Spicy Party Pretzels
Crunchy, salty pretzel twists tossed in a garlicky, ranch-spiced oil, featuring a steady kick of cayenne, making them perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 bag 16 oz. bag mini pretzel twists For a gluten-free version, substitute with certified gluten-free pretzel snack of similar size.
For the Sauce
- 1 cup canola oil Can be swapped for vegetable oil or light-tasting sunflower oil.
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper Reduce to 1/2 tsp for milder heat or swap for chili powder.
- 1 tsp garlic powder Double for a stronger flavor.
- 1 packet Ranch Dressing Mix Homemade ranch seasoning can be used; try to match the saltiness.
Instructions
Preparation and Baking
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (about 95°C). Low heat is key to slowly infuse the pretzels without burning them.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup canola oil, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 packet Ranch Dressing Mix until combined.
- Spread the mini pretzel twists in a single layer across one or two baking sheets. Use two sheets if the pretzels are crowded.
- Pour the oil and seasoning mixture over the pretzels, then use a spatula or clean hands to toss until each pretzel is well coated.
- Bake for 1 hour at 200°F, stirring every 15 minutes to redistribute the oil and keep the pretzels crisp.
- Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the pretzels cool completely on the pans before transferring them to an airtight container.
- Store in an airtight container for at least 1 week to let the flavors meld.
Notes
Use low heat to prevent burning, and do not overcrowd the baking sheets. Ensure pretzels are completely cool before sealing to maintain crispness.