Pin A festive, pull-apart wreath of golden pretzel bites filled with creamy cheese, perfect for sharing at any holiday gathering.
I've made this wreath multiple times for holiday parties and it's always the first appetizer to disappear.
Ingredients
- Dough: 3 ¼ cups (400 g) all-purpose flour , 1 packet (7 g) instant yeast , 1 tablespoon sugar , 1 teaspoon salt , 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (about 110°F/43°C) , 2 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted
- Cheese Filling: 1 cup (120 g) shredded mozzarella , ½ cup (60 g) cream cheese , softened , ¼ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan , 1 tablespoon chopped chives , ½ teaspoon garlic powder , ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Pretzel Bath & Topping: ½ cup (120 g) baking soda , 8 cups (2 L) water , 1 egg , beaten (for egg wash) , Coarse pretzel salt , for sprinkling , 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional , for brushing)
- Garnish: ¼ cup (4 g) fresh parsley , chopped , ½ cup (120 g) cherry tomatoes , halved
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl , combine flour , yeast , sugar , and salt. Add warm milk and melted butter. Mix and knead until a soft , smooth dough forms (about 5–7 minutes). Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes , or until doubled in size.
- Step 2:
- Meanwhile , mix mozzarella , cream cheese , Parmesan , chives , garlic powder , and black pepper in a bowl until well combined. Set aside.
- Step 3:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 4:
- Punch down the dough and divide into 24 equal pieces. Flatten each piece , place ~1 teaspoon cheese mixture in the center , and pinch dough around filling to seal into a ball.
- Step 5:
- Arrange balls in a ring shape on the prepared baking sheet , touching each other to form a wreath.
- Step 6:
- In a large pot , bring water and baking soda to a boil. Carefully lower each ball into the boiling solution for 15–20 seconds , then transfer back to the baking sheet , maintaining the wreath shape.
- Step 7:
- Brush balls with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Step 8:
- Bake for 18–22 minutes , or until deep golden brown.
- Step 9:
- Remove from oven and immediately brush with melted butter , if desired. Garnish with parsley and nestle cherry tomatoes between the pretzel balls for a festive look.
- Step 10:
- Serve warm , pulling apart to enjoy.
Pin This recipe is always a hit at family gatherings bringing everyone together for fun and delicious moments.
Notes
For extra flavor add a little Dijon mustard to the cheese filling. Serve with honey mustard or spicy cheese dip. Swap mozzarella for Gruyère or cheddar for a different twist.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl Stand mixer (optional) Saucepan Slotted spoon Baking sheet Parchment paper Pastry brush
Nutritional Information
Calories 272 Total Fat 9 g Carbohydrates 38 g Protein 9 g
Pin This pretzel wreath is a festive and irresistible appetizer sure to impress your guests.
Recipe FAQ
- → What makes the pretzel dough chewy and flavorful?
The baking soda bath before baking creates the classic pretzel crust, delivering the signature chewy texture and rich flavor.
- → Can I use different cheeses in the filling?
Yes, swapping mozzarella with Gruyère or cheddar offers delicious variations with deeper or sharper flavor profiles.
- → How long should the dough rise for best results?
Let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 45 minutes until it doubles, allowing for a soft and airy texture.
- → What’s the purpose of brushing the pretzel balls with egg wash?
Egg wash gives the pretzel balls a shiny, golden exterior and helps coarse salt adhere during baking.
- → How can I serve this wreath to guests?
Serve warm, allowing guests to pull apart each cheesy pretzel bite, making it perfect for sharing at gatherings.
- → Is it possible to prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the day before and refrigerate it overnight for convenience, then proceed with shaping and baking.