50 Recipes for That Start with a Bag of Pretzels

These recipes with pretzels, including desserts and snacks, are the best way to turn the salty bites into something special.

1/50

Ranch Snack Mix

Contest Winner
Total Time:15 min
Servings:32 (6 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This is a wonderful fast-to-fix munchie. The recipe makes tons and doesn't involve any cooking. It's a cinch to package in individual snack bags, it keeps its crunch and it's a savory alternative to the cakes and pies usually offered at bake sales. —Linda Murphy, Pulaski, Wisconsin
2/50

Strawberry Pretzel Pie

Contest Winner
Total Time:45 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This cool no-bake strawberry pie is the perfect cure for your sweet tooth, especially in summer. Made with pantry staples, it is as easy as pie to make and has become one of my most requested warm-weather treats. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah
3/50

Chocolate-Covered Pretzels

Total Time:1 hour
Servings:20 pretzels
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These chocolate-covered pretzels came from my grandma, who loves to make candy and treats for my students. I have followed in her footsteps and make these for people at work and for other family members. —Aimee Worth, Fair Oaks, California
4/50

Chunky Drop Cookies

Total Time:25 min
Servings:6-1/2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I love these sweet and salty gems. The night before, I measure out the pretzels, peanuts, raisins and chocolate. Assembly goes quickly the next day. —Kelly Ward-Hartman, Cape Coral, Florida
5/50

Savory Cracker Snack Mix

Contest Winner
Total Time:30 min
Servings:4-1/2 cups
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: After trying a snack mix with the flavors of my favorite Everything bagel seasoning, a friend suggested I make it even more versatile with something other than oyster crackers. Now it’s a deliciously addictive snack! —Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida
6/50

Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie

Total Time:25 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My crispy, salty pretzel crust just begs for a creamy no-bake peanut butter filling and a layer of chocolate ganache. — Gina Nistico, Taste of Home Food Editor
7/50

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Total Time:30 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Need to bring a dish to pass this weekend? This make-ahead strawberry pretzel salad will disappear quickly at any potluck. —Aldene Belch, Flint, Michigan
8/50

Rolo Cookies

Total Time:27 min
Servings:1 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These chocolate Rolo cookies were a big hit with my father. The generous size makes them wonderful for gift-giving, and they're always the first to go at parties. —Melissa Keenan, Larchmont, New York
9/50

Nacho Snack Mix

Total Time:2 hours 10 min
Servings:4 quarts
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This colorful mixture of bite-sized snack foods, cereal and crackers gets its south-of-the-border accent from taco seasoning. “The recipe makes a big batch, but it always goes fast,” notes Liz Loder of Fox Point, Wisconsin.
10/50

Pretzel Strawberry Bark

Total Time:10 min
Servings:about 1 pound
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This is my candy version of the classic strawberry pretzel dessert. It uses ruby chocolate, which is fairly new on the market. If you can't find it, you can substitute white chocolate in its place. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
11/50

Pumpkin Latte Cheesecake Tarts

Total Time:35 min
Servings:2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: It's hard to resist this pumpkin latte cheesecake recipe. Use extra pretzel crumbs or toffee chips for a garnish. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
12/50

Salted Caramel Pretzel Rice Krispies Treats

Total Time:20 min
Servings:2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Craving a snack that's both salty and sweet? These salted caramel Rice Krispies treats can't be beat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
13/50

Orange Gelatin Pretzel Salad

Contest Winner
Total Time:30 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Salty pretzels pair nicely with the sweet fruit in this refreshing layered salad. It’s a family favorite that is a slam-dunk at potlucks. —Peggy Boyd, Northport, Alabama
14/50

Dilly Mini Cheese Balls

Total Time:15 min
Servings:2-1/2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: ??These mini cheese balls are perfect for any gathering, no matter what time of year it is! Kids love the cheesy, salty flavor, and adults appreciate how easy they are to make. —Carole Lanthier, Courtice, Ontario
15/50

Chocolate Caramel Crunch Bark

Contest Winner
Total Time:20 min
Servings:2 pounds
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I made these decadent chocolate caramel crunch bars and took them to a reunion with my sorority sisters one fall. We all gathered in a cabin in the woods and shared desserts around the fire. These were the perfect easy-to-eat treat. —Theresa Ravencraft, Marysville, Ohio
16/50

Frozen Margarita Mousse

Total Time:20 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Who doesn't love a frozen margarita? This creamy frozen mousse combines ready-to-drink margarita mix and whipped topping (you could use this whipped topping substitute instead). It's easy to put together and the freezer does all the work. Garnish with additional crushed pretzels and kosher salt to enhance the sweet and salty flavor. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
17/50

