Name: Vegan Pretzel Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 packet instant yeast; 1 1/4 cups warm water; 2 tablespoons light brown sugar; 3 cups all purpose flour, plus more as needed; 1 teaspoon salt; 12 cups water for boiling pretzels; 1/2 cup baking soda; 3-4 tablespoons vegan butter, melted; 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 57 reviews

If you’ve ever craved that soft, chewy, salty snack from your favorite pretzel stand but want a plant-based twist, you’re going to love this Vegan Pretzel Bites Recipe. These little golden bites come out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside – just like the ones I grew up loving—only kinder and totally homemade. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll be whipping them up for every movie night and casual gathering. Let’s dive in and get you baking batches of these addictive vegan treats!

💛

Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples you probably already have on hand, making it easy to whip up anytime.
Yeast Dough Perfection: The dough’s just sticky enough to be chewy without being a hassle to handle.
Baking Soda Bath: That quick boil before baking creates the classic pretzel crust with a deep golden color.
Vegan-Friendly Twist: Uses melted vegan butter to brush on top, giving that buttery finish without any dairy.

Vegan Pretzel Bites, vegan pretzel snack, homemade vegan pretzels, plant-based pretzel recipe, easy vegan snacks - This image shows many small golden brown pretzel bites placed closely together in a grid pattern on a slightly shiny white baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Each pretzel bite has a smooth, shiny top crust with a few visible cracks and is sprinkled with coarse white salt crystals. The texture looks soft on the inside with a firm, slightly crispy outside. The warm orange-brown color varies slightly on each piece, giving a fresh baked look. The baking sheet rests on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Vegan Pretzel Bites Recipe plays a specific role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor balance. From the yeast that helps the dough rise beautifully, to the baking soda bath that creates that iconic pretzel crust, these ingredients come together seamlessly. Here’s a quick lowdown on why each is a must-have and a few tips to make them work best for you.

Vegan Pretzel Bites, vegan pretzel snack, homemade vegan pretzels, plant-based pretzel recipe, easy vegan snacks - Flat lay of light brown sugar scattered alongside heaping spoonfuls of instant yeast, a neat pile of all-purpose flour, a small bowl of coarse sea salt crystals, several chunks of creamy melted vegan butter, a mound of baking soda powder, a measuring cup filled with warm water, all beautifully arranged with a few twisted raw pretzel dough bites resting among the ingredients, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Instant yeast: This gives your dough lift and chewiness—make sure it’s fresh for best results.
Warm water: Activates the yeast gently; too hot and you’ll kill the yeast, so aim for comfortably warm, not hot.
Light brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the saltiness perfectly and helps the yeast bloom.
All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy base of the dough; you might add a little extra if the dough’s too sticky.
Salt: Essential for flavor and controlling yeast activity—don’t skip it!
Water for boiling: Used for the alkaline bath that sets the crust and gives pretzels their signature bite.
Baking soda: Creates a pH shift on the dough’s surface during boiling, which is key for that distinctive pretzel crust and color.
Vegan butter: Brushed on for extra flavor and moisture—adds that lovely golden shine.
Coarse sea salt: For sprinkling on top to get that satisfying salty crunch you expect from pretzels.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best things about this Vegan Pretzel Bites Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often switch up the toppings or even the flavor profile depending on the occasion or mood. Don’t hesitate to get creative—pretzels are a great blank canvas!

Sweet Cinnamon Sugar: Instead of salt, I brush with vegan butter after baking and toss them in a cinnamon sugar mix—instant crowd-pleaser at brunch.
Garlic Herb: Mix dried herbs and garlic powder into the melted vegan butter for brushing to amp up savory flavors.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes with the salt or add a pinch of smoked paprika for some heat.
Gluten-Free Adaptation: While I haven’t mastered GF pretzels myself, using a solid gluten-free flour blend might work if you’re willing to experiment.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Pretzel Bites Recipe

Step 1: Wake Up Your Yeast

Start by combining the warm water, light brown sugar, and instant yeast in your mixing bowl. Stir it lightly and let it sit for 3-5 minutes—this is when the magic happens and you’ll see frothy bubbles form, indicating your yeast is alive and ready to go! If nothing bubbles, your yeast might be expired, so swap it out for fresh yeast to avoid dough disasters.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

Once your yeast is bubbly, add the flour and salt. If you have a stand mixer, use the paddle attachment on low speed to bring the dough together. The dough should be slightly sticky but not clingy—if it’s too wet, sprinkle in flour a little at a time until it feels just right. If you’re doing this by hand, mix with a wooden spoon until it gets tough to stir, then knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Shape the Bites

Divide the dough into four equal pieces. Roll each into a long rope, almost like you’re making giant snakes. Cut each rope into roughly one-inch pieces. I usually get about 11-12 bites per section, but don’t stress if yours varies—that’s part of the charm!

