National Pretzel Day

They're salty and scrumptious–what more do we need to say? Pretzels have long-since been a go-to snack for busy afternoons or stay-in movie nights. Kids, teens, and adults love them all the same, so it's only natural that on National Pretzel Day, we celebrate this beloved treat.

Problem: It’s tricky to take even a modest dip into a bag of some pretzels and stay within your daily sodium allotment. There are plenty of options that give you what you want in a good pretzel—crisp crunch and buttery saltiness—without raising the blood pressure, though. Cooking Light has done its fair share of pretzel-loving over the years, and we encourage you to use our snack mixes and preparation tips to enjoy this salty treat in the healthiest and yummiest ways possible.

1. There is nothing better than a warm soft pretzel served with a side of mustard. This kid-friendly recipe would be great as an appetizer or an afternoon snack.

Take a dip. Peanut Butter and Chocolate Dipped Pretzels are a  salty, sweet pick-up dessert that's just as ideal for a snack as it is for a party.

Use pretzels for a crumb coating. Deploy crushed pretzels like breadcrumbs to create a crisp coating for meat or fish before cooking, or sprinkle on top of casseroles before baking.

Create a homemade snack mix. Kids (or adults) will go nuts for these easy snack mixes. Bonus: They’re all less than 125 calories per serving, and have enough fiber to keep those kiddos full until dinnertime.

Try unsalted versions that offer just-right crunch, light texture, and buttery flavor–still satisfying your salty-snack craving.

As with most sweet-and-salty treats, it's okay to indulge as long as moderation and portion control play a role. How will you celebrate National Pretzel Day?