Chocolate, Peanut & Pretzel Toffee Crisps

Total Time:35 min
Servings:2-1/2 pounds
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These crisps are the ultimate combination of salty and sweet. They never last long because—trust me—they're addictive! Make the recipe the way it's written or sprinkle on any personal favorites. —Jennifer Butka, Livonia, Michigan
18/50

Kiddie Crunch Mix

Total Time:10 min
Servings:6 cups
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This no-bake snack mix is a delightful treat for kids, and you can easily increase the amount to fit your needs. Place in individual bags, or pour some into colored ice cream cones for a fun presentation. —Kara de la Vega, Santa Rosa, California
19/50

Oktoberfest Casserole

Contest Winner
Total Time:1 hour 45 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
20/50

Cherry Pretzel Dessert

Total Time:20 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Save both time and money with a big batch of this sweet and salty, creamy and crunchy treat. Any dessert that is left over is super the next day, too. —Rita Winterberger, Huson, Montana
21/50

Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars

Total Time:15 min
Servings:4 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My secret to these rich no-bake bites? Pretzels in the crust! They add a salty crunch to the classic peanut butter and chocolate pairing. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
22/50

Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Rods

Total Time:35 min
Servings:about 4-1/2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Kids of all ages enjoy making and eating these fun treats. The decorated pretzels are a pretty gift in a cellophane bag or a glass jar. —Kay Waters, Benld, Illinois
23/50

Pretzel-Crusted Catfish

Total Time:30 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I'm not a big fish lover, so any concoction that has me loving fish is a keeper in my books. This combination of flavors just works for me. It's wonderful served with a nice buttery herb rice pilaf and corn muffins with butter and honey. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
24/50

Crunchy Chocolate Clusters

Contest Winner
Total Time:25 min
Servings:1 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This easy candy has a south-of-the-border flavor with cinnamon, chocolate and coffee. Sweet, salty and crunchy, it's a great no-bake treat. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
25/50

Chai Truffle Tart

Total Time:55 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My chai-flavored tart boasts chocolate and caramel layers tucked inside a salty pretzel crust. Truffles on top make it extra indulgent. —Chantal Bourbon, Montreal, Quebec
26/50

Strawberry-Lime Bars

Contest Winner
Total Time:35 min
Servings:2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Our family loves fresh strawberries, so I look for different ways to use them. This tempting, yummy dessert has sweet strawberries, tart lime and salty pretzels. —Alexandra Barnett, Forest, Virginia
27/50

White Chocolate Chex Mix

Total Time:30 min
Servings:5 quarts
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: You won't be able to stop eating this irresistible white chocolate party mix. The light, sweet coating is great over cereal, peanuts, pretzels and M&M's. —Norene Wright, Manilla, Indiana
28/50

Chocolate Caramel Hazelnut Pie

Contest Winner
Total Time:25 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I love chocolate, caramel and hazelnuts, so I came up with a recipe that has all three. If you don't have a food processor, place crust ingredients in a zip-top freezer bag and smash with a rolling pin. —Debbie Anderson, Mount Angel, Oregon
29/50

Pretzel Bark Candy

Total Time:10 min
Servings:about 2 pounds
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I usually make this pretzel candy as a gift, but it's also fun to share at office parties. The recipe makes a big batch and stores well. —Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania
30/50

Loaded-Up Pretzel Cookies

Total Time:35 min
Servings:2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Coconut, M&M’s and salty, crunchy pretzels make these loaded cookies unlike any you’ve ever tasted—or resisted. —Jackie Ruckwardt, Cottage Grove, Oregon
31/50

Peppermint Pretzel Dippers

Total Time:15 min
Servings:about 4 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: A friend made these treats and gave them away in pretty canning jars. The combination of sweet, salty and peppermint is just right. Try dipping them in white candy coating and rolling them in crushed candy canes for variety. —Michelle Krzmarzick, Torrance, California
32/50

Striped Chocolate Popcorn

Total Time:15 min
Servings:17 cups
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: For a bake sale last year, I wanted to try something different. I’d seen chocolate popcorn in a candy shop and thought I’d try making it. This recipe was a great success. —Mary Schmittinger, Colgate, Wisconsin
33/50

Strawberry Pretzel Salad Poke Cake

Total Time:1 hour 5 min
Servings:12 pieces
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I once had a friend who was obsessed with strawberry pretzel dip. For her birthday one summer, I created this strawberry pretzel salad poke cake to celebrate. I've been making it every year for her since. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
34/50

