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 to 3 1/4 cups all purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 12 cups water; 1/2 cup baking soda; 3-4 tablespoons vegan butter, melted; 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 44 reviews

If you’re craving a fun, chewy snack that’s totally plant-based and ridiculously addictive, you’re in the right place. This Vegan Pretzel Bites Recipe is hands-down one of my favorite things to make when I want something warm, salty, and surprisingly easy to whip up at home. Trust me, once you bite into these golden little pillows, you’ll want to keep making them again and again. So, grab your apron — let’s dive into a recipe that’s as comforting as it is satisfying.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you probably already have, making it super accessible.
Quick Prep: Dough comes together fast and doesn’t need long rising times, perfect for busy days.
Classic Pretzel Flavor: Baking soda bath gives that signature chewy crust and deep flavor without eggs or dairy.
Customizable Coatings: Salt, cinnamon sugar, or even garlic herb—make them your own easily.

Vegan Pretzel Bites, plant-based pretzel snack, easy vegan pretzels, homemade vegan pretzel bites, chewy vegan snack - 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 of these ingredients plays a key role in crafting the perfect vegan pretzel bites. I love that this recipe keeps it straightforward – just a few basic pantry items that combine for such a mouthwatering result. When shopping, grab fresh yeast and make sure your vegan butter is high quality for the best flavor.

Vegan Pretzel Bites, plant-based pretzel snack, easy vegan pretzels, homemade vegan pretzel bites, chewy vegan snack - 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 is what makes the dough rise quickly without a long wait, perfect for messing about in the kitchen without a marathon.
Warm water: Activates the yeast and helps the dough come together smoothly.
Light brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the saltiness beautifully.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, use fresh and sifted flour for a tender but sturdy bite.
Salt: Essential for flavor inside the dough, not just on top.
Baking soda: The secret to that authentic pretzel crust; it reacts in boiling water to create that chewy texture.
Vegan butter: Melts over the pretzels post-baking for richness and sheen — my favorite finishing touch.
Coarse sea salt: For that satisfying crunch and classic pretzel flavor pop.

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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.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Vegan Pretzel Bites Recipe is how easy it is to tweak and make your own. Whether you love sweet, salty, or something herb-infused, there’s room for your creativity here. I often like to swap out the sea salt for a mixture of dried herbs and garlic powder for something a little savory and different.

Variation: For a cinnamon sugar twist, skip the sea salt, and after baking, brush the bites with melted vegan butter, then toss in cinnamon sugar. It’s like dessert pretzels – trust me, so good!
Gluten-Free Option: While I haven’t tried gluten-free flours for this recipe myself, a high-quality gluten-free baking mix could work—just keep an eye on the dough consistency, which might differ.
Spicy Kick: Try sprinkling some smoked paprika or chili flakes instead of salt if you want a little heat.

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

Step 1: Get Your Dough Ready

Start by mixing warm water, sugar, and instant yeast in your stand mixer bowl (or a big bowl if you’re mixing by hand). I like to let it sit for a minute to get foamy—that’s how you know your yeast is happy. Then, add your flour and salt. Using the paddle attachment, mix on low speed until the dough starts forming. It’ll feel a bit sticky but shouldn’t cling to your fingers; just add a bit more flour until it’s manageable. I usually needed a splash more than 3 cups. Once it forms a ball, cut it into four equal pieces and roll each into a long rope for the next step.

Step 2: Cut and Boil the Bites

Slice each rope into 1-inch pieces—about 11 or 12 bites per section. This step is fun and kind of therapeutic! Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding baking soda slowly (watch the fizz!). Boil your dough bites about 12 at a time for 30 seconds until they float. This step gives the pretzels that signature chewy crust. Transfer them to parchment or silicone mats to cool while you finish boiling the rest.

Step 3: Butter, Salt & Bake

Arrange the pretzel bites on a lined baking sheet, brush generously with melted vegan butter (don’t be shy here!), and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 12-15 minutes, or until beautifully browned. The aroma that fills your kitchen here is just magical—like a cozy bakery vibe at home.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Fresh Yeast Matters: Using fresh instant yeast and warm water (about 105-110°F) helped my dough rise reliably every time.
Baking Soda Bath Safety: Add baking soda slowly while boiling water to avoid overflow — I learned this the fun way!
Brush Twice for Extra Shine: I sometimes brush vegan butter both before and right after baking for a gorgeous sheen and soft crust.
Don’t Overcrowd the Boil: Boil batches in small numbers so pretzel bites don’t stick together — easy to miss, but it makes a big difference.

How to Serve Vegan Pretzel Bites Recipe

Vegan Pretzel Bites, plant-based pretzel snack, easy vegan pretzels, homemade vegan pretzel bites, chewy vegan snack - 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’m a classic salt girl, so coarse sea salt is my go-to, but sprinkling fresh chopped rosemary or flaky sea salt after brushing with vegan butter adds a delightful twist. For a sweet moment, cinnamon sugar coating after baking is a game changer, especially when shared over a cup of coffee or tea.

Side Dishes

These bites pair beautifully with tangy mustard dips, vegan cheese sauces, or even a bowl of marinara for dipping. On game night, I serve them alongside guacamole and hummus — it’s a party favorite every time.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, I like stacking vegan pretzel bites in a big glass jar or serving them in mini baskets lined with colored napkins during parties. You can even thread a few on bamboo skewers alongside roasted veggies for a sharing platter with a twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover vegan pretzel bites store nicely in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always make sure they cool completely before storing to avoid sogginess. If you’re serving later, you’ll love how they keep their chew without getting dry.

Freezing

I freeze any extras on a baking sheet first (so they don’t stick), then transfer to a freezer bag. That way, they keep their shape and texture. When I’m ready, I just pop them straight into a warm oven to thaw and crisp back up — works like a charm!

Reheating

For reheating, toss the pretzel bites in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisped on the outside. Avoid microwaves if you can – they tend to make these a bit gummy.

FAQs

Can I make these Vegan Pretzel Bites without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand using a wooden spoon and then your hands. It might take a bit more elbow grease, but I find it quite satisfying and totally doable.
Why do I boil the pretzel bites in baking soda water?

Boiling in baking soda water is what gives pretzels their classic chewy crust and that distinctive flavor. The alkaline solution reacts with the dough’s surface proteins, creating that beautiful golden-brown crust when baked.
Can I make these gluten-free?

I haven’t personally tested a gluten-free version, but a good-quality gluten-free flour blend might work. Keep in mind the dough texture will vary, so you may need to adjust flour amounts and expect a different chew.
How do I store and reheat leftover vegan pretzel bites?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to regain that fresh-baked texture and warmth.
What dips go best with vegan pretzel bites?

Some of my favorites are spicy mustard, vegan cheese sauce, garlic hummus, or even a tangy marinara. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite plant-based dips!

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pretzel Bites Recipe has become my go-to for casual hangouts and cozy nights in, and I’m confident you’ll feel the same once you try it. Perfectly chewy, buttery, and salty in all the right ways — it’s like a little hug in food form. So give it a whirl, have fun with your flavor mix-ins, and enjoy sharing these delightful bites with friends and family. Happy baking!