Ranch Pretzels

Are you looking for a delicious and unique snack or appetizer for your next party or gathering? Look no further than ranch seasoned pretzels! You can easily create a tasty snack that everyone will love using just a few simple ingredients like olive oil, dry ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, dill weed, cayenne pepper, and pretzels.

This spicy ranch flavor pretzel recipe gets a kick from cayenne pepper. These savory snacks are a close relative of spiced crackers. The only real difference here is the choice of spices added in.

Like all spicy and salty things, these pair great with a cold beer. I like to serve these when we have a few folks over for game day to watch football.

These also make a great hostess gift and use a few simple ingredients.

Because of the cayenne, this could be too spicy for kids. Feel free to leave it out. You can add whatever extra spices you might like, too.

Here is a tip for this recipe: If you like “toastier” pretzels, allow them longer in the oven.

Watch closely; they can go from toasty to burnt in minutes. Ask me how I know…

What Type of Pretzels Work Best?

When choosing pretzels for this easy recipe, you’ve got an array of options. Regular pretzels are a classic choice, providing plenty of crevices for our ranch seasoning to nestle into. 

If you’re a fan of the crunch, pretzel sticks should be your go-to. They hold up well under the weight of the spices and deliver a wonderful snap with every bite of this easy snack recipe. 

On the other hand, Mini pretzels offer a fun twist on the norm, making them a hit with the whole family. 

Ultimately, any bag of pretzels will get the job done, so feel free to use your favorite or mix and match for a varied feel!

Ingredients

• Light tasting olive oil
• Dry ranch dressing mix  – Use the regular dressing mix. If you use the restaurant style, reduce the amount of dressing used by half, otherwise it will be too salty.
• Garlic powder
• Dill weed
• Cayenne pepper
• Pretzels (any shape)

Substitutions and Additions

• Vegetable oil or canola oil can be used instead of light tasting olive oil.
• If you’re out of dry ranch dressing mix, no worries! Substitute with a blend of dried dill, dried parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for a homemade touch.
•  Swap cayenne pepper with paprika for a milder kick to your coated pretzels.
•  Get creative and add grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of your favorite herb mix for a new version of this delicious snack.

How to make Ranch Pretzels

1 – Preheat your oven to 250F. If you have a baking or cookie sheet that isn’t non-stick, adding some parchment paper is a good thing to prevent the pretzels from sticking. 

2 – Take a mixing bowl, add everything apart from the pretzels, mix well, and put to one side.

3 – Add the pretzels to a large bowl.

4 – Pour over the oil mixture, and stir to combine.

5 – Toss the pretzels a few times while waiting for the oven to preheat.

6 – Pour the pretzels into a baking sheet with sides in an even layer, then put into the preheat oven. Cook for 15 minutes. Put the bowl to one side, and don’t wash it out!

7 – Take the pretzels out of the oven and stir to ensure the oil and spices aren’t left in the bottom of the pan, then cook for another 15 minutes.

8 – Pour the hot cooked pretzels back into the original large bowl to pick up any leftover oil or spices, then set aside to cool.

Recipe Tips

• Consider making a double batch. These go fast!
• Complete the stirring step after the first 15 minutes of baking. This helps ensure all the pretzels get evenly coated with the flavorful oil and spices, leading to more delicious seasoned pretzels.
•  Remember to watch your pretzels closely during the final minutes of baking. The line between the perfect snack and burnt can be thin!
•  Feel free to adjust the quantity of cayenne pepper to suit your preferred heat level. Remember, you can always add more, but can’t take it out once it’s mixed in!
•  If you find the pretzels not picking up enough flavor, add the spices in two parts next time. Mix in half before baking, and sprinkle the rest over the hot pretzels when they come out of the oven.

Storage

Storing your Ranch Pretzels in an air-tight container will keep them fresh for up to a week. But this simple snack recipe is so good it won’t last that long!

While you can freeze these ranch pretzels, I recommend eating them fresh. If you need to freeze them, ensure they are cool before placing them in a freezer-proof container or ziplock bag. They can last in the freezer for up to a month. 

When you’re ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature. Note that the texture might not be as crisp as when fresh, but they’ll still be a tasty snack. 

FAQs

Can I Use Something Other Than Oil, Like Butter or Margarine?

Absolutely! You can substitute oil with melted butter or margarine if you prefer. This may alter the flavor of the pretzels.

I Don’t Have Cayenne Pepper. Can I Use Chili Powder Instead?

Sure thing! Chili powder will give your pretzels different heat, but it can be a great substitute if you don’t have cayenne. Remember to adjust the quantity to suit your taste.

Can I Use Gluten-Free Pretzels for This Recipe?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pretzels. The recipe will work just the same. The choice of pretzels won’t affect the cooking time or the overall taste of the ranch seasoning.

My Pretzels Turned out a Little Soggy. What Did I Do Wrong?

If the pretzels are a bit soggy, they might have too much oil and spice mixture, or they may have needed baking longer. Use less of the mixture or extend the baking time next to go around. Also, make sure your pretzels are cool before storing them. This helps maintain their crunchiness.

Can I Use This Recipe for Other Snacks Like Popcorn or Nuts?

This spicy ranch mix can add a kick to a variety of snacks. Just adjust the baking time according to what you’re cooking. For popcorn, you might not need to bake at all — toss it with the seasoning! For nuts, try roasting them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

MORE SNACK RECIPES YOUR GUESTS WILL LOVE

• Ranch Oyster Crackers
• Spent Grain Beer Crackers
• Beer Boiled Shrimp
• Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
• Flat Burger Sliders

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