Smoked pepperoni pizza pretzels were a delightful surprise for my husband when I made them—an easy, smoky take on a nostalgic snack we used to enjoy together.
Early in our relationship we visited a small shop that topped soft pretzels with pizza-style ingredients. Recently, while reminiscing, I decided to recreate that simple comfort food at home using the smoker. The result is a kid-friendly, shareable treat that’s great for casual dinners, game days, or an easy appetizer.
How to make smoked pepperoni pizza pretzels
Begin by setting your smoker or pellet grill to 250°F (about 120°C). This moderate temperature warms the pretzels through and gives them a gentle smoky flavor without burning the cheese.
Place the frozen soft pretzels directly on the grate for 15–20 minutes to thaw them and pick up some smoke. They won’t be fully finished at this point; you’re simply warming and infusing them.
Remove the pretzels from the smoker and arrange them on a baking sheet or tray. Mix together melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning, then brush the mixture over each pretzel. Sprinkle the coarse salt packet that came with the pretzels over the tops for that classic pretzel flavor.
Top each pretzel with a generous handful of shredded mozzarella. Add mini pepperoni, then season lightly with more garlic powder and Italian seasoning for extra flavor. If you like, add other toppings such as cooked sausage, bacon crumbles, banana peppers, pineapple, olives, or jalapeños—choose what your family prefers.
Return the tray to the smoker, still set at 250°F, and heat for another 10–15 minutes. Watch the pretzels closely and remove them as soon as the cheese is melted and bubbly. The final result should be warm, cheesy, and slightly smoky.
Let the pretzels cool for a couple of minutes before serving so the cheese sets slightly and they’re easier to handle. Serve with warmed pizza sauce or marinara for dipping—these are meant for ripping and dipping rather than slicing like a traditional pizza.
Serve smoked pepperoni pizza pretzels with pizza sauce for dipping!
These pretzels are perfect for families. Kids love the combination of soft pretzel and melty cheese, and adults appreciate the smoky twist. Because they’re bite-sized, they’re great for snacking, parties, or a casual weeknight meal.
Tips: if you prefer a crisper pretzel exterior, finish the pretzels in a hot oven for a few minutes after smoking. For a cheesier finish, add another sprinkle of mozzarella just before the final 2–3 minutes so it browns slightly without overcooking the pepperoni.
If you like Smoked Pepperoni Pizza Pretzels, you might also like these recipes…
Traeger Cheesy Chicken Roll Ups
Traeger Smoked Veggie Pizza
Smoked Tomato Feta Dip
Leftover Smoked Chicken Recipes
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Smoked Pepperoni Pizza Pretzels
Cheri Renee
A fun, kid-friendly smoked snack or meal made with frozen soft pretzels, melted mozzarella, and mini pepperoni. Customize with any toppings you like.
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins
Servings: 6 pizza pretzels | Calories: 388 kcal
Equipment
- Smoker or pellet grill
- Baking sheet or tray
Ingredients
- 6 frozen soft pretzels
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Garlic powder and Italian seasoning, to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
- Optional toppings: bacon crumbles, olives, jalapeños, pineapple, banana peppers, etc.
- Pizza sauce or marinara for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker or pellet grill to 250°F (120°C). Place frozen soft pretzels on the grate and smoke for 15–20 minutes to thaw and add smoke flavor.
- Transfer pretzels to a baking sheet. Stir melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning, then brush the mixture over each pretzel. Sprinkle the pretzel salt that came in the package over the tops.
- Top each pretzel with shredded mozzarella, mini pepperoni, and any additional toppings. Add a light dusting of garlic powder and Italian seasoning if desired.
- Return the baking sheet to the smoker for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Monitor closely to prevent overcooking.
- Remove from the smoker, let cool slightly, and serve warm with pizza sauce for dipping.
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