Pretzel

N/A (Baked good) Snack / Baked Good

Pretzel Snack / Baked Good

At a Glance

  • Category Snack / Baked Good

The Forktionary Angle

"From Monastic Treat to Global Snack Icon"

Definition

A baked snack, typically made from dough shaped into a knot, boiled, and then baked, resulting in a crisp, chewy texture and salty, malty flavor.

Global Consumption Over $1 billion (US retail, hard pretzels)
Key Baking Step Lye/Baking Soda bath (before baking)
Origin Century 7th Century (Europe)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Pretzel are:

Salty malty slightly yeasty savory crunchy (hard) or chewy (soft)

Chef’s Secret

Crush hard pretzels into a fine dust and use them as a crunchy, savory topping for casseroles, mac and cheese, or even as a coating for fried chicken. The saltiness enhances other flavors.

Best Substitutes

Breadsticks

different shape/texture
Ratio 1:1

Crackers

less chewy
Ratio 1:1

Matzo

plain
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Soft pretzels are best fresh. Hard pretzels should be crisp and unbroken.

Recipes Using Pretzel

Preparation 3 Steps Or Less Beef Dietary

Beer And Pretzel Burgers

Fire up the grill for these unbelievably juicy Beer and Pretzel Burgers! A simple 5-ingredient recipe (plus toppings!), these hearty burgers are perfect for your next tailgate party, BBQ, or casual weeknight dinner. The beer and pretzel crumbs create a unique, flavorful crust, while the ground beef stays incredibly moist. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

See Complete Recipe
Occasion Low Protein Fall Time To Make

Autumn Spice Cupcakes With Pumpkin Spice Frosting

Delight your senses with these irresistible Autumn Spice Cupcakes, topped with creamy pumpkin spice frosting and adorable pretzel stick stems! Perfect for fall celebrations, children's baking projects, or simply satisfying your autumn cravings. This easy recipe, inspired by a joyful baking session with nursing home residents, delivers warm spices and a festive orange hue. Get ready to enjoy the delightful aroma and the fun of creating these miniature pumpkin treats!

See Complete Recipe
Time To Make For 1 Or 2 Low In Something Healthy

A Campfire You Can Eat

Ignite your family's imagination with this edible campfire craft! Perfect for a fun afternoon snack or party activity, this recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to delight kids of all ages. Create a whimsical campfire scene using tortillas, licorice, pretzels, and more – then devour your delicious creation! #ediblecrafts #kidssnacks #familyfun #campfire #recipe

See Complete Recipe
Dietary New Years Dietary Time To Make

Salty Dawg Popcorn

Get ready for a flavor explosion! This Salty Dawg Popcorn is ridiculously addictive, combining the salty crunch of popcorn with buttery, garlicky goodness and the irresistible twist of buttery pretzels. Perfect for parties, game nights, or a seriously satisfying snack, this recipe is easy to make and even easier to devour. Make a big batch – it'll disappear fast!

See Complete Recipe
60 Minutes Or Less 60 Minutes Or Less Brunch Fruit

3 Layer Strawberry Jello With Pretzels

This 3-Layer Strawberry Pretzel Jello Delight is a vibrant and fun dessert perfect for kids' parties or any summer gathering! Unlike other similar recipes, this one boasts a unique flavor combination and easy-to-follow instructions. Get the kids involved in making this delicious treat – it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Prepare to be amazed by the creamy, sweet, and crunchy layers that melt in your mouth.

See Complete Recipe
60 Minutes Or Less Preparation Time To Make 60 Minutes Or Less

Airy Chocolate Coconut Cream Pie

Indulge in this dreamy Airy Chocolate Coconut Cream Pie! A salty-sweet pretzel crust provides the perfect base for a luxuriously creamy chocolate filling, infused with delicate coconut and topped with fluffy mini marshmallows. This easy-to-make pie is the perfect dessert for any occasion – guaranteed to impress your family and friends!

See Complete Recipe
Main Ingredient Preparation Appetizers Cheese

Beer Cheese Fondue

Relive the cheesy goodness! This Beer Cheese Fondue recipe is a nostalgic crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy night in. Creamy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make in just 20 minutes, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Dive into a warm bowl of cheesy deliciousness – you won't regret it!

See Complete Recipe
For Large Groups Course Number Of Servings 30 Minutes Or Less

Cheeseburger Cookies And Fries

These aren't your average school lunch treats! These epic Cheeseburger Cookies and Fries were a legendary birthday tradition for my 5 kids – and their friends still rave about them! Imagine the ultimate cheeseburger, perfectly recreated in cookie form, served alongside crispy, salty fries. This fun, creative recipe is perfect for birthday parties, school events, or just a ridiculously fun family dinner. Get ready to be amazed – and prepare for a stampede of hungry fans!

