Budget Holiday Pretzel Wreath

Featured in: Snack Laughs

This soft pretzel wreath combines budget-friendly ingredients like all-purpose flour, yeast, and baking soda for a warm, inviting treat. The dough is twisted into wreath segments, dipped in a baking soda bath to get that perfect crust, and baked until golden. Toppings such as coarse salt, sesame, and poppy seeds add crunch and flavor, while fresh rosemary and cherry tomatoes make an attractive garnish. It’s a simple yet festive offering, perfect for sharing at holiday parties or as a savory snack.

The process involves mixing the dough, letting it rest, shaping the wreath from twisted rolls, and finishing with an egg wash before baking. Optional cheese adds richness, and vegan adjustments can be made easily. This appetizer showcases classic soft pretzel textures and flavors in a creative, celebratory form.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:44:00 GMT
Golden-brown Budget Holiday Pretzel Wreath, beautifully shaped with coarse salt, awaiting a bite. Save
Golden-brown Budget Holiday Pretzel Wreath, beautifully shaped with coarse salt, awaiting a bite. | nachohaha.com

An inviting, festive snack wreath made from soft, budget-friendly pretzel dough twisted into a beautiful holiday centerpiece—perfect for parties and sharing.

This recipe has become a holiday favorite at our family gatherings its fun to make and delicious to share.

Ingredients

  • Dough: 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour, 1 packet (7 g) instant dry yeast, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 cup (240 ml) warm water, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • Pretzel Bath: 4 cups (960 ml) water, ¼ cup (60 g) baking soda
  • Topping: 1 egg beaten (for egg wash), 2 tablespoons coarse salt, 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional), 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional), Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish), Cherry tomatoes or cranberries (for garnish optional), ½ cup (60 g) shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large bowl combine flour yeast salt and sugar. Stir in warm water and melted butter until a dough forms.
Step 2:
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 3:
Place dough in a lightly greased bowl cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
Step 4:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 5:
Divide dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 14 inches (35 cm) long.
Step 6:
Twist two ropes together then shape into a circle to form a wreath segment. Repeat with remaining dough connecting the segments into a large wreath on the baking sheet. Pinch ends to seal.
Step 7:
In a large saucepan bring water and baking soda to a simmer. Carefully dip each segment of the wreath into the water for 20 30 seconds then return to the baking sheet.
Step 8:
Brush the wreath with beaten egg. Sprinkle with coarse salt sesame and poppy seeds as desired.
Step 9:
Bake for 18 22 minutes until golden brown.
Step 10:
Cool slightly then garnish with rosemary sprigs and cherry tomatoes or cranberries for a festive look. Sprinkle with cheese if using let melt from residual heat. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Fresh-baked Budget Holiday Pretzel Wreath, garnished with rosemary, perfect for sharing at a holiday party. Save
Fresh-baked Budget Holiday Pretzel Wreath, garnished with rosemary, perfect for sharing at a holiday party. | nachohaha.com

This wreath always brings our family together whether we are making it baking or enjoying it around the table.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl Measuring cups and spoons Baking sheet Parchment paper Saucepan Slotted spoon or spatula Pastry brush

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (gluten) egg milk (butter cheese if used) sesame (if added) May contain traces of nuts or soy depending on ingredient brands Always check labels if unsure

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories 220 Total Fat 3 g Carbohydrates 41 g Protein 6 g

Close-up of a festive Budget Holiday Pretzel Wreath, glistening and inviting on a baking sheet. Save
Close-up of a festive Budget Holiday Pretzel Wreath, glistening and inviting on a baking sheet. | nachohaha.com

Enjoy this festive pretzel wreath warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.

Recipe FAQ

How do I achieve the signature pretzel crust?

Dipping the dough in a warm baking soda bath before baking helps create the classic chewy crust and deep brown color.

Can I add toppings to the wreath?

Yes, sprinkle coarse salt, sesame, and poppy seeds before baking, and garnish with fresh rosemary or cherry tomatoes after baking.

Is there a vegan option for this dish?

Use plant-based butter and omit the egg wash to make this pretzel wreath vegan-friendly while keeping its texture.

What is the best way to serve the pretzel wreath?

Serve warm or at room temperature with dips like honey mustard, cheese sauce, or herbed cream cheese for added flavor.

How do I store leftovers of the pretzel wreath?

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days and reheat briefly to refresh the crust.

Budget Holiday Pretzel Wreath

Festive soft pretzel wreath with cozy flavors, ideal for gatherings and holiday celebrations.

Prep duration
25 min
Time to cook
20 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Carlos Vega


Complexity Easy

Heritage American Holiday

Output 8 Portions

Dietary requirements Meat-free

Components

Dough

01 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 packet instant dry yeast (7 g)
03 1 ½ teaspoons salt
04 1 tablespoon sugar
05 1 cup warm water (240 ml)
06 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Pretzel Bath

01 4 cups water (960 ml)
02 ¼ cup baking soda (60 g)

Topping

01 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
02 2 tablespoons coarse salt
03 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
04 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)
05 Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
06 Cherry tomatoes or cranberries (for garnish, optional)
07 ½ cup shredded cheese (optional)

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare dough mixture: Combine flour, yeast, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Stir in warm water and melted butter until the dough forms.

Phase 02

Knead dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Phase 03

Rest dough: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and rest for 10 minutes.

Phase 04

Prepare baking area: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Phase 05

Shape dough segments: Divide dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a 14-inch (35 cm) rope.

Phase 06

Form wreath segments: Twist two ropes together and shape into a circle to create wreath segments. Connect all segments into a cohesive wreath, pinching ends to seal.

Phase 07

Prepare pretzel bath: Bring water and baking soda to a simmer in a large saucepan. Dip each wreath segment into the bath for 20 to 30 seconds before returning to the baking sheet.

Phase 08

Apply toppings: Brush wreath with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds as desired.

Phase 09

Bake wreath: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until golden brown.

Phase 10

Garnish and serve: Cool slightly, garnish with rosemary sprigs and cherry tomatoes or cranberries if desired. Optionally sprinkle cheese and allow it to melt from residual heat. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tools needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Saucepan
  • Slotted spoon or spatula
  • Pastry brush

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're concerned about specific ingredients.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), egg, milk (butter, cheese if used), and sesame (if added). May contain traces of nuts or soy depending on brands.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 220
  • Fats: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Proteins: 6 g