Save A festive, pull-apart wreath of golden pretzel bites filled with creamy cheese, perfect for sharing at any holiday gathering.
This recipe always brings joy to my family during festive seasons and has become a holiday must-have.
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.
Save This recipe always makes our holiday gatherings feel so special and brings everyone closer around the table.
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
Save This pretzel wreath is truly a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the warm cheesy bites with your loved ones anytime.
Recipe Guide
- → What makes the pretzel dough soft yet chewy?
The combination of all-purpose flour, yeast, and warm milk creates a soft dough that rises properly. The baking soda bath before baking gives the pretzels their characteristic chewy crust.
- → How is the cheese filling prepared to remain creamy inside the pretzels?
A mix of mozzarella, cream cheese, and Parmesan, blended with chives and spices, ensures a smooth, creamy filling that melts gently during baking without leaking out.
- → Why boil the dough balls in baking soda water before baking?
Boiling in a baking soda solution helps develop the pretzel’s signature crust and deep golden-brown color by creating a chemical reaction on the dough surface.
- → Can different cheeses be used for the filling?
Yes, substituting mozzarella with Gruyère or cheddar adds unique flavors while maintaining a creamy texture.
- → What toppings and garnishes enhance the wreath’s presentation and flavor?
Coarse pretzel salt sprinkled on top adds crunch and saltiness, while fresh parsley and halved cherry tomatoes provide color and freshness.