Mouthwatering German-Style Vegetarian Pretzel Wreaths with Herb Cheese Dip

Allergens

Dairy (in the Herb Cheese Dip)

Ingredients

• 2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 2 teaspoons white sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 4 1/2 cups bread flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup coarse pretzel salt or kosher salt
• 10 cups water
• 1/3 cup baking soda
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon water
• Herb Cheese Dip ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup sour cream 1/2 teaspoon dried dill 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water with white sugar and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. Add bread flour, melted unsalted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 12 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, and cover with a clean cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size. Bring 10 cups of water to a boil in a large pot, then add baking soda. Preheat your oven to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C). Divide the risen dough into 12 equal portions and shape each portion into a pretzel wreath form. Boil the pretzel wreaths, in batches if necessary, for about 30 seconds on each side. Remove them with a slotted spoon to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolk and water to create an egg wash. Brush the pretzel wreaths with the egg wash and sprinkle them generously with coarse salt or kosher salt. Bake the pretzels for 10 12 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. For the Herb Cheese Dip: In a medium bowl, mix together softened cream cheese, sour cream, dried dill, dried parsley, salt, and ground black pepper until smooth and creamy. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Chef’s Insight

The combination of buttery pretzels and tangy Herb Cheese Dip creates a satisfying mouthfeel and a symphony of flavors in every bite.

Notes

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