Way before Dot's Pretzels came to be, my family made these super easy seasoned pretzels recipe. Whether you consider them a Dot's Pretzel copycat recipe or not, I think you'll agree that this Original Seasoned Pretzel Recipe is the real OG and the ultimate party snack alongside a big bowl of savory cereal mix.
If you live in the Midwest, you probably are familiar with Dot's Seasoned Pretzels. They are a butter braid pretzel that is seasoned with so many good flavors and are incredibly addicting. Well...back in the 80's, my family used to make seasoned pretzels before Dot's came to be.
Obviously, we missed an opportunity but I'm here to tell you that our Original Seasoned Pretzel Recipe will not only save you a little money but will also become a new favorite at graduation parties, game day gatherings and daily noshings!
These easy pretzels (or a bowl of my husband's cereal mix recipe) and a tray of Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars and you're set for game night!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Homemade seasoned pretzels. That reason enough? If not, there's more:
- Bold flavor. A little salty, a little spice and a little citrusy zing. These easy snacking pretzels have got flavor galore!
- Easy to make. If you can open a few bags of pretzels, toss some herbs and spices together in a bowl and shimmy and shake, you can make this snack.
- Inexpensive. Yep! The "famous" brand commands a premium price...you can make your own for faaaaar less and end up with a whole lot more!
- Unlimited serving ideas. Your partner invited some friends over at the last minute for cocktails? Meet the best bar snack! Got a group of teens hanging in the basement watching a movie? Popcorn step aside...
Ingredients You'll Need
Get ready for one of the easiest snack recipes ever! Here's all you'll need:
- Butter braid pretzels. If you have Meijer in your area, their brand (clicking my heels because they were $1 a bag!) works perfect. Can't find a butter braid pretzel? A butter snap pretzel (which is a little like a waffle) is a great substitute.
- Seasoning blend. A surprising combo of ingredients come together to make the best seasoned pretzels...lemon pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic, ranch dressing mix and dill.
Beyond good.
Do I have to use oil?
Nope! You can use butter if you want. But then, I'd probably use a regular pretzel that doesn't have a butter flavor.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED
2 brown paper bags from the grocery store
How to Make Seasoned Pretzels
Start with those 2 grocery bags (TIP: ask them to double bag your groceries the next time you go to the store use the outside ones for this recipe. Or buy a couple at Aldi.)
Pour the pretzels into the clean double-lined grocery bag.
In a small bowl, mix all the seasoning ingredients together [1]. Pour the ingredients right over the pretzels [2].
Hint: You can also put the seasoning blend in the bag first, gently shake the pretzels before the next step [1].
- Slowly drizzle the oil over the seasoned pretzels [2].
- Fold the bag closed and gently shake the pretzels to evenly coat them with the seasoning and oil. Trust me....it works!
- Set the bag on a counter with a little plastic wrap underneath to catch any residual oil.
FAQ's
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute melted butter or avocado oil for the canola oil. Coconut oil might impart too much flavor but experiment as you see fit!
Sourdough pretzels are a great option as are these Utz honey wheat braided pretzels.
Not yet but if you do please let me know how it works for you! Any hearty snack would be the best option.
Helpful Tips
Start with a less oil at first, shake the bag and then add more oil to coat the pretzels.
Serving & Storage
- Store in a bowl covered with plastic wrap until ready to serve and then transfer to a ziploc bag or sealed container.
- Keeps for 5-7 days.
Make ahead
This recipe is best made either the day before or the morning of the day you plan to serve it making it such an easy party snack recipe!
Before you go....
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📖 Recipe
The Original Seasoned Pretzels Recipe (Dot's Copycat)
Equipment
- 2 brown paper grocery bags
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon lemon pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 oz package buttermilk dressing mix, or 2 Tablespoons
- ½ teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, garlic powder
- ¼ teaspooon cayenne pepper
- 2 bags butter braid pretzels
- ½ cup butter, or 1 cup canola oil
Instructions
- Open the grocery bags and place one inside the other.
- Pour the pretzels into the doubled up grocery bag
- Mix all the herbs, seasoning and dressing pack in a small bowl and sprinkle over pretzels in bag.
- Pour oil over top of pretzels in bag.
- Shake bag to toss the seasonings over the pretzels.
- Allow to sit for a couple of hours or overnight in the brown bag. Stir or shake gently so as to mix the seasoning from the bottom of the bag.
Notes
- Store in ziploc bag for up to 5 days.
- This recipe is best made either the day before or the morning of the day you plan to serve it making it such an easy party snack recipe!
About Lori Murphy
Lori has over 30 years in the food industry as a marketing strategist, culinary instructor and chef for three kids with discerning palates. As the chief content creator at Josie + Nina, Lori is dedicated to helping home cooks create food memories through fresh ingredients and Italian flavors.
We love...love...love these! Made them for family when my Son had something to celebrate and everyone was around. My test batch on all of them. Then around Christmas mailed to Germany, where my Son was stationed, I added a tad more cayenne pepper. We are a bunch of 'hot heads'. The news of how they went over? 'Mom, they didn't last more than 10 minutes before they were all gone.' The troops thank you and I both! Thanks so much for this recipe, I couldn't afford Dot's and postage.
This might be the best comment I have ever received, Stacey! I am honored that your son and his fellow servicemen enjoyed these pretzels and that you made them for them! Please thank him and them for their service...we are forever grateful! And I'm with you...shipping costs are crazy right and recipes that save us a little at the grocery story are always welcome 😊 Thank you again, Stacey!
Very good! I subbed 1/2 tsp. Slap Yo Mama seasoning instead of cayenne and omitted the kosher salt until tasted.
Glad you enjoyed the recipe Linda and thanks for trying it! I'll have to check out Slap Yo Mama seasoning!
Lori ! You're a genius, these are SO good, my family and friends like them better then dot's pretzels. We liked butter version, (added less salt) any pretzel works, if you can find braided sticks the bestest, but just a small detail in this bowl of yumminess.
Thank you Lori ❤
These sound delicious! When you say, “2 bags” of pretzels, what size bags are we talking? Pound each?
Thank you so much Lorissa! They are so addictively good! Yes -just a normal size bag of pretzels - I found mine at Meijer (their store brand) in the Chicago area. These days they might be a little smaller (12-13 oz). Let me know how you like them!
My East Coast family misses Dot's pretzels—and they flipped out about this fantastic homemade version! YUM.
Oh the Midwest misses YOU!! so glad you all liked them! Kicking myself we didn't market these back in the day!😊
I have all the ingredients and so excited to make these. I check other recipes and they say to bake them for 20-30 minutes?
Hi Stacey! Thanks for your question! Nope - no baking...that's one of the best parts of the recipe 😊. If you try it, pop back on and let me know what you think!
I can't wait to make these!!! We love Dot's Pretzels but they are SO expensive!
I hope love them as much as we do! And yes...this recipe makes the wallet much happier!🤗