Pretzel Joy Wreath Appetizer

Featured in: Simple Comfort Plates

This festive pretzel wreath features soft pretzel bites enveloping a creamy cheese mixture. The dough is gently boiled in a baking soda bath for that classic chewy crust then baked to a golden finish. Filled with mozzarella, cream cheese, Parmesan, and fresh chives, these pull-apart bites are perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion. Garnished with parsley and cherry tomatoes, they offer a delightful blend of textures and flavors that's easy to share and enjoy warm.

Updated on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 08:18:00 GMT
Golden pretzel joy wreath appetizer ring, bubbling with melted cheese, and ready for sharing at a gathering. Pin it
Golden pretzel joy wreath appetizer ring, bubbling with melted cheese, and ready for sharing at a gathering. | freshymeals.com

A festive, pull-apart wreath of golden pretzel bites filled with creamy cheese, perfect for sharing at any holiday gathering.

This recipe has become a beloved tradition at our family holidays, bringing everyone together around the table.

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
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| freshymeals.com

Our family gathers eagerly to share this wreath every holiday season it’s always a joy to pull apart.

Notes

Serve with honey mustard or spicy cheese dip for an extra burst of flavor.

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

Close-up of a warm pretzel joy wreath, showcasing its soft interior and crispy, salty exterior. Pin it
Close-up of a warm pretzel joy wreath, showcasing its soft interior and crispy, salty exterior. | freshymeals.com

This wreath appetizer is sure to impress and bring warmth to your celebrations.

Pretzel Joy Wreath Appetizer

Golden pretzel bites encase creamy cheese in a festive pull-apart wreath, perfect for sharing.

How long to prep
25 min
Time to cook
20 min
Overall time
45 min
Recipe by Freshymeals Lily Carter

Dish category Simple Comfort Plates

Skill level Medium

Cuisine type American-German Fusion

Makes 8 Serving size

Dietary details Vegetarian option

What you need

Dough

01 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 packet instant yeast (7 g)
03 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
04 1 teaspoon salt
05 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
06 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Cheese Filling

01 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
02 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
03 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 1 tablespoon chopped chives
05 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Pretzel Bath and Topping

01 1/2 cup baking soda
02 8 cups water
03 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
04 Coarse pretzel salt, for sprinkling
05 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for brushing)

Garnish

01 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
02 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Steps to follow

Step 01

Prepare the dough: 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 to 7 minutes. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 45 minutes.

Step 02

Prepare the cheese filling: Meanwhile, mix shredded mozzarella, cream cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped chives, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl until thoroughly combined. Set aside.

Step 03

Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 04

Shape dough balls: Punch down the risen dough and divide into 24 equal pieces. Flatten each piece, place about 1 teaspoon of cheese filling in the center, and pinch the dough to seal it into a ball.

Step 05

Arrange dough balls: Arrange the dough balls closely in a ring shape on the prepared baking sheet to form a wreath.

Step 06

Prepare pretzel bath: In a large pot, bring water and baking soda to a boil. Carefully drop each dough ball into the boiling solution for 15 to 20 seconds, then return them to the baking sheet, maintaining the wreath formation.

Step 07

Apply egg wash and salt: Brush the dough balls with beaten egg and sprinkle coarse pretzel salt generously.

Step 08

Bake the wreath: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes until deep golden brown.

Step 09

Finish and garnish: Remove from oven and immediately brush with melted butter if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley and arrange halved cherry tomatoes between the pretzel balls for a festive presentation.

Step 10

Serve: Serve warm, encouraging guests to pull apart the wreath to enjoy.

Tools you’ll need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Stand mixer (optional)
  • Saucepan
  • Slotted spoon
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush

Allergy info

Always check each ingredient for allergens and talk to a professional if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and eggs
  • May contain traces of nuts or soy; verify product labels

Nutrition info (per portion)

Nutrition details are for reference only, not a substitute for health advice.
  • Calories per serving: 272
  • Fat content: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Protein amount: 9 g