Bretzel Arbre de Vie Platter

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.

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 (eg 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

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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.

Track cooking times accurately for baking, boiling, roasting, and multitasking recipes without overcooking.

Check price on Amazon

Track cooking times accurately for baking, boiling, roasting, and multitasking recipes without overcooking.

Check price on Amazon

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Kitchen Help

→ How do I achieve the soft texture of the pretzels?

Kneading the dough well and allowing it to rise until doubled provides a tender base. Boiling the shaped pretzels briefly in baking soda water before baking creates the classic chewy crust.

→ Can I make the platter vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the cured meats and optionally replace butter with plant-based alternatives to keep it vegetarian or vegan friendly.

→ What dips pair well with this platter?

Dijon mustard, cream cheese, and a honey-mustard dip complement the savory and slightly salty flavors throughout the platter.

→ How should I assemble the tree shape?

Arrange the pretzels on a large wooden board in a branching pattern reminiscent of a tree. Then nestle the cheeses, vegetables, olives, and cured meats between and around the pretzels for a lush effect.

→ Can I prepare this platter ahead of time?

The pretzels can be made a day ahead and reheated briefly. Assemble the platter shortly before serving to keep vegetables fresh and vibrant.

Keep spatulas, spoons, and cooking tools organized and within reach while preparing meals.

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