These Garlic Ranch Pretzels are a fun snack that combines crunchy pretzels with the tasty flavors of garlic and ranch. Perfect for parties or movie nights, they’re hard to resist!
Honestly, I can easily eat a whole bowl by myself while binge-watching my favorite shows. Who can blame me? They’re just that good! Plus, they’re super simple to make.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mini Pretzels: These are ideal for this recipe due to their crunchiness and flavor absorption. If you don’t have mini ones, regular pretzels or even pretzel crisps can work too, just adjust the baking time as they may cook faster.
Olive Oil or Butter: Olive oil adds a nice flavor, but melted butter can make them richer. If you want a healthier option, you can use avocado oil. It works great too!
Ranch Seasoning Mix: This is the star flavor here. If you’re looking for a healthier or lower sodium option, consider making your own ranch seasoning with dried herbs like dill and parsley.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Essential for flavor! If you liked a fresher taste, you could add finely minced fresh garlic and onion, just keep in mind that it may alter the baking time slightly.
Paprika and Dried Parsley: These are optional but they add both color and a little depth of flavor. For a different kick, you could try smoked paprika or omit entirely if you prefer a simpler flavor.
How Do You Ensure the Pretzels Stay Crispy?
Keeping your pretzels crispy is easy with the right approach. Here’s what to focus on:
- Low and slow baking: Baking them at 250°F (120°C) allows the flavors to marry without burning. It also helps them dry out perfectly.
- Stirring regularly: Mixing the pretzels every 15 minutes ensures even coating and prevents any from getting soggy.
- Cooling completely: Letting them cool on the baking sheet allows them to crisp up even more after coming out of the oven.
By following these tips, you’ll have a wonderfully crispy garlic ranch snack that everyone will enjoy!
How to Make Garlic Ranch Pretzels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces mini pretzels
- 1/3 cup olive oil or melted butter
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional for a slight smoky flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (optional for color)
- Coarse sea salt, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus 45-60 minutes for baking. Total time from start to finish is about 55-70 minutes. Most of that time is for baking, so you can prepare other snacks or relax in the meantime!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature helps the pretzels become crispy without burning. While the oven heats up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to make cleanup easier.
2. Prepare the Seasoning Mix:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil (or melted butter), ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried parsley flakes (if using). Whisk these ingredients together until everything is well mixed and creamy.
3. Coat the Pretzels:
Add the mini pretzels to the bowl with the seasoning mix. Toss them gently with your hands or a spatula, ensuring that every pretzel gets evenly coated in the flavorful mixture.
4. Arrange for Baking:
Spread the coated pretzels out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Try not to overcrowd them, as this will help them bake evenly and get nice and crispy.
5. Bake the Pretzels:
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 45-60 minutes. Make sure to stir the pretzels every 15 minutes with a spatula to ensure they cook evenly and don’t burn.
6. Season and Cool:
When the pretzels are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven. While they’re still warm, sprinkle coarse sea salt over the pretzels to taste. This adds an extra crunch and flavor.
7. Final Cooling:
Let the pretzels cool completely on the baking sheet. As they cool, they’ll become even crispier, so don’t rush this step!
8. Store or Serve:
Once cooled, you can transfer the Garlic Ranch Pretzels to a serving bowl or store them in an airtight container. They make great snacks for game days, movie nights, or anytime you want a tasty, crunchy treat!
Enjoy your homemade Garlic Ranch Pretzels – a zesty, flavorful snack perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Regular Pretzels Instead of Mini Pretzels?
Yes, you can! Regular pretzels will work just fine, although you may need to adjust the baking time as they could take less time to become crispy. Just keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Use olive oil instead of melted butter and opt for a dairy-free ranch seasoning mix. There are several brands available that cater to dairy-free diets.
How Should I Store Leftover Pretzels?
Store any leftover Garlic Ranch Pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They will stay crispy, but avoid storing them in the fridge as that can make them soggy.
Can I Add Other Seasonings?
Yes! Feel free to customize the flavor. Adding spices like cayenne pepper for a kick, or even dill for a different twist can enhance the flavor of the pretzels. Experiment to find your favorite combination!
