Sandra This Paula Deen Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe is a salty and sweet recipe, which is made with crushed pretzels and cream cheese. It’s a great choice for holiday parties, ready in about 30 minutes, plus chilling time.
Paula Deen Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
- 2 cups Boiling water
- 2 (10 oz) packages frozen strawberries
- 2 (3 oz) packages strawberry gelatin dessert mix
- 1 (8 oz) container thawed frozen whipped topping
- 3/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup melted Butter
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
How To Make Paula Deen Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe
- Make and bake the crust: Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a medium bowl, mix the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan. Bake for 7 minutes, then set aside to cool completely.
- Make the cream cheese layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 3/4 cup of sugar together until smooth. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping. Spread this mixture evenly over the completely cooled pretzel crust, making sure to seal it all the way to the edges. Refrigerate until well chilled.
- Make the Jello layer: In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin mix in the boiling water. Allow it to cool slightly, then stir in the frozen strawberries and the undrained crushed pineapple.
- Assemble and chill: Carefully pour the strawberry Jello mixture over the chilled cream cheese layer. Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or until the Jello is completely firm, before serving.
Recipe Tips
- How to prevent a soggy crust? This is the most important tip! You must let the pretzel crust cool completely before adding the cream cheese layer. Also, make sure to spread the cream cheese layer to completely seal the edges of the pan. This creates a barrier to protect the crust from the Jello.
- Can I use fresh strawberries? Yes, but frozen strawberries are often recommended because they help the Jello mixture cool down and set faster. If using fresh, slice them and make sure your Jello mixture is cooled to room temperature before pouring it on top.
- How do I get clean, neat slices? For the cleanest cuts, ensure the salad has chilled for at least 4 hours so the Jello is fully set. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each slice.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely. This is a perfect make-ahead dessert. It’s often even better when made the day before, as it gives the flavors time to meld and the Jello time to set firmly.
What To Serve With Strawberry Pretzel Salad
This dish is a classic at potlucks, cookouts, and holiday gatherings, served as either a side dish or a dessert. It pairs wonderfully with:
- Baked Holiday Ham
- Fried Chicken
- BBQ Pulled Pork
- A simple burger and hot dog cookout
How To Store Strawberry Pretzel Salad
- Refrigerate: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3 to 4 days. Be aware that the pretzel crust will gradually soften over time.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 35g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
It’s one of those wonderful dishes that can be both! In the South and Midwest, it’s often served as a sweet side dish alongside the main course, but it’s equally at home on the dessert table.
Yes, raspberry or even orange Jello would be a delicious variation with the strawberries and pineapple.
This usually happens if the Jello mixture was still too warm when it was poured over the cream cheese layer, causing the cream cheese to soften and float. Let the Jello cool until it’s at room temperature before the final assembly step.
Try More Recipes:
Paula Deen Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe
Description
A beloved potluck classic featuring a salty pretzel crust, a sweet and creamy cheese layer, and a bright, fruity strawberry Jello topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix crushed pretzels, butter, and 3 tbsp sugar; press into a 9×13 pan and bake at 400°F for 7 minutes. Cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, sealing the edges. Chill.
- Dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Stir in frozen strawberries and undrained pineapple. Let cool slightly.
- Pour the strawberry mixture over the chilled cream cheese layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the Jello is completely set.
Notes
- The pretzel crust must be completely cool before you add the cream cheese layer to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Spreading the cream cheese layer to touch the edges of the pan creates a seal that protects the crust.
- Let the Jello mixture cool to room temperature before pouring it over the cream cheese to prevent the layers from mixing.
- This dish is a perfect make-ahead option for parties and gatherings as it needs several hours to set.
