Bretzel Arbre de Vie Platter (Printable Version)

Soft pretzels arranged in a tree shape with a variety of savory bites and dips for sharing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pretzels

01 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 1/4 tsp instant dry yeast
03 - 1 1/2 tsp salt
04 - 1 tbsp granulated sugar
05 - 1 1/4 cups warm water
06 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
07 - 3 tbsp baking soda (for boiling)
08 - Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

→ Savory Accompaniments

09 - 5 1/4 oz Emmental or Gruyère cheese, cubed
10 - 5 1/4 oz cured meats (e.g., prosciutto, salami), sliced (optional)
11 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
12 - 1 cucumber, sliced
13 - 3 1/2 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
14 - 3 1/2 oz green olives
15 - 3 1/2 oz baby radishes
16 - Fresh parsley and dill, for garnish

→ Dips

17 - 3 1/2 oz Dijon mustard
18 - 3 1/2 oz cream cheese
19 - 1 3/4 oz honey (optional for honey-mustard dip)

# How To Make It:

01 - In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Add warm water and melted butter. Mix and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth dough forms.
02 - Cover dough loosely and let it rise in a warm place for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
03 - Heat oven to 430°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
04 - Divide dough into 8 to 10 equal portions. Roll each into a 16-inch rope and twist into pretzel shapes.
05 - Bring water to a simmer with baking soda. Briefly dip each pretzel for 20 to 30 seconds, then remove and place on prepared baking sheet.
06 - Sprinkle pretzels with coarse sea salt and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
07 - Arrange pretzels on a large wooden board to form a tree shape. Decorate with cheese cubes, optional cured meats, sliced vegetables, olives, radishes, and garnish with fresh herbs.
08 - Present with small bowls of Dijon mustard, cream cheese, and optional honey-mustard dip for guests to enjoy.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • One-pot meal
  • Freezer-friendly
02 -
  • For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and skip cheese and meats.
  • Add nuts or dried fruits for extra variety.
03 -
  • Serve with a crisp white wine or light lager.
  • Pretzels can be made a day ahead and reheated briefly before serving.
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