Pretzels are a popular salty snack that can be enjoyed year-round. Many people wonder if pretzels freeze well, as freezing extra pretzels could allow you to enjoy fresh pretzels whenever you want without having to continuously buy more. Here’s a look at whether pretzels freeze well and how to best freeze them for fresh flavor and texture.
Can You Freeze Pretzels?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze pretzels to enjoy later. Freezing is a great way to stock up on pretzels when they are on sale or to always have your favorite snacks on hand. Most types of pretzels freeze very well.
Soft pretzels and pretzel rolls may not freeze quite as well as crunchy snacks pretzels, but they can still be frozen successfully. Allow soft pretzels to cool completely before freezing. Reheating thawed soft pretzels in the oven or microwave can help restore texture.
Common pretzel varieties like rods, sticks, nuggets, braids, and twists all freeze excellently. The crunchy texture holds up well in the freezer. Even pretzel chips freeze nicely. Frozen pretzels taste fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer.
How to Freeze Pretzels
Freezing pretzels is simple:
- Make sure pretzels are completely cooled before freezing.
- Place pretzels in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray and freeze until hard, about 1-2 hours.
- Transfer frozen pretzels to a freezer bag or airtight container. Squeeze out excess air.
- Label bag with contents and date. Frozen pretzels will be good for 2-3 months.
- For best quality, use frozen pretzels within 3 months.
Freezing pretzels in a single layer first prevents them from freezing together in a clump. Once hard, they can be stored together in a bag or container.
Thawing Frozen Pretzels
Thawing frozen pretzels is easy too:
- Thaw pretzels on the counter at room temperature for 30-60 minutes.
- Or thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- You can also thaw in the microwave in 10-second intervals, checking often to prevent melting.
- Crisp thawed pretzels in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes if needed.
Uses for Frozen Pretzels
Keep bags of frozen pretzels on hand for quick snacks, lunches, parties, recipes, and more. Here are some of the best ways to use frozen pretzels:
- Snack on plain frozen pretzels as a ready-to-eat treat straight from the freezer.
- Pack in lunches. Frozen pretzels will help keep lunch bags chilled.
- Use in snacks mixes and trail mixes. The frozen pretzels will help keep the mix cool.
- Make homemade Chex Mix by coating thawed pretzels in melted butter and spices and baking until crisp.
- Coat thawed pretzels in melted chocolate or candy coatings.
- Crush into pretzel crumbs for using on casseroles or chicken.
- Use thawed pretzel rolls for sandwiches and pretzel dogs.
Tips for Freezing Pretzels
Follow these tips for best frozen pretzel quality:
- Make sure pretzels are completely cooled before freezing or they will get soggy.
- Use air-tight freezer bags or containers to prevent freezer burn.
- Avoid overfilling bags which could lead to crushing.
- Label bags with the date and contents.
- Organize freezer bags in the front of the freezer for visibility and easy access.
- Only freeze fresh, dry pretzels. Don’t freeze pretzels that have gotten stale or soggy.
Conclusion
Freezing is an excellent way to always have your favorite pretzels on hand. Most pretzel varieties freeze very well for 2-3 months. Allow pretzels to fully cool before freezing in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to bags or containers. Thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge. Frozen pretzels stay pleasantly fresh tasting and retain their signature crunch, making them perfect for snacking, recipes, and lunch boxes down the road.