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.
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Save Recipe FAQs
- → How are the pretzels shaped into a tree?
The pretzel dough is divided and rolled into ropes, then formed into pretzel shapes and arranged on a board to mimic branches and trunk, creating a tree effect.
- → What gives the pretzels their distinctive crust?
Briefly dipping pretzels in a simmering baking soda solution before baking creates a chewy texture and deep golden crust.
- → What savory accompaniments suit this platter?
Cheese cubes, cured meats, sliced bell peppers, cucumbers, olives, cherry tomatoes, and radishes add color and flavor contrast.
- → Can this be made vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, omit cured meats for vegetarian options and use plant-based butter with no cheese for vegan-friendly versions.
- → What dips complement this arrangement?
Dijon mustard, cream cheese, and honey-mustard dips offer tangy and creamy contrasts to the pretzels and accompaniments.
- → Is advance preparation possible?
Pretzels can be prepared the day before and reheated briefly before serving to maintain freshness.