See Complete Recipe
Main Ingredient Desserts 5 Ingredients Or Less Easy

Almond Bark Cookies

These easy no-bake cookies are a holiday family favorite! Kids can help make these delicious treats after the almond bark is melted – a fun and festive activity for the whole family. Quick, simple, and utterly irresistible, these cookies are perfect for holiday baking or any time you crave a sweet snack.

See Complete Recipe
Brown Bag Toddler Friendly 15 Minutes Or Less Occasion

Abc Snack

This incredibly easy recipe, passed down from my daughter, creates a scrumptious and satisfying snack that both kids and adults will devour! It features the delightful crunch of Canadian Smarties (or M&Ms – the hard-shelled chocolate kind, NOT the American Smarties!). This recipe is quick, simple, and perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings. Get ready for a delicious explosion of flavor!

See Complete Recipe
Kid Friendly Holiday Event Desserts Kid Friendly

Bat Poop For Halloween

These creepy-crawly Monster Munchies are the perfect Halloween treat! Inspired by a viral hit, this recipe creates surprisingly delicious and visually stunning 'bat poop' delights that are guaranteed to be a party favorite. Kids and adults will love the sweet and salty combination, and the fun, spooky presentation makes them ideal for Halloween parties, birthday celebrations, or any autumnal gathering. Get ready for screams of delight (and maybe a few shrieks of disgust...in a good way!).

See Complete Recipe
Nut Free Dietary American Gifts

Bargain Hunters Board Christmas Crack

This legendary Christmas Crack recipe, originally from the beloved Bargain Hunters Board (BHB!), is guaranteed to be a holiday hit! Years ago, a BHB member shared this unbelievably delicious treat, and it's become a family favorite. Get ready to impress your guests with this easy-to-make, ridiculously flavorful snack – the perfect festive addition to your Christmas celebrations. Prepare for a flavor explosion!

See Complete Recipe
Easy 4 Hours Or Less Appetizers Preparation

Beer Cheese Dip Very Good

This incredibly creamy and flavorful Beer Cheese Dip was a Thanksgiving showstopper! Perfect for parties, game days, or any occasion, this dip is easy to make and unbelievably delicious. Serve with your favorite crackers, pretzels, or fresh vegetables for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

See Complete Recipe
Time To Make Beginner Cook Easy Snacks

Anne's Nuts And Bolts

This nostalgic recipe, originally a cherished Christmas snack, has evolved into a nationwide family tradition! Transformed from a simple holiday treat enjoyed alongside tangerines and Mammy's Float, Anne's Nuts & Bolts is now an assembly-line production, with tins shipped across the U.S. to loved ones. Rediscovered from a family cookbook passed down through generations, this recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and salty, crunchy and savory. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a unique and addictive snack mix. Get ready to make memories in the kitchen!

See Complete Recipe
Romantic Desserts Preparation Course

4 Inch Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake

Indulge in the rich decadence of this individual-sized chocolate peanut butter cheesecake! Perfect for a single serving, this recipe makes a delightful treat without the guilt of a whole cake. This recipe is easily scaled up for a larger 9-inch cheesecake. Creamy cheesecake filling, swirled with peanut butter and chocolate, sits atop a crunchy pretzel crust and is finished with a luscious white chocolate peanut butter topping. Get ready for a flavor explosion in every bite!

See Complete Recipe
Easy Lunch Easy Preparation

Tasty Dish's Heffalumps And Woozles

Indulge in this ridiculously delicious Heffalumps & Woozles recipe! A secret family recipe (patent pending!), this decadent treat is easily customizable. For an extra-chocolatey twist, try substituting Newman's Own Organics Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups – chopped, of course! This 5-minute wonder is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

See Complete Recipe
Desserts Candy Desserts Number Of Servings

Aunt Pat's Chocolate Butterscotch Candy

This irresistible Chocolate Butterscotch Candy recipe, passed down from Aunt Pat, is a holiday favorite! Easy enough for kids (with supervision), this recipe creates a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors. Customize it with craisins instead of raisins, or add coconut for an extra tropical twist! Get ready for a decadent treat that will disappear in minutes!

See Complete Recipe
Course Cookies And Brownies Desserts Preparation

Barb's Crowd Pleasing Cookies

These irresistible chunky cookies are ridiculously easy to make and guaranteed to vanish in a flash! Inspired by a New Year's Eve party hit, these crunchy cookies boast a delightful blend of chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, peanuts, and salty pretzels for a truly addictive flavor explosion. Get ready for rave reviews – they're the perfect treat for any occasion!

See Complete Recipe