Sweet and Salty Chex Mix

Total Time:1 hour 25 min
Servings:about 10 quarts
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These crunchy munchies are sure to rank high with your family and friends. The combination of flavors gets this sweet and salty chex mix recipe just right. —Candice Lumley, Charles City, Iowa
35/50

Pecan Caramel Candies

Contest Winner
Total Time:35 min
Servings:4-1/2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Salty and sweet, these candies are the perfect little snack. Form a kitchen assembly line with your kids, and the making becomes just as fun as the eating. —Julie Wemhoff, Angola, Indiana
36/50

Pretzel-Topped Sweet Potatoes

Contest Winner
Total Time:45 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Everyone I've shared this recipe with says it's the tastiest way to serve sweet potatoes. I like to make it for special dinners and even for brunch as a colorful go-with dish. The mingled sweet, tart and salty flavors are an unusual treat. —Sue Mallory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
37/50

Pretzel Gelatin Dessert

Total Time:30 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This is one of my mother's absolute favorite desserts. The salty pretzel crust is the perfect complement to the sweet cream cheese filling. —Erin Frakes, Moline, Illinois
38/50

Magic Wands

Total Time:25 min
Servings:2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These fun and colorful wands don't need to be made by a magician to be magical. You can change the colors to fit any party theme. —Renee Schwebach, Dumont, Minnesota
39/50

Sweet and Salty Chocolate Reindeer

Total Time:50 min
Servings:4 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: You can enlist little hands to help position the antlers, eyes and noses on these adorable, crisp reindeer cookies. —Pat Habiger, Spearville, Kansas
40/50

Freezer Strawberry Shortbread Dessert

Total Time:25 min
Servings:15
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: When I’m planning party menus, I appreciate dessert recipes like this; you can make and freeze it up to two weeks before serving. A refreshing slice is welcome after a big meal.—Cassie Alexander, Muncie, Indiana
41/50

Bird Nests

Total Time:40 min
Servings:2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This is a fun, kid-friendly recipe I pulled together a few years ago. My kids love helping me make these. —Jessica Boivin, Nekoosa, Wisconsin
42/50

Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars

Total Time:20 min
Servings:3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: My twist on rice crispy bars includes crunchy crushed pretzels. Then I top them with a creamy peanut butter coating and rich chocolate topping. Garnished with peanuts and even more pretzels, I don’t think I'd ever go back to plain old bars again. —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
43/50

Behr Track Cookie Bars

Total Time:40 min
Servings:about 4 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: The holidays are the perfect time to indulge in these ooey-gooey, salty-sweet peanut butter bars. A lot of people comment that the pretzels in the filling are a pleasant surprise. Just make sure to cut cookie bars small—they're super rich. —Megan Behr, Marion, Iowa
44/50

Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter & Pretzel Truffles

Total Time:40 min
Servings:3 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Sweet chocolate, creamy peanut butter and salty pretzels create a to-die-for truffle. It’s a little bite of decadence and a special indulgence for the holiday season.—Ashley Wisniewski, Champaign, Illinois
45/50

Peanut Pretzel Toffee Bark

Contest Winner
Total Time:25 min
Servings:1-1/2 pounds
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My toffee has been a traditional must-make treat for my family and friends for over 40 years. My Dad taught me to make great fudge from scratch but my toffee was his favorite candy and each time I make it, I think of him. —Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
46/50

Snow Day Cookies

Total Time:40 min
Servings:about 2-1/2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Clear your pantry to make these chocolate chip cookies loaded with goodies. We add oats, M&M’s, pretzels and even potato chips. —Brittney Musgrove, Dallas, Georgia
47/50

Browned Butter Cereal Bars

Total Time:35 min
Servings:5 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Crispy rice treats were one of the first recipes I ever made as a kid. For this version, I wanted to make something similar but more special. Friends and family think using Cap'n Crunch and browned butter is genius, but I just call them delicious.—Kelly Krauss, Lebanon, New Jersey
48/50

Chocolate-Strawberry Pretzel Cookies

Total Time:40 min
Servings:about 1 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Every year I come up with a new recipe, and this is one that's been requested over and over. Who would ever guess how good pretzels are in cookies? —Isabel Minunni, Poughkeepsie, New York
49/50

Chocolate Caramel Turkey Legs

Total Time:20 min
Servings:20
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Mention turkey legs made of pretzels and chocolate, and the kids come running. Let them help by unwrapping caramels for this easy, no-bake treat. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota
50/50

Blackberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Cups

Contest Winner
Total Time:25 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I read that white chocolate intensifies the flavor of blackberries. It's true! The crunch of baking chips, the blackberry puree, and the sweet and salty pretzel crust make this a sensational mini dessert. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois