If you haven’t tried Spicy Pretzels yet, you need to make them ASAP! These little bites of heaven are so easy to make, yet totally addictive. The recipe comes from my bestie McKinsey’s aunt Tammy, who’s been making them for forever. After McKinsey made them for me, I was hooked—and now they’re my go-to snack for pretty much every get-together (holiday hosting, mahjong snack, summer parties, game day, etc.) and they are extremely giftable (great for teachers, neighbors, party favors, or anyone who loves a tasty snack)!
When we hosted Matt’s golf weekend with his high school buddies, I knew these Spicy Pretzels had to be the welcome snack. They were a huge hit! And the best part? You only need a handful of ingredients, and you can easily make them gluten-free for anyone who needs it. Whether you’re throwing a party or just need a snack that’ll disappear in minutes, this recipe is a winner.
Ingredients for Spicy Pretzels
These ingredients come together to make a super easy yet flavorful snack that’s perfect for any event. You can also play around with the heat and ranch seasoning to make these pretzels your own!
- Pretzels: You can use any type of pretzels—traditional twists, pretzel sticks, or even mini pretzels. Just make sure the pretzels are plain, so the spices can really shine through. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pretzels! Snyder’s Gluten-Free Pretzels are our favorite!
- Cayenne Pepper: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your heat tolerance. For a milder version, use 1/2 teaspoon or swap it for paprika for a smoky flavor without the spice.
- Garlic Salt: If you’re watching your sodium intake or want to control the seasoning, you can substitute garlic powder and regular salt in place of garlic salt. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and add salt to taste.
- Ranch Seasoning: Use a packet of gluten-free ranch seasoning if you are avoiding gluten!
- Vegetable Oil: You can substitute vegetable oil with olive oil for a slightly different flavor or even use melted butter if you want a richer taste. If you prefer to keep it lighter, try using avocado oil, which has a neutral flavor and is a bit healthier.
Spicy Pretzels
Ingredients
- 2 16-oz bags pretzels
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, cayenne pepper, garlic salt, ranch seasoning, and any other spices you're using.
- Spread the pretzels out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Pour the spice mixture over the pretzels and toss them to coat evenly.
- Bake at 200°F for 1.5 to 2 hours, tossing every 30 minutes to ensure they brown evenly and become fully dry and crispy.
Notes
*for a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pretzel and gluten-free ranch seasoning.
