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.
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 Notes
Serve with a crisp white wine or light lager.
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.
Save This savory pretzel tree platter offers a festive and delicious centerpiece perfect for any occasion.
Recipe Help & FAQs
- → How do I shape the bretzels into a tree?
Roll the dough into long ropes and twist them into classic bretzel shapes. Arrange them on a large board in a branching pattern to resemble a tree ('arbre de vie').
- → What makes the pretzels chewy and golden?
Briefly boiling the shaped dough in baking soda water before baking gives the pretzels their characteristic chewy texture and golden-brown crust.
- → Can I prepare the platter ahead of time?
Yes, the pretzels can be baked a day prior and reheated briefly. Assemble the toppings and dips just before serving to keep them fresh.
- → What are good alternatives for vegetarians or vegans?
Vegetarians can omit cured meats, and vegans can use plant-based butter for the dough and skip cheese and meats, possibly adding nuts or dried fruits instead.
- → What dips complement this platter best?
Dijon mustard, creamy cheese spreads, and a honey-mustard dip provide balanced flavors that pair wonderfully with the bretzels and savory accompaniments.