Pin this A festive, pull-apart wreath of golden pretzel bites filled with creamy cheese, perfect for sharing at any holiday gathering.
This recipe has become a holiday tradition in my family, bringing everyone together with its irresistible flavor and fun pull-apart style.
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 My family eagerly gathers around this pretzel wreath every holiday season creating joyful memories as we pull apart each cheese-filled bite.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl Stand mixer (optional) Saucepan Slotted spoon Baking sheet Parchment paper Pastry brush
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten) milk eggs May contain traces of nuts or soy (check cheese and butter labels) Always double-check ingredient labels for allergen safety.
Nutritional Information
Calories 272 Total Fat 9 g Carbohydrates 38 g Protein 9 g (per serving)
Pin this This pretzel joy wreath is sure to be a showstopper at your next gathering bringing warmth and smiles to all.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes the pretzel wreath soft and chewy?
Boiling the formed dough balls in a baking soda bath before baking gives the pretzels their characteristic soft yet chewy texture.
- → Can I use other cheeses in the filling?
Yes, Gruyère or cheddar can replace mozzarella for a different flavor profile while maintaining creaminess.
- → How do I ensure the filling stays inside the bites?
Seal the dough tightly around the cheese mixture by pinching well to prevent leakage during boiling and baking.
- → What is the best way to serve the pretzel wreath?
Serve warm and pull apart the bites easily; pairing with honey mustard or spicy cheese dip enhances the flavors.
- → How long should the dough rise before assembling?
Let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 45 minutes or until it doubles in size to develop flavor and texture.