Pin 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.
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Pin Recipe Questions
- → How do you shape the pretzels into a tree formation?
Once baked and cooled, the pretzels are arranged on a large wooden board with the twists forming branches, creating a tree-like 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 texture and shiny, golden crust after baking.
- → Can the platter be customized for vegetarian or vegan guests?
Yes, omit cured meats for vegetarians and replace butter with plant-based alternatives while skipping cheese for a vegan-friendly option.
- → What dips complement the savory platter best?
Creme cheese, Dijon mustard, and honey-mustard dip add creamy and tangy contrasts that enhance the flavors of the pretzels and accompaniments.
- → How far in advance can the pretzels be prepared?
Pretzels can be made a day ahead and then briefly reheated before assembling the platter for serving.
- → What types of cheese work well with this platter?
Firm, flavorful cheeses like Emmental and Gruyère provide a balanced, savory flavor that pairs nicely with the pretzels and other bites.