Save 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.
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.
Save Pretzels can be made a day ahead and reheated briefly before serving.
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
Save This savory pretzel tree platter is sure to delight guests and add a festive touch to any gathering.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I shape the dough into the tree form?
Shape each rolled dough piece into pretzel shapes, then arrange them on a large board in a branching tree pattern called 'arbre de vie' to create a visually striking centerpiece.
- → What is the purpose of boiling pretzels in baking soda water?
Boiling the pretzels briefly in baking soda water gives them their characteristic chewy crust and golden-brown color after baking.
- → Can I prepare the pretzels ahead of time?
Yes, pretzels can be made a day ahead and reheated briefly before serving to maintain freshness.
- → What savory accompaniments pair well with this platter?
Cheeses like Emmental or Gruyère, cured meats such as prosciutto or salami, fresh vegetables including bell peppers, cucumbers, olives, and radishes complement the pretzels beautifully.
- → Are there vegetarian or vegan options available?
Vegetarian options include omitting cured meats, while vegan versions use plant-based butter and skip cheese and meats entirely.
- → What dips enhance the flavors on this platter?
Serve with Dijon mustard, cream cheese, or a honey-mustard dip for added taste and variety.