If you love the bold, tangy crunch of Gardetto’s mustard pretzels, you’re going to adore this homemade copycat Gardetto mustard pretzels recipe. With a rich blend of Dijon mustard, honey, and warm spices like turmeric and onion powder, these pretzels are perfectly coated in a buttery, savory glaze that makes them irresistible.
These mustard pretzels come together in under 45 minutes, making them an easy and delicious snack for hosting game nights or casual gatherings. Best of all, this recipe uses real butter and nutritional yeast for an extra depth of flavor that sets it apart from store-bought versions.
Gina’s Recipe Highlights For Copycat Gardetto Mustard Pretzels
You’re going to love this honey mustard pretzel recipe because it packs a bold, tangy crunch in every bite. The combination of Dijon mustard, honey, and warm spices creates an irresistible balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors, while real butter adds a rich depth that makes these pretzels even more addictive.
This copycat recipe is incredibly easy to make. Even if you’re new to cooking, all you need to do is mix, toss, and bake. In under 45 minutes, you’ll have a homemade snack that’s better than store-bought. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, using simple pantry staples to create a snack that feels gourmet without the extra cost.
Tips Before You Get Started
- For best results, stir the pretzels gently when coating them to keep them whole and evenly covered in flavor. If you love a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne, or swap Dijon for spicy brown mustard for an extra kick.
- Preheat the oven to 250 degrees so it’s ready when the pretzels are coated and prepped for baking.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
- You won’t need any fancy equipment for this recipe, but a few kitchen essentials like a large mixing bowl, whisk, and microwave-safe bowl.
Ingredients You Will Need For Mustard Pretzels
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Pretzels: Choose small, bite-sized pretzels like mini twists or snaps for the best coating coverage. If you want a heartier crunch, opt for sourdough pretzel nuggets. Avoid those with artificial flavors since they may clash with the mustard seasoning.
- Butter: Use real, unsalted butter for the richest flavor. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt slightly to balance the seasoning.
- Honey: Opt for raw or pure honey without sugars or syrups for the best natural flavor.
- Dijon mustard: A high-quality Dijon mustard (like Grey Poupon) gives a deeper, more refined mustard flavor compared to yellow mustard.
- Vinegar: Regular distilled white vinegar works best for its clean acidity, helping to enhance the tangy mustard taste.
- Dry spices and seasonings: Look for fresh, fine mustard powder and pure onion powder rather than onion salt, which can alter the seasoning balance. You’ll want your turmeric powder fresh and vibrant yellow to add both color and warmth.
- Nutritional yeast: Be sure to purchase nutritional yeast flakes such as Bragg’s for a savory, cheesy depth and a boost of plant-based protein. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Note* This is not regular yeast for baking.
- Sugar: Standard granulated sugar works well, but if you prefer a more natural option, coconut sugar can be used as a substitute.
The best mustard for pretzels depends on your flavor preferences. If you like a more balanced, flavorful coating, choose Dijon mustard. For a more pronounced mustard kick, opt for spicy brown mustard, which is bolder and more robust than Dijon. Yellow mustard is perfect if you prefer a more traditional mustard flavor.
How To Make Mustard Pretzels
This is an easy recipe that would be fun for kids to help make.
Step 1: Mix The Seasoning
In a microwave-safe bowl, place the butter and microwave on high for about 40 seconds or until fully melted. Next, whisk in the honey, Dijon mustard, mustard powder, onion powder, turmeric, salt, sugar, nutritional yeast, and white vinegar.
Once everything is well mixed, microwave the sauce for another 30 seconds. This quick heating step helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Give it one more whisk to ensure the honey mustard mixture is completely smooth and incorporated.
Step 2: Season And Bake
Pour the warm, fragrant mustard sauce over the bowl of pretzels, drizzling evenly so each piece gets coated in flavor. Using a silicone spatula or wooden spoon, gently stir the pretzels to distribute the seasoning. Be careful not to break them.
Once every pretzel is well covered in that buttery, tangy goodness, spread them out in a single, even layer in your parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure the seasoning bakes evenly onto every pretzel.
Pro Tip: As tempting as they are straight from the oven, letting them cool fully allows the flavors to settle and the pretzels to crisp up perfectly.
Tips And Variations
- If you follow a gluten-free diet, use gluten-free pretzels, which are widely available in most grocery stores.
- For a dairy-free version, swap the butter flavored coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- For a low-sugar option, reduce or omit the honey and sugar. You can also use a brown sugar substitute like stevia.
- Toss a cup of raisins after the pretzels are baked to create a sweet savory balance that will surprise your taste buds.
- For a spicy kick, add 1 teaspoon of red chili pepper, or cayenne.
