, and creamy consistency, enhanced by hints of garlic and a slight tang from the broth. The optional touch of paprika adds a splash of color and a whisper of smoky spice that pairs beautifully with the mild cheddar flavor.

Together, the components form a perfect balance of salty, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, making every bite satisfying and crave-worthy.

Perfect for All Occasions

These pretzel bites are incredibly versatile and fit a wide variety of occasions. They are the perfect party appetizer, especially for casual gatherings, movie nights, and sporting events. Their size makes them ideal for sharing, and their fun shape appeals to both kids and adults.

Beyond parties, they’re great for school lunch boxes, picnics, or even afternoon snacks. The dough can also be shaped into traditional pretzels, sticks, or mini rolls, depending on your mood or presentation style. You can serve them as-is, with cheese sauce, or alongside other dips like mustard, hummus, or vegan ranch dressing.

If you’re hosting guests with mixed dietary preferences, these bites offer a crowd-pleasing, dairy-free option that won’t leave anyone feeling left out.

Nutritional Considerations

Despite being a comfort food, these soft pretzel bites with vegan cheese sauce offer a nutritionally balanced snack when enjoyed in moderation. Each serving contains a reasonable amount of calories, and the combination of complex carbohydrates and healthy fats offers energy and satiety. Plant-based butter and cheese help reduce cholesterol levels compared to dairy versions.

The recipe is also easily adjustable for those watching their sodium intake. You can scale back on the pretzel salt topping and adjust the salt content in the cheese sauce to suit your dietary preferences. You may also consider using whole wheat flour or a blend of flours for added fiber and nutritional value.

Because the recipe avoids animal products, it’s also suitable for those with dairy allergies, lactose intolerance, or egg sensitivities. For individuals looking to reduce saturated fats, coconut oil-based cheeses can be swapped out for nut-based alternatives.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These pretzel bites are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they can also be made ahead for convenience. The dough can be prepared and refrigerated up to a day in advance. After shaping and boiling, the bites can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Once baked, they can be stored in a sealed container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore warmth and crispness.

The vegan cheese sauce can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of plant-based milk or broth to restore the creamy texture.

Tips for Recipe Success

To ensure the best results, make sure your yeast is fresh and your water is warm but not hot when activating the dough. Too hot, and the yeast will die; too cold, and it won’t activate properly. Knead the dough thoroughly for a soft interior, and don’t skip the baking soda bath—it’s the key to that traditional pretzel taste and chewy crust.

Let the dough rest and rise fully before shaping to achieve that signature fluffiness. When boiling, work in small batches so the bites don’t stick together. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking while baking, and always brush with vegan butter right before serving for a glossy, golden finish.

Conclusion

These Soft Pretzel Bites with Vegan Cheese Sauce are more than just a snack—they’re a celebration of comforting flavors, interactive baking, and plant-based creativity. From their chewy golden crust to their rich, creamy dip, they offer everything you love about traditional pub fare but with a vegan-friendly twist. They’re ideal for sharing, surprisingly easy to make, and customizable for any occasion.

Whether you’re planning a party, satisfying a comfort food craving, or introducing more plant-based recipes into your routine, these pretzel bites are a must-try. One batch is never enough, and chances are, once you make them, they’ll quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.