Pin It A stunning centerpiece featuring soft pretzels arranged in a tree shape, garnished with an assortment of savory bites—perfect for sharing at parties or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- Pretzels: 500 g all-purpose flour, 7 g instant dry yeast, 1 ½ tsp salt, 1 tbsp sugar, 300 ml warm water, 40 g unsalted butter, melted, 3 tbsp baking soda (for boiling), Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
- Savory Accompaniments: 150 g Emmental or Gruyère cheese cubed, 150 g cured meats (e.g. prosciutto, salami) sliced (optional for vegetarians), 1 red bell pepper sliced, 1 cucumber sliced, 100 g cherry tomatoes halved, 100 g green olives, 100 g baby radishes, Fresh herbs (parsley, dill) for garnish
- Dips: 100 g Dijon mustard, 100 g cream cheese, 50 g honey (for honey-mustard dip optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Add warm water and melted butter. Mix and knead for 8–10 minutes until a smooth dough forms.
- Step 2:
- Cover the dough and let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Step 3:
- Preheat oven to 220°C (430°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 4:
- On a lightly floured surface, divide dough into 8–10 pieces. Roll each into a long rope (about 40 cm), then shape into pretzels.
- Step 5:
- Bring a pot of water to a simmer. Add baking soda. Briefly dip each pretzel into the simmering water for 20–30 seconds, then transfer to the baking sheet.
- Step 6:
- Sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown. Cool on a rack.
- Step 7:
- Arrange the pretzels on a large wooden board or platter in the shape of a tree (arbre de vie), using the pretzels as branches.
- Step 8:
- Artfully arrange cheese, cured meats (if using), vegetables, olives, and radishes among and around the pretzels to create a lush, colorful tree effect. Garnish with fresh herbs.
- Step 9:
- Serve with small bowls of Dijon mustard, cream cheese, and optional honey-mustard dip.
Pin It Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, Stand mixer or hand mixer (optional), Pot for boiling, Slotted spoon, Baking sheet, Parchment paper, Sharp knife, Large wooden board or platter
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), milk (butter, cheese), possible mustard. Cured meats may contain nitrates/nitrites. Always check ingredient labels for specific allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 340. Total Fat: 10 g. Carbohydrates: 48 g. Protein: 12 g
Pin It A delicious and visually stunning centerpiece perfect for any festive occasion.
Questions About This Recipe
- → How do you achieve the soft Bretzel texture?
The dough is briefly boiled in a baking soda solution before baking, which gives the Bretzel its signature chewy crust and soft interior.
- → Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
- → What are good accompaniments for this platter?
Cheeses like Emmental or Gruyère, cured meats, fresh vegetables such as bell peppers and cucumbers, and dips like Dijon mustard enhance the flavors.
- → Is there a vegetarian option available?
Absolutely. Simply omit cured meats and focus on cheeses, vegetables, and dips to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat Bretzel briefly to restore softness before serving again.