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.
I first served this pretzel wreath at a holiday party and it was a huge hit with family and friends everyone loved pulling off warm pretzel bites and dipping them in the rich spinach cheese sauce.
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 57 minutes until smooth Cover and let rise for 45 minutes or until doubled in size
- Preheat the 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 the wreath:
- Bake the wreath for 1518 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 1012 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 recipe has become a family favorite everyone enjoys gathering around to share the pretzel ring and dip especially during festive occasions
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 a delightful centerpiece for any gathering guaranteed to impress your guests.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve the soft pretzel texture in the wreath?
Boil the shaped dough balls briefly in a baking soda bath before baking. This step helps create the signature chewy and soft pretzel crust.
- → Can I prepare the wreath in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the wreath ahead of time and bake it just before serving to maintain freshness and warmth.
- → What cheeses are used in the spinach dip?
The dip combines cream cheese, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan, blended with sour cream and fresh spinach for rich flavor.
- → Is it possible to add extra spices to the dip?
Absolutely, adding a pinch of cayenne or nutmeg offers a flavorful twist to the creamy spinach blend.
- → How should I serve the pretzel wreath and dip?
Serve the warm wreath on a baking sheet with the dip heated in the center, allowing guests to pull off pretzel bites and dip freely.