Budget Holiday Pretzel Wreath

Featured in: Baked Warm Goodness

This festive soft pretzel wreath features budget-friendly dough twisted into a beautiful centerpiece perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings. Made from a soft, easy-to-make dough using flour, yeast, and melted butter, the strands are boiled briefly in a baking soda bath before baking to achieve a golden crust. Topped with coarse salt, sesame and poppy seeds, and garnished with rosemary and cherry tomatoes or cranberries, it offers both flavor and festive appeal. Optional cheese adds a savory crust, while serving suggestions include honey mustard or herbed cheese dips. It’s vegetarian-friendly and easily adapted for vegan diets by swapping ingredients.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:06:00 GMT
Golden-brown Budget Holiday Pretzel Wreath, ready to eat, garnished with festive rosemary and cranberries. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown Budget Holiday Pretzel Wreath, ready to eat, garnished with festive rosemary and cranberries. | messlitreats.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 family favorite during the holidays for its simplicity and festive appeal.

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.
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| messlitreats.com

Making this wreