Pin It 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.
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.
Pin It 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.
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.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 340 Total Fat: 10 g Carbohydrates: 48 g Protein: 12 g
Pin It This savory pretzel tree is sure to be the star of your party table and delights with every bite.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How is the pretzel dough prepared for this platter?
The dough combines all-purpose flour, yeast, salt, sugar, warm water, and melted butter, kneaded until smooth, then left to rise until doubled. Pretzels are boiled briefly in baking soda water before baking to achieve their characteristic crust.
- → What savory accompaniments are included?
The platter includes cubed Emmental or Gruyère cheese, sliced cured meats like prosciutto or salami (optional), fresh bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, green olives, baby radishes, and fresh herbs for garnish.
- → Can this platter be adjusted for vegetarian or vegan diets?
Yes, simply omit cured meats for a vegetarian option. For a vegan version, replace butter with plant-based alternatives and skip cheese and meats.
- → What dips are suggested to accompany the platter?
Suggested dips include Dijon mustard, cream cheese, and an optional honey-mustard dip for a touch of sweetness alongside the savory flavors.
- → How should the platter be arranged for serving?
Arrange the baked pretzels on a large wooden board in the shape of a tree ('arbre de vie'), then scatter the cheeses, meats, vegetables, olives, and radishes artfully among the branches, garnishing with fresh herbs for a vibrant presentation.