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This garlic butter pepperoni pizza pretzel recipe transforms ordinary frozen pretzels into an extraordinary snack that combines the best of both worlds: soft pretzels and pizza flavors. My family devours these whenever I make them, and they've become our go-to solution for quick appetizers when unexpected guests arrive.
I first made these during a Friday movie night when we wanted something different than our usual popcorn. Now they've become our weekly tradition, with everyone suggesting different topping combinations each time.
Ingredients
- Frozen Super pretzels The foundation of this recipe saves tremendous time while still delivering that authentic pretzel taste and texture
- Chef Shamy Gourmet Garlic Butter The secret weapon that infuses incredible flavor into every bite any good quality garlic butter will work well
- Fresh shredded Mozzarella cheese Shredding your own provides better melt and flavor than pre-packaged options
- Pepperoni slices Classic pizza topping that crisps perfectly under the broiler
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil Adds a pop of color and freshness to balance the richness
- Pizza sauce A must for dipping these delicious pretzel creations
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 400 degrees F while you prepare the baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. This temperature creates the perfect environment for the pretzels to start cooking without burning the toppings.
- Prepare the Pretzels
- Arrange your frozen pretzels on the lined baking sheet with about an inch of space between each one. Generously brush each pretzel with the melted garlic butter, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies for maximum flavor.
- Initial Bake
- Place the buttered pretzels in the preheated oven for exactly 3 minutes. This initial bake starts the cooking process but leaves them underdone enough to add toppings without overcooking.
- Add Toppings
- Remove the partially baked pretzels from the oven and switch your oven to broiler mode. Layer each pretzel with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella, followed by three pepperoni slices evenly distributed. Finish with another light sprinkle of cheese to help secure the toppings.
- Broil to Perfection
- Return the topped pretzels to the oven under the broiler. Watch them carefully for 3-5 minutes until the cheese becomes bubbly and develops golden brown spots. The pepperoni should curl slightly at the edges.
- Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or basil. Serve hot alongside small bowls of additional melted garlic butter and warm pizza sauce for dipping.
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The garlic butter is truly what transforms this simple recipe into something special. My daughter once declared these better than actual pizza, which in our pizza-loving household was the highest compliment possible.
Make Ahead and Storage
These pretzels are best enjoyed immediately after preparation, but you can prepare them up to the topping stage and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before the final broil. This makes them perfect for party prep. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes until warmed through and the cheese remelts.
Creative Variations
The beauty of these pizza pretzels is their versatility. Try Hawaiian style with diced ham and pineapple, or go vegetarian with bell peppers, olives and mushrooms. For a breakfast version, try scrambled egg, bacon bits and cheddar cheese. My personal favorite variation is buffalo chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken tossed in hot sauce, blue cheese crumbles, and a drizzle of ranch after baking.
Serving Suggestions
These pretzels make a fantastic appetizer but can easily become a meal when paired with a simple green salad. They're perfect for game days, movie nights, or after-school snacks. For an elevated presentation, serve them on a wooden board with small ramekins of various dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, and garlic butter. They pair wonderfully with a cold beer for adults or chocolate milk for the kids.
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Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use other toppings instead of pepperoni?
Absolutely! These pretzels are highly customizable. Try toppings like cooked sausage, mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or different cheese varieties like cheddar or pepper jack. Just ensure any meat toppings are pre-cooked and veggies are thinly sliced for quick broiling.
- → What if I can't find Chef Shamy Garlic Butter?
You can easily make your own garlic butter by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and some dried herbs like parsley or oregano. Alternatively, any store-bought garlic butter will work well in this recipe.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
These pretzels are best enjoyed fresh and warm. However, you can prepare them up to the baking stage and refrigerate for a few hours before the final broiling with toppings. For best results, serve immediately after broiling when the cheese is perfectly melted.
- → What's the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can make the pretzels soggy, but if necessary, use 50% power in short intervals.
- → Can I use homemade pretzels instead of frozen?
Yes! Freshly baked homemade pretzels work wonderfully in this recipe. If using homemade pretzels, you can skip the initial 3-minute bake and go straight to adding the garlic butter, cheese and pepperoni before broiling.
- → What dipping sauces pair well with these pretzels?
While pizza sauce is recommended, these pretzels also pair beautifully with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. Offering a variety of dipping options makes these even more crowd-pleasing.