If you’ve ever wandered through a bustling street fair or a cozy bakery and been tempted by the irresistible aroma of freshly baked soft pretzels, you’re in for a treat! Our vegan soft pretzel recipe brings that classic, doughy delight right into your kitchen, completely plant-based and utterly delicious.
These pretzels are perfectly chewy on the inside with a golden, slightly crispy crust, and they’re sprinkled generously with coarse salt for that signature flavor.
Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or just looking to explore a healthier twist on a beloved snack, this recipe is simple, quick, and uses readily available ingredients. Plus, making pretzels at home is a fun project that fills your home with a warm, inviting scent.
Ready to impress family and friends or simply indulge yourself? Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite in your snack rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan soft pretzel recipe is:
- Easy to make: With straightforward ingredients and clear steps, you can have fresh pretzels ready in under two hours.
- Perfectly chewy and soft: Thanks to a simple dough recipe and a quick baking soda bath, the texture mimics traditional pretzels beautifully.
- All plant-based: No dairy, eggs, or animal products—just wholesome vegan goodness.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or dips to suit your taste.
- Great for gatherings: Impress guests with homemade pretzels that look and taste like they came from a professional bakery.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F / 45°C)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
- Non-dairy butter or oil (optional, for brushing)
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or dough hook mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large pot for baking soda bath
- Slotted spatula or spoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Kitchen towel
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is frothy and bubbly. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready.
- Make the dough: Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Using a wooden spoon or dough hook on a mixer, mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 7-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If it’s sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as you go.
- Let it rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 45-60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the baking soda bath: In a large pot, bring about 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil. Reduce to a simmer.
- Shape the pretzels: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope (about 20-24 inches). Shape each rope into a classic pretzel shape by forming a U, twisting the ends twice, then folding them down to the bottom of the U.
- Bake the pretzels: Carefully place each pretzel into the simmering baking soda bath for 30 seconds. Use a slotted spatula to remove and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Salt and bake: Sprinkle each pretzel generously with coarse sea salt. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until deep golden brown.
- Optional finishing touch: Brush with melted non-dairy butter or oil while still warm for a shiny, flavorful finish.
- Cool and enjoy: Transfer pretzels to a cooling rack and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
For the best texture, make sure your water is warm but not hot when activating yeast—too hot can kill the yeast!
- Add flavor: Sprinkle pretzels with cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist or garlic powder and herbs for savory flavor.
- Make mini pretzels: Cut your dough into smaller pieces for bite-sized snacks perfect for parties.
- Use whole wheat flour: Substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nuttier, healthier option.
- Try dipping sauces: Pair your pretzels with vegan cheese sauce, mustard, or even a sweet fruit preserve.
- Freeze for later: Pretzels freeze well. Just thaw and warm them in the oven before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Pretzel (1/8 recipe) |
---|---|
Calories | 190 |
Carbohydrates | 38g |
Protein | 6g |
Fat | 1g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sodium | 300mg (varies with salt used) |
Serving Suggestions
Soft pretzels are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of dips and sides. Here are some ideas to elevate your snack:
- Serve warm with vegan cheese sauce or a tangy mustard dip.
- Pair with a fresh, crisp salad for a balanced lunch or light dinner.
- Enjoy alongside a hearty bowl of Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating for a comforting meal.
- Try dipping in a flavorful tomato-based sauce like a vegan marinara for a delicious twist.
- Snack on them with your favorite Lipton Vegetable Dip Recipe: Easy Party Favorite during gatherings or game nights.
Conclusion
Making vegan soft pretzels at home is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas and results in a snack that everyone will love. This recipe is approachable for beginners and flexible enough to adapt to your personal tastes.
With just a few pantry staples, you can create warm, soft pretzels that remind you of your favorite street vendor or bakery—without any animal products.
Whether you’re baking for a party, a cozy afternoon treat, or to accompany a wholesome meal, these soft pretzels are sure to impress. Don’t forget to explore other delicious vegan recipes on our site, like the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves or the comforting Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.
Happy baking and enjoy your homemade pretzels!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Soft Pretzel
Description: A deliciously soft and chewy vegan soft pretzel recipe perfect for snacking. Easy to make with simple ingredients and no animal products.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 8 pretzels
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast; let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix flour and salt in a large bowl; add yeast mixture and melted vegan butter.
- Knead dough for about 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot.
- Divide dough into 8 pieces and roll each into a rope; shape into pretzels.
- Boil each pretzel for 30 seconds, then place on a baking sheet.
- Sprinkle pretzels with coarse sea salt.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove and cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 | Protein: 6g | Fat: 3g | Carbs: 42g
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