Save A festive and shareable appetizer featuring soft pretzel bites baked in a wreath shape, perfect for dipping into a creamy, cheesy spinach dip at the center.
This recipe quickly became a holiday favorite in my family, bringing everyone together around the table to enjoy the fun wreath shape and delicious dip.
Ingredients
- Pretzel Dough: 3 1/4 cups (400 g) all-purpose flour, 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast, 1 cup (240 ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C), 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp salt
- Baking Soda Bath: 1/2 cup (120 g) baking soda, 8 cups (2 L) water
- Topping: 1 egg beaten, 1 tbsp coarse sea salt
- Spinach Cheese Dip: 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese softened, 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream, 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup (30 g) fresh spinach chopped, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pretzel Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in melted butter and salt. Add flour gradually, mixing to form a soft dough. Knead for 5 7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the Pretzel Wreath:
- Punch down dough and divide into 32 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. Arrange the balls in two concentric circles on the baking sheet to form a wreath shape, leaving space in the center for the dip.
- Prepare the Baking Soda Bath:
- In a large pot, bring water and baking soda to a boil. Working in batches, drop dough balls into the bath for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and return to the baking sheet.
- Apply Topping:
- Brush pretzel balls with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake:
- Bake the wreath for 15 18 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Prepare the Spinach Cheese Dip:
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
- Bake Dip:
- Transfer dip to a small ovenproof bowl. Place in the center of the wreath on the baking sheet. Bake for 10 12 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove wreath and dip from oven. Serve warm, letting guests pull off pretzel bites and dip them.
Save Gathering around this pretzel wreath has become a cherished tradition, creating joyful family moments with every bite shared.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, stand mixer (optional), measuring cups and spoons, large pot, slotted spoon, baking sheet, parchment paper, small ovenproof bowl, pastry brush
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk, eggs. May contain traces of nuts or soy if ingredients are processed in shared facilities. Always check individual product labels if concerned about allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 330, Total Fat: 14 g, Carbohydrates: 40 g, Protein: 10 g (per serving)
Save This pretzel wreath dip ring is the perfect centerpiece for any gathering, combining fun presentation with delicious flavors.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I achieve the soft pretzel texture?
Bathing the dough balls briefly in boiling baking soda water before baking gives pretzels their distinctive soft yet chewy crust.
- → Can I prepare the dip ahead of time?
Yes, the spinach cheese filling can be mixed in advance and baked just before serving to keep it fresh and creamy.
- → What type of cheese works best for the dip?
A blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan provides a rich, melty texture with a balanced flavor.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the dish uses vegetarian-friendly ingredients including cheeses and fresh spinach without any meat products.
- → How can I add extra flavor to the dip?
Incorporate spices like cayenne or nutmeg, or add chopped artichokes for a subtle twist and enhanced depth of flavor.
- → What is the best way to serve the pretzel wreath?
Serve warm, allowing guests to pull off individual pretzel bites and dip them into the hot, bubbly spinach cheese center.