Step 4: The Essential Baking Soda Bath

This is where your pretzel bites start to develop that signature crust. Bring 12 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot, then slowly stir in the baking soda—be cautious here as the water might bubble up quickly. Lower the heat slightly to maintain a gentle boil. Drop the pretzel bites into the water in small batches, about a dozen pieces at a time, and boil for 30 seconds—watch them float to the top, that’s your cue to fish them out with a slotted spoon and set on parchment paper.

Step 5: Butter, Salt & Bake

Arrange your boiled pretzel bites evenly on a lined baking sheet. Brush generously with melted vegan butter and sprinkle with coarse sea salt—they’ll soak up all those flavors while baking. Pop them into your 425°F oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, checking that beautiful deep golden brown color. Once out, let them cool just enough so you can’t burn your fingers and dig in!

💡

Pro Tips for Making Vegan Pretzel Bites Recipe

Warm Water Temperature: Use a kitchen thermometer if you’re unsure—between 100°F and 110°F is perfect to activate yeast without killing it.
Adding Flour Incrementally: It’s easier adding more flour in small amounts than fixing a dough that’s too dry.
Baking Soda Bath Safety: Stir baking soda in slowly to avoid boil-overs and reduce heat if needed—this step is crucial for texture.
Storage Hack: Leftovers taste almost as good warmed with a fresh brush of vegan butter—avoiding dry bites is key!

How to Serve Vegan Pretzel Bites Recipe

Vegan Pretzel Bites, vegan pretzel snack, homemade vegan pretzels, plant-based pretzel recipe, easy vegan snacks - The image shows a close-up of several golden brown, soft pretzel bites arranged on a white marbled surface. Each bite has a shiny, slightly crispy outer layer with a warm, light tan color and is topped with coarse salt grains. The texture looks smooth but with small cracks on the surface, revealing a fluffy inside. The bites are arranged in loose rows, some in focus and others slightly blurred in the background, giving a sense of depth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually stick with the classic coarse sea salt because it gives great texture and flavor contrast, but I’m also a fan of tossing some fresh chopped rosemary or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast on top for a subtly cheesy vibe. If you’re going sweet, a light dusting of cinnamon sugar post-bake is absolutely scrumptious.

Side Dishes

This Vegan Pretzel Bites Recipe pairs wonderfully with some tangy mustard dips—my go-to is a mix of Dijon and maple syrup for a little sweet tang. You can also serve it with vegan cheese sauce or a chunky tomato salsa for a refreshing contrast. For something heartier, these pretzel bites make a fun side to chili or a big hearty soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like arranging pretzel bites in a circular pattern around a big bowl of dip on a wooden board—it feels so inviting! Another festive twist is skewering 3-4 bites on cocktail sticks drizzled with herb butter. For holiday brunch, placing them in little paper cones gives a charming rustic look that guests always comment on.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They stay soft and tasty if you’re quick to store them right after cooling. If you find they lose a bit of their fresh-baked charm, a quick brush of vegan butter after reheating works wonders.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead for a big crowd, they freeze beautifully. Just cool completely, then pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes or warm in the oven directly from frozen for 10 minutes at 350°F.

Reheating

My favorite way to bring these pretzel bites back to life is heating them in a toaster oven or regular oven for 5-7 minutes at 350°F. This crisps up the outside again without drying them out. Microwave is quicker but tends to make them slightly chewy rather than crisp.

FAQs

Can I make this Vegan Pretzel Bites Recipe without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. It might take a little longer to develop the gluten, but the results are just as delicious. Just mix the ingredients with a spoon until they come together, then knead on a floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
What’s the purpose of the baking soda bath?

The baking soda bath raises the pH on the dough’s surface, which helps create that classic pretzel crust in the oven—deep golden and slightly chewy. It’s an essential step to get those authentic pretzel bites instead of just bread rolls.
Can I substitute the vegan butter for something else?

Yes! You can use any neutral oil like melted coconut oil or avocado oil if you prefer. The butter adds richness and a little shine on top, but the pretzels will still taste great without it.
How do I make cinnamon sugar vegan pretzel bites?

For cinnamon sugar variation, skip the coarse salt. After baking, brush the pretzel bites with melted vegan butter and toss them in a mix of ¾ cup sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. They’re sweet, comforting, and perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

I haven’t personally tried gluten-free versions, but using a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for yeast baking might work. Just keep in mind gluten-free doughs can behave quite differently and may require extra tweaks.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pretzel Bites Recipe is honestly one of my favorite go-to snacks that always impresses. It’s approachable for bakers of all levels and seriously satisfying whenever you crave that authentic, warm pretzel flavor without any dairy or eggs. Making these from scratch is easier than you think, and I love how versatile they are for everything from game day to cozy nights in. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making them weekly like me!