One might say that it’s impossible to improve upon the sublime simplicity of a crisp, cracker-y breadstick. Well, to that, we say: that’s not never stopped us from trying before! Made for us by a supplier in Italy, Trader Joe’s Pretzel Breadsticks takes the basic form of a breadstick (the kind you might find as an appetizer at a cloth napkin Italian restaurant, rather than the softer kind you might get at a pizzeria) and properly pretzel-izes it. Each stick starts as a bit of rustic, sourdough-esque dough, which is rolled into a twisty, approximately eight- inch-long baton, then baked to a perfect golden brown before being studded with cruncht crystals of sea salt.

Much like their combined, namesake inspirations, Trader Joe’s Pretzel Breadsticks make a fantastic appetizer or anytime snack, all on their own. Where we think they really excel, however, is in their use as a dipping and dunking snack. We recommend trying them in everything from spicy mustards and tart, tangy aiolis (like our very own Aioli Garlic Mustard Sauce to bubbly fondues and savory-seasoned dips of all kinds, like our Crunchy Chili Onion Hummus, Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip, or Pimento Cheese Dip.