why make this recipe
Pretzel Joy Wreath is a delicious and fun treat that is perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or just a cozy night in. The combination of fluffy pretzel dough and creamy cheese filling makes it a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to pull apart and share, making it a great addition to any snack table. Plus, it looks stunning when arranged in a wreath shape, adding a festive touch to your cooking repertoire.
how to make Pretzel Joy Wreath
Ingredients:
Dough
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet instant yeast (7 g)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cheese Filling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (120 g)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (60 g)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (30 g)
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Pretzel Bath & Topping
- 1/2 cup baking soda (120 g)
- 8 cups water (2 liters)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse pretzel salt, for sprinkling
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for brushing)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (4 g)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (120 g)
Directions:
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Prepare Dough: 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 to 7 minutes. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, approximately 45 minutes.
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Make Cheese Filling: Combine mozzarella, cream cheese, Parmesan, chives, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix until well blended and set aside.
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Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Form Pretzel Balls: Punch down the dough and divide into 24 equal pieces. Flatten each piece, place approximately 1 teaspoon of cheese filling in the center, then pinch the dough to enclose the filling and roll into a ball.
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Arrange on Baking Sheet: Arrange the filled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet in a ring shape, touching each other to form a wreath.
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Boil in Baking Soda Bath: Bring water and baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot. Carefully lower each dough ball into the boiling bath for 15 to 20 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place back on the baking sheet, maintaining the wreath shape.
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Apply Egg Wash and Salt: Brush each ball with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse pretzel salt.
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Bake: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until deep golden brown.
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Brush with Butter and Garnish: Remove from oven and immediately brush with melted butter if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley and arrange halved cherry tomatoes among the pretzel balls for a festive presentation.
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Serve: Serve warm, pulling apart pretzel bites to enjoy.
how to serve Pretzel Joy Wreath
Serve Pretzel Joy Wreath warm, allowing guests to pull apart the pretzel bites and enjoy them with your favorite dips, such as mustard or cheese sauce. This dish makes for a great appetizer or snack at parties or family gatherings.
how to store Pretzel Joy Wreath
To store leftovers, place the cooled Pretzel Joy Wreath in an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
tips to make Pretzel Joy Wreath
- Make sure your dough rises in a warm area for the best results.
- Don’t skip the baking soda bath; it’s key for achieving that classic pretzel flavor and texture.
- You can customize the cheese filling by adding your favorite herbs or spices.
variation
Try adding cooked bacon bits or other cheese varieties like cheddar to the cheese filling for a different twist. You can also sprinkle some sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top before baking for added flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping.
2. What can I serve with Pretzel Joy Wreath?
It pairs well with mustard, cheese dip, or even a spicy salsa for added kick.
3. Can I freeze the Pretzel Joy Wreath?
Yes, you can freeze it after baking. Just wait for it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw and reheat in the oven.
Pretzel Joy Wreath
- Total Time: 82 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and fun treat perfect for gatherings, featuring fluffy pretzel dough and creamy cheese filling, arranged in a festive wreath shape.
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet instant yeast (7 g)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (120 g)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (60 g)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (30 g)
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup baking soda (120 g)
- 8 cups water (2 liters)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse pretzel salt, for sprinkling
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for brushing)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (4 g)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (120 g)
Instructions
- 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 to 7 minutes. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, approximately 45 minutes.
- Combine mozzarella, cream cheese, Parmesan, chives, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix until well blended and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 24 equal pieces. Flatten each piece, place approximately 1 teaspoon of cheese filling in the center, then pinch the dough to enclose the filling and roll into a ball.
- Arrange the filled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet in a ring shape, touching each other to form a wreath.
- Bring water and baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot. Carefully lower each dough ball into the boiling bath for 15 to 20 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place back on the baking sheet, maintaining the wreath shape.
- Brush each ball with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse pretzel salt.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until deep golden brown.
- Remove from oven and immediately brush with melted butter if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley and arrange halved cherry tomatoes among the pretzel balls for a festive presentation.
- Serve warm, allowing guests to pull apart the pretzel bites and enjoy.
Notes
Best served warm with your favorite dips like mustard or cheese sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