- Bake an additional 5 minutes to make your pretzels extra crispy or reduce the baking time by 5 minutes if you prefer a softer texture.
Storage And Reheating Instructions
Before storing your leftover pretzels, allow them to cool completely to prevent moisture buildup. Store them in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their crispiness. For longer storage, place them in a sealed freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
The best way to reheat your pretzels is to use an oven. Spread the pretzels in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm them for 5 minutes in the preheated oven of 250 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also use an air fryer set to 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Looking for more quick snack mix recipes? Be sure to try my Slow Cooker Chex Mix and Muddy Buddy Recipe. Also, try these budget-friendly appetizer suggestions and these delicious meatball appetizer ideas.
Biblical Hospitality Reflection
Hospitality Conversation Starter: Since this is a mustard flavor pretzel, bring up the topic of how tiny a mustard seed is. Then, share Matthew 13:31 with them how Jesus uses mustard seed stories to explain how God intends to implement the kingdom of heaven and fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament.
Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Copycat Gardetto’s Mustard Pretzels Recipe
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
You can add any recipe from Intentional Hospitality to your shopping list to plan a full menu!
Ingredients
- 16 ounces pretzels, bag
- 1/2 cup butter, Only use real butter for best flavor.
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 1/2 tablespoons nutritional yeast, *Note, this is not regular baking yeast. I use Bragg Nutritional Yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250 degrees. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Place pretzels into a large bowl and set them aside.16 ounces pretzels
- In a microwave save bowl, place butter and microwave on hight for 40 seconds or until the butter is melted1/2 cup butter
- Next add honey, Dijon mustard, dried mustard powder, onion powder, turmeric, salt, sugar, nutritional yeast, and vinegar. Whisk ingredients into butter. Microwave 30 more seconds on high. Whisk ingredients until smooth and incorporated well.2 tablespoons honey, 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, 2 tablespoons mustard powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1 1/2 tablespoons nutritional yeast, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Drizzle the sauce over the bowl of pretzels, string gently so the pretzels do not get broken. Continue to stir until all the pretzels are coated well.
- Evenly spread in a single layer the pretzels over the parchment-lined cookie sheet. Spread them out evenly to the sides of the baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 minutes, string 1/2 way through so the seasoning bakes evenly on the pretzels.
- Serve warm or room temperature.
Notes
- Spicy: If you like spicy food, add 1 teaspoon of red chili pepper to the butter mixture. It’s the perfect snack with an ice-cold beer.
- Sweet: Add 1 cup of raisins after the pretzels are baked. This will create a salty and sweet snack mixture.
- Shapes: Try different shapes and sizes of pretzels.
I followed the recipe but the pretzels were bitter, bitter aftertaste. I rechecked the recipe and did everything correctly anyone else have the same issue?
Catherine, Let me see if I can help. First did you use Nutritional Yeast, not baking yeast? Baking yeast is live as Nutritional is not, adding a cheesy flavor to recipes. I use Grey Poupon Dijon Mustard. If you like a less bitter flavor I would omit the vinegar and add more honey instead. I also used salted butter. Double check my ingredient tips Also, I used Kroger brand pretzles that only had salt on them. Hope this helps.
So excited to try this recipe but very disappointed. Not mustardy at all. Where’s are the mustard powder that should be on my fingers? And they are too sweet.
I am sorry you did not get messy fingers, I know the store-bought bag does have a lot of good-tasting powder on them. Thinking through your comment, did you use Nutritional Yeast, not baking yeast? Baking yeast is live as Nutritional is not, adding a cheesy flavor to recipes. I use Grey Poupon Dijon Mustard and off brand Kroger pretzels. Also, I have double checked Gardetto’s nutrion ingredients and the use corn syrup and barely malt sugar. I will rework this recipe later on and try those as sweetneres instead of honey. Double check my ingredient tips Hope this helps.
My mixture tasted spot on. However for next time I thing I will use either half a bag of the pretzels or double the mixture. Also, maybe bake only 20-25 minutes.
Good points. Ovens are different in their heating ability so I will mention the baking time might be a bit different. Thanks!
when i comes to a rcipe like this an off brand/store brand name of butter is fine. HOWEVER, you are so wrong when it comes to name brand vs store brands for quality and flavor. for recipes like baking, making ghee, etc. what you really need to look for is te amount of butterfat. the more the better quality of flavor you will have. youu also want the least amount of added ingredients. if baking you want to make sure youre cooking without salt unless specifically called for. look for the coloring, added coloring adds unwanted flavoring. there are a LOT of things to look for in butter. i personally go for he store brand for my table butter and recipes like this and the best that my pocket bok can afford for special ocassion recipes where i want the flavor of the cream of the to really shine through, shortbread cookies, any cake, etc.