Why Make This Recipe

Pretzel Joy Wreath is the perfect dish for gatherings and celebrations. It combines the warm, soft goodness of pretzels with a cheesy filling that everyone loves. This delightful wreath not only looks impressive, but it also tastes amazing. It’s a fun mix of dough, cheese, and a sprinkle of salt, making it a go-to snack for parties, game days, or family get-togethers. Plus, it’s easy to pull apart and share!

How to Make Pretzel Joy Wreath

Ingredients:

Dough

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

Cheese Filling

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (120 g)
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (60 g)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (30 g)
1 tablespoon chopped chives
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Pretzel Bath & Topping

1/2 cup baking soda (120 g)
8 cups water (2 liters)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Coarse pretzel salt, for sprinkling
2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for brushing)

Garnish

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (4 g)
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (120 g)

Directions:

Prepare 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, approximately 45 minutes.
Make Cheese Filling: Combine mozzarella, cream cheese, Parmesan, chives, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix until well blended and set aside.
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Form Pretzel Balls: Punch down the dough and divide into 24 equal pieces. Flatten each piece, place approximately 1 teaspoon of cheese filling in the center, then pinch the dough to enclose the filling and roll into a ball.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Arrange the filled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet in a ring shape, touching each other to form a wreath.
Boil in Baking Soda Bath: Bring water and baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot. Carefully lower each dough ball into the boiling bath for 15 to 20 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place back on the baking sheet, maintaining the wreath shape.
Apply Egg Wash and Salt: Brush each ball with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse pretzel salt.
Bake: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until deep golden brown.
Brush with Butter and Garnish: Remove from oven and immediately brush with melted butter if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley and arrange halved cherry tomatoes among the pretzel balls for a festive presentation.
Serve: Serve warm, pulling apart pretzel bites to enjoy.

How to Serve Pretzel Joy Wreath

Serve Pretzel Joy Wreath warm straight from the oven. It’s great as a finger food during parties. You can pair it with your favorite dipping sauce, like mustard or cheese sauce, to enhance the flavor. The colorful garnish of parsley and cherry tomatoes adds a nice touch to your serving platter.

How to Store Pretzel Joy Wreath

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for longer storage, up to a week. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until warmed through.

Tips to Make Pretzel Joy Wreath

Make sure your milk is warm but not hot; this helps activate the yeast.
Knead the dough until it’s smooth for the best texture.
Be careful while boiling the dough balls to avoid them breaking apart.
Feel free to adjust the cheese filling to suit your taste. You can add more spices or even types of cheese.

Variation

You can experiment with different fillings, such as adding bacon bits, spinach, or using different cheese combinations. For a sweeter version, consider filling them with chocolate or caramel for a dessert twist.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze Pretzel Joy Wreath?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pretzel wreath. Just shape the filled dough balls and freeze them on the baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

2. What can I dip Pretzel Joy Wreath in?
You can dip them in mustard, cheese sauce, or even a spicy ranch dressing. They also pair well with marinara sauce or an herbed olive oil.

3. Can I use regular yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast instead. Just make sure to activate it in warm water with a little sugar before mixing it into the dry ingredients.