Save to Pinterest 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.
Preparation Time: 35 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes Category: Appetizer, Party Platter Difficulty: Medium Cuisine: European, Fusion Yield: 8 servings Diet: Vegetarian (with optional meat additions)
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.
Save to Pinterest Pretzels can be made a day ahead and reheated briefly before serving.
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
Save to Pinterest This savory Bretzel Arbre de Vie platter captivates guests with its beautiful presentation and variety of flavors.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is the best way to shape the pretzels for the tree design?
Roll the dough into long ropes approximately 40 cm each, then twist into classic pretzel shapes. Arrange them closely on a board to form branches of the tree.
- → How does boiling in baking soda water affect the pretzels?
Briefly dipping the pretzels in baking soda water before baking creates a distinctive chewy crust and deep brown color.
- → Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, the dough can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking for best results.
- → What savory accompaniments pair well with the pretzel centerpiece?
Choose a mix of cheeses like Emmental or Gruyère, cured meats, fresh vegetables such as bell peppers and radishes, olives, and fresh herbs for garnish.
- → Are there suitable options for vegetarian or vegan diets?
Omit the cured meats for vegetarians and use plant-based butter and skip cheeses to create a vegan-friendly version without compromising flavor.
- → What dips complement this platter?
Dijon mustard, cream cheese, and a honey-mustard blend enhance the flavors and offer a variety of dipping options.