If you’ve been reading my posts here at Baby Gizmo for a while, you know my family recently moved to Freeport, Illinois. (Bring on the stalkers!) One of Freeport’s claims to fame is that it’s known as “Pretzel City, USA.” Seriously—it’s in the Wikipedia article. We have our own brand of pretzels, and may God have mercy on your soul if you try feeding your guests some Rold Gold or something.
According to a sign in a local coffee shop, the high school mascot, The Pretzels, has been recognized by ESPN. I have an awesome sign in my front yard with a giant orange pretzel and the words “Pretzel Pride” on it. This sign is seriously one of my favorite things about living here. As always, there’s no better way to celebrate a food holiday than to make that food into as many delicious dishes as possible, so here are eleven twisty pretzel recipes!
WHY PRETZELS ARE A GREAT SNACK
Pretzels have emerged as an iconic and cherished snack, and their popularity extends far beyond the confines of stadiums and movie theaters. The allure of pretzels lies in their perfect combination of flavors and textures—a crispy exterior giving way to a soft and chewy interior. This contrast, along with the characteristic sprinkle of salt, creates a snack that satisfies both savory and salty cravings. Moreover, pretzels’ portable nature makes them an ideal on-the-go treat, and their ability to pair seamlessly with various dips and sauces adds to their versatility. As a timeless snack enjoyed by people of all ages, pretzels have secured their place in the hearts and hands of snack enthusiasts, making them an ever-popular choice for munching and munching again.
Cookie Dough Pretzel Bites: This is one of my all-time favorite recipes and is so amazing that even Whole 30 friends are tempted to break their diet. Seriously, I don’t know enough adjectives to adequately describe the awesomeness of these treats.
Honey Mustard Pretzel Chicken: I love how versatile pretzels are; they complement a variety of recipes, both sweet and savory. Like this pretzel crusted chicken, for example! And while you can always substitute a store-bought honey mustard or honey mustard dressing for the one in the recipe, I strongly suggest making your own because this stuff is ah-mazing.
Parmesan Ranch Snack Mix: Whether you’re looking for a fun party recipe or a yummy after school snack, this Parmesan Ranch Snack Mix is sure to please! (You could even send it to school with the kids, although I’d recommend omitting the nuts.) Also, I have discovered the most amazing tool for making microwave popcorn. It’s kind the type of one-use kitchen item I usually try to avoid, but it folds flat so it’s super-easy to store.
Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Knots: As much as I love a standard salted soft pretzel, I have to admit that I’m a sucker for the cinnamon sugar variety, too. While I’m a bit conflicted about calling these little bits of deliciousness “pretzels” because of their non-traditional shape, they are using a pretzel dough—plus cinnamon and sugar!—so I’ll let them slide.
Brie-Stuffed Soft Pretzels with Rosemary and Sea Salt: Well, look at that: pretzels get all grown up with fancy herbs and cheese! Great for kids with sophisticated palates—or for adults who aren’t quite done being kids yet.
Spinach, Artichoke, and Bacon-Stuffed Soft Pretzels: Another addition to the grown-up table! Not because of the rich filling, but because they’re beer pretzels. Yum, yum! And if you’re not up for making your own spinach artichoke dip, you can always substitute store-bought dip—just be sure to add the bacon. Otherwise, what’s the point?!
Pizza-Stuffed Pretzels: Okay, okay. One more stuffed pretzel recipe and then I’m done. Lest you think that all stuffed pretzel recipes are fancy, I bring you the pizza-stuffed pretzel. The recipe calls for pepperoni pizza fillings, but you can use whatever pizza toppings (stuffings?) you love.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad: For some reason, I associate the Midwest (and the 70s) with Jell-O salads. You know, the bundt-pan or ring shaped Jell-O molds full of weird stuff like carrots and/or fruit cocktail? Don’t worry, I’m not about to give you a recipe for one of those—but this recipe is for a “salad” that includes fruit-filled Jell-O, nonetheless. Hm. I’m not really doing this light, summery treat justice. Picture a pretzel crust with a sweet creamy filling topped with strawberry Jell-O filled with fresh strawberries. That sounds much better, yes? Anyway, it really is good, so just give it a try!
Pretzel Dogs: Speaking of summery foods, here’s a fun recipe for homemade pretzel dogs. These are great for picnics because, while they are delicious fresh out of the oven, they’re also tasty at room temperature and eating them doesn’t require utensils. And they’re great for kids because: 1) Hot dogs. Duh. 2) Food you can eat with your hands! And 3) They’re dippable. It’s like the perfect food.
Chocolate Pretzels: Um. I don’t even know what more to say besides the name of this dish: Chocolate. Pretzels.
The world of easy pretzel recipes opens a door to a delightful realm of homemade goodness and creative culinary exploration. Whether you opt for the classic twists or experiment with new flavors and shapes, the joy of baking your own pretzels is not only a rewarding culinary experience but a journey that caters to both novice and seasoned bakers alike.
The enduring popularity of pretzels as a snack attests to their universal appeal—a perfect blend of simplicity, versatility, and, of course, irresistible taste. So, as you embark on your pretzel-making adventure, remember that the magic of this beloved snack lies not just in its deliciousness but in the joy it brings to your kitchen and the smiles it puts on the faces of those lucky enough to savor your homemade creations. Happy baking!
