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These easy ranch pretzels are the perfect Game Day snack, a great gift to share with neighbors at Christmas, and a flavorful party appetizer. Best of all, the simple recipe is ready to bake in just 5 minutes!
Table of Contents
Looking for even more snack ideas? Try this homemade Chex mix, this 4-ingredient “crack snack” snack mix, and this easy cheese ball recipe, too!
Why You’ll Love these Seasoned Pretzels
- Easy. If you’re not someone who wants to spend hours in the kitchen making Christmas cut-out cookies or processing jars of homemade jam, these pretzels are the key to a stress-free holiday. Amidst the desserts and sugar of the season, a tin of seasoned ranch pretzels is always well received. The pretzels are also a delicious snack option to stash in your pantry for movie night, after school snacks with the kids, and Game Day!
- Make Ahead. Prepare the baked ranch pretzels in advance and store them in an airtight container for 2-3 weeks. That way they’ll be ready and waiting for you when you need them.
- Customizable. Adjust the size of the batch to suit your needs. For instance, double or triple all of the ingredients to feed a crowd. Similarly, you can play around with other flavor combinations. For instance, make them spicy with extra cayenne, or swap out some of the pretzels and use cheddar Goldfish or Cheez-Its.
Ingredients
This is just a quick overview of the ingredients that you need for a batch of our favorite ranch pretzels. As always, specific measurements and step-by-step instructions are included in the printable recipe box at the bottom of the post.
- Pretzels: I use the small twists, but any small shape will work. Try pretzel sticks or snaps too.
- Vegetable oil: helps the seasoning adhere to the pretzels. You can sub with canola oil or unsalted melted butter if you prefer.
- Ranch salad dressing and seasoning mix: just the dry ranch seasoning mix — do not prepare the salad dressing according to the package directions. The ranch packet gives the pretzels such great zesty, savory ranch flavor.
- Sugar: adds depth of flavor and balances the salty, savory ingredients.
- Dried dill weed and garlic powder: for even more flavor.
- Cayenne pepper: for a hint of heat in the background. Add extra cayenne if you like spicy ranch pretzels.
How to Make Seasoned Pretzels
This ranch pretzel recipe couldn’t be easier! Just stir everything together and let the oven do the work…
- Arrange pretzels on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Whisk together the oil, ranch dressing mix, sugar, dill weed, garlic powder, and cayenne.
- Pour the seasoning mixture over the pretzels.
- Toss to coat the pretzels in the seasoning.
- Bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stir one more time, and let the pretzels cool completely before transferring to a large bowl or packaging for a later date.
Ranch Seasoned Pretzels Serving Suggestions
Pair the seasoned pretzels with a cold beverage and any of these other great party snacks:
- Italian Pinwheels
- Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly Dip
- 5-Minute Corn Dip
- Onion Dip
- Shrimp Cocktail
- Easy Stromboli Crescent Braid
- Homemade Soft Pretzels
- Shrimp Dip
- Fried Oysters
- Country Ham Biscuits
- Hummus and Pita Chips
- Pimento Cheese
- 7-Layer Bean Dip
- Deviled Eggs
- Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms
- Sausage Balls from Bisquick
- Crab Dip
Storage Tips
Cool completely, then package the seasoned pretzels in an air-tight container or a Ziploc gallon size bag. They will keep at room temperature for 2-3 weeks.
Seasoned Pretzel Recipe Variations
- Replace some of the pretzels with cheddar Goldfish crackers, Cheez-It crackers, Bugles, sesame sticks, or other crunchy snacks.
- Add peanuts, almonds, or mixed nuts.
- Make them spicy by adding even more cayenne to the seasoning mixture.
- For even richer flavor, replace the oil with a stick of melted unsalted butter.
Tips for the Best Ranch Pretzel Recipe
- Stir the mix while it’s in the oven. This will help the pretzels toast evenly and will prevent individual pieces from burning.
- Make a double batch so that you have plenty of pretzels to share with friends and family.
- Line the baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Add fresh herbs at the end for an extra boost of flavor and a bright, fresh touch. Good options include parsley, thyme, or rosemary.
- Let the pretzels cool completely before packaging.
More Appetizers and Snacks to Try
Pimento Cheese Recipe
10 minutes mins
4-Ingredient Sausage Dip with Corn
35 minutes mins
Puppy Chow {Muddy Buddies}
45 minutes mins
Ranch Pretzels
Ingredients
- 1 (16 ounce) bag pretzels
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 (1 ounce) packet Ranch seasoning and salad dressing mix (I use Hidden Valley brand)
- ¾ teaspoon sugar
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried dill weed
- Pinch of cayenne pepper, or more to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F. Spray an extra-large rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Spread the pretzels on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a large measuring cup, bowl, or jar, add the oil, Ranch seasoning, sugar, garlic powder, dill weed, and cayenne. Shake or whisk until completely combined.
- Pour the seasoning over the pretzels. Gently toss so that all of the pretzels are well coated (I use my hands for this!). Spread in an even layer. Bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stir once more when they come out of the oven, let them cool completely, and then store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Stir the mix while it’s in the oven. This will help the pretzels toast evenly and will prevent individual pieces from burning.
- Make a double batch so that you have plenty of pretzels to share with friends and family.
- Line the baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Add fresh herbs at the end for an extra boost of flavor and a bright, fresh touch. Good options include parsley, thyme, or rosemary.
- Let the pretzels cool completely before packaging.