"Crack" Pretzels are aptly named for their addictive quality. You can't have just one! They have a ton of ranch flavor, but also have a little spice, a little garlic, and a subtly warm cinnamon undertone.
I don't know how to best describe these pretzels other than you can't eat just one. They are one of those snacks that you keep reaching for another handful of. They are a spicy ranch pretzel that packs a punch of flavor. We make them with a little heat because we like them that way - you can leave it out or reduce it if you don't like heat or if this is going to be a kid snack. These pretzels are such a great snack food to have on hand - they are versatile, they last a long time, and are certain to be a hit.
🥘 Ingredient Notes
- Pretzels
- Hidden Valley Original Ranch Seasoning
- Dill Weed
- Cayenne Pepper
- Cinnamon
- Garlic Powder
- Oil - I like to use Light Tasting Olive Oil but you can use any kind of mild oil or even Popcorn Oil!
🍽 Equipment Needed
- 1 - Jumbo Sized (2.5 Gallon) Ziptop Bag or 2 - Gallon Sized Ziptop Bags
- Measuring Spoons
🥣 How to Make Them
My mom said that all of my posts say the exact same thing - that every recipe is so easy to make. It just so happens to be true - crack pretzels really are SO easy to make. As far as snacks for a party go, this is one of the easiest to prepare.
Ready for it? All you have to do is combine the pretzels, oil, and seasoning. Put it all in a giant ziplock bag or two gallon-sized bags, then shake to coat the pretzels. Let the pretzels sit in the bags for 24 - 28 hours, shaking them a few times throughout the day to make sure they get evenly coated.
Then, open the bag and enjoy! This recipe yields about 40 servings of pretzels, with 15 pretzels in each serving. (Most likely, people will eat more than that - but that is an average serving of pretzels.)
These pretzels make a great appetizer or snack for a Christmas party, Thanksgiving, or even a great snack for Football Sunday. We like to call them "party pretzels" because they are a party in your mouth, but are also great for a party. They are a pretty light snack and are easy to transport as well if you need to bring something to a party. Just pour them out of the bag and into a big bowl.
For planning purposes - if you are making these for:
Football Sunday - Make them on Friday morning or Thursday night
Thanksgiving Thursday - Make them Tuesday morning or Monday night
The longer they can sit, the more flavorful they will be!
Other Easy Party Snack Ideas to Pair with the Ranch and Dill Punch of these Pretzels are:
- Sweet and Spicy Candied Bourbon Pecans
- Super Addicting Slow Cooker Chex Mix
- Slow Cooker Bourbon Pumpkin Butter
- Slow Cooker Maple Bourbon Apple Butter
Can you tell we like bourbon?
🙋♀️ Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely - you can multiply this recipe and make a ton at a time for an event or party! These are a really easy snack to bring to a church party or a potluck where you need to bring a TON of something. Just be sure to multiply all of the ingredients evenly and remember your audience - if there are going to be kids and adults, you can make a spicy batch and a mild batch or one huge mild batch by leaving out the cayenne.
You sure can! Just use your favorite gluten-free pretzels and the rest of the ingredients will be the same. Hidden Valley Original Ranch is not dairy-free, but it is gluten-free!
🥫 Storage/Shelf Life/Reheating
Crack pretzels last a surprisingly long time - the oil kind of acts like a preservative to keep the pretzels from getting stale. (Though they will likely get eaten up pretty quickly!) Store them in an air-tight container or just keep them in the bags that you made them in for 1 - 2 weeks.
✏️ Helpful Tips
- Try different shapes of pretzels - seasonal shapes, pretzels snaps - for a party, the cuter they look, the better right?
- Make sure to let these sit longer than you think you need to - I know after 24 hours you will want to try them - my husband did. But the full 48 hours will give you the most flavor.
- Try this with Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch - it adds a little cheesy flavor that is really good. The cheesy pretzels just won't last as long so be aware of that.
- These pretzels make a great party favor as well - you can put them in little gift bags with a festive ribbon to give to guests.
Other Snack/Side Dish Recipes
Have You Tried This Recipe?
Please rate it and leave a comment below. I would love to hear what you think!
Crack Pretzels - The Most Addicting Snack
Video
Equipment
- ziptop bags
Ingredients
- 2 pounds mini pretzels
- 16 ounces oil I use Light Tasting Olive Oil but you can use another mild oil like Popcorn Oil, Canola Oil, or Vegetable Oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 - 2 teaspoons dried dill I go all in and add 2 teaspoons - if your family doesn't love ranch/pickle-y flavors, you can use less.
- 1 - 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper I use the full two teaspoons - if you don't like spice, use one or less.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 package dry ranch seasoning
Instructions
- Combine pretzels, oil, and seasoning.
- Put it all in a giant ziplock bag or two gallon-sized bags, then shake to coat the pretzels.
- Let the pretzels sit in the bags for 24 - 28 hours, shaking them a few times throughout the day to make sure they get evenly coated.
Notes
Crack pretzels last a surprisingly long time - the oil kind of acts like a preservative to keep the pretzels from getting stale. (Though they will likely get eaten up pretty quickly!) Store them in an air-tight container or just keep them in the bags that you made them in for 1 - 2 weeks. Tips
- Try different shapes of pretzels - seasonal shapes, pretzels snaps - for a party, the cuter they look, the better right?
- Make sure to let these sit longer than you think you need to - I know after 24 hours you will want to try them - my husband did. But the full 48 hours will give you the most flavor.
- Try this with Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch - it adds a little cheesy flavor that is really good. The cheesy pretzels just won't last as long so be aware of that.
- These pretzels make a great party favor as well - you can put them in little gift bags with a festive ribbon to give to guests.
Absolutely - you can multiply this recipe and make a ton at a time for an event or party! These are a really easy snack to bring to a church party or a potluck where you need to bring a TON of something. Just be sure to multiply all of the ingredients evenly and remember your audience - if there are going to be kids and adults, you can make a spicy batch and a mild batch or one huge mild batch by leaving out the cayenne. Can you make gluten-free crack pretzels?
You sure can! Just use your favorite gluten-free pretzels and the rest of the ingredients will be the same. Hidden Valley Original Ranch is not dairy-free, but it is gluten-free!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is approximate and is automatically calculated, so should only be used as a guide.
Please let me know what you think about the recipe :)