Save 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)
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
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 
Pin it 
Pin it 
Pin it Frequently Asked Questions
- → What is the purpose of boiling pretzels in baking soda water?
Boiling pretzels briefly in baking soda water creates their distinctive chewy crust and deep brown color after baking.
- → Can the platter be prepared ahead of time?
Pretzels can be made a day ahead and reheated briefly before serving. Fresh accompaniments should be arranged just prior to serving.
- → Are there vegetarian options included?
Yes, the platter includes cheese and vegetables as standard, with cured meats optional and easily omitted.
- → What dips complement the platter?
Dijon mustard, cream cheese, and an optional honey-mustard dip each add tangy and creamy flavors that balance the savory bites.
- → How is the platter arranged for visual impact?
The pretzels are shaped as a tree on a large board, with colorful cheeses, meats, olives, vegetables, and herbs artfully placed to resemble branches and foliage.
- → What beverages pair well with this spread?
Crisp white wines or light lagers complement the savory and fresh flavors beautifully.
