Pin it 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 cozy chicken stew is a comforting dish I often make during colder months to warm up my family.
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 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.
Pin it This pretzel wreath has become a family favorite for holiday gatherings and game day parties.
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.
Pin it This pretzel wreath dip ring is ideal for sharing and sure to impress guests with its festive shape and delicious flavors.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve the classic pretzel texture?
Boiling the dough balls briefly in a baking soda bath before baking creates the characteristic chewy crust and dark golden color.
- → Can I prepare the wreath ahead of time?
Yes, the wreath can be assembled in advance and baked just before serving to maintain freshness and warmth.
- → What kind of cheese works best for the dip?
A combination of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan provides a creamy texture with rich flavor and good meltability.
- → Is there a way to add extra flavor to the dip?
Incorporating a pinch of cayenne or nutmeg enhances depth, and chopped artichokes add a pleasant twist.
- → How should I serve the pretzel wreath and dip?
Serve warm, allowing guests to pull off individual pretzel bites and dip them into the center mixture for easy sharing.