Red White and Blue Pretzel Bites
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These Red, White, and Blue Pretzel Bites are quick, easy, and perfect for Memorial Day or the 4th of July. Sweet, salty, and made with just a handful of ingredients.
These are perfect for summer parties and BBQs, especially around Memorial Day or the 4th of July. They hold up well at room temp, travel easily, and you can make a full tray in no time. They go great with my Red, White, and Blue Dessert Cups or my Red, White, and Blue Cakesicles. I like having a mix of chocolate, fruit, and something crunchy so it doesn’t all feel the same.
Why you’ll love these Red White and Blue Pretzel Bites
Easy Red White and Blue Pretzel Bites for 4th of July Parties
These are quick to make, easy to serve, and don’t need to be kept cold. They take about 30 minutes from start to finish, use just a few ingredients, and hold up well at room temperature. They’re a good option for 4th of July parties, BBQs, and outdoor gatherings where people are just grabbing food as they go.
Ingredients Needed for Red White and Blue Pretzel Bites
- Square pretzels: These are your base. The square ones work best because they hold the chocolate neatly and give you a flat surface to decorate.
- White candy melts: These melt evenly and set firm, which is important here. You want them soft enough to press into, but not fully melted.
- Red and blue M&Ms: These add color and a little extra chocolate. Press them in while the candy melts are still soft so they stick properly.
- Red and blue nonpareils: These are just for texture and color. Add them right after baking so they stick before the chocolate sets.
How to make Red White and Blue Pretzel Bites
**For more detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.**
Lay the pretzels out in a single layer across the tray. Place white candy melt on top of each pretzel. Warm in the oven until the candy melts are softened but still holding their shape.
Take them out and immediately sprinkle the red and blue nonpareils over the tops. Press one M&M into the center of each, alternating red and blue. Let them sit at room temperature until fully set.
Variations
- Use milk or dark chocolate: If you’re not into white chocolate, swap it out. The rest of the recipe stays exactly the same, and it still works well with the toppings.
- Add peanut butter cups: Instead of M&Ms, press a mini peanut butter cup into the center. It gives a softer bite and adds a bit more richness.
- Drizzle extra chocolate: Once they’re set, drizzle a little melted chocolate over the top. It adds a bit more texture and makes them look a little more finished.
- Use different sprinkles: You can swap the nonpareils for star sprinkles or a mix if you want a slightly different look.
- Change the colors: Same recipe, just switch the colors for other holidays or parties. It’s an easy one to reuse all year.
Serving Suggestions
- Add them to a dessert table: Set these out with my Red White and Blue Strawberries, Cakesicles, and Dessert Cups so you’ve got a mix of options. It makes the table feel more complete without a ton of extra work.
- Serve them at a BBQ: These are perfect to set out near the food so people can grab one as they walk around. No plates needed.
- Pair with no-bake desserts: If you’re already making something like my Coconut Cream Bars or Biscoff Cheesecake Cups, these pair well since they’re a bit lighter and crunchy.
- Use them as a filler dessert: If you feel like your spread is missing something small and handheld, this is an easy one to add with little effort.
- Put them out in batches: If it’s hot out, don’t put everything out at once. Keep some aside and refill as needed so they stay looking fresh.
Storage and Freezing
- How should I store Red White and Blue Pretzel Bites?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keep them somewhere cool so the chocolate doesn’t soften. If your kitchen is warm, you can store them in the fridge. Just let them sit out for a few minutes before serving so the pretzels aren’t too hard.
- Can I freeze Red White and Blue Pretzel Bites?
You can freeze them if needed. Keep them in a sealed container and let them come back to room temperature before serving.
Don’t forget to pin this for later!
Tips & Tricks
- Don’t overbake them: You only want the candy melts softened. If they fully melt, they’ll spread too much and won’t hold their shape.
- Work quickly after they come out of the oven: Add sprinkles and press in the M&Ms right away before the chocolate starts to set.
- Do smaller batches if needed: If you’re making a lot, bake a few trays instead of one big batch so everything stays workable.
- Use parchment paper: It keeps everything from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Tap the tray lightly: A quick tap helps the sprinkles settle into the chocolate so they stick better.
Recommended
More Summer Ideas
Red White and Blue Pretzel Bites
Red White and Blue Pretzel Bites are an easy no bake treat made with pretzels, white chocolate, M&Ms, and sprinkles. Perfect for 4th of July parties.
Equipment
Video
Ingredients
- 36 square pretzels
- 36 white candy melts or white melting wafers
- 18 red M&Ms
- 18 blue M&Ms
- 3 tablespoons red nonpareils
- 3 tablespoons blue nonpareils
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the pretzels in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Place one white candy melt on top of each pretzel.
- Bake for 3–4 minutes, just until the candy melts are softened but still holding their shape.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the red ans blue nonpareils onto the candy melts.
- Working quickly, press one M&M into the center of each candy melt. Alternate red and blue M&Ms.
- Let the pretzel bites sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set.
- Notes
- Do not overbake or the candy melts will lose their shape and spread too much.
- Work in batches if needed so the chocolate stays soft while decorating.
- Gently tap the tray after adding sprinkles to help them stick.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
Don’t leave them in the oven too long: You only want the melts softened, not fully melted.
Work quickly once they’re out: Add the toppings right away before the chocolate sets.
Do smaller batches: If you’re making a lot, it’s easier to work in batches. Use parchment paper Makes cleanup easier and nothing sticks.
Tap the tray lightly: Helps the sprinkles settle into the chocolate.
Nutrition
Calories: 18kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 0.05gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.4gTrans Fat: 0.002gCholesterol: 0.2mgSodium: 17mgFiber: 0.03gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 0.01mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
What a perfect idea! These are so festive and fun. Visiting from the Busy Monday linkup.
Hey Jennifer, Thanks for coming over and leaving such a lovely comment. I love hearing from people!
You have the best festive recipes! I am going to make this one!
This is a fun one for sure.
A Canadian here, so I will not use the red white and blue when making it, but love the idea
Just dropping in to let you know that your post will be featured on Monday at SSPS. Hope to see you there. Thanks for linking
Hi Esme, Thank you so much for featuring my recipe, I will be sure to drop by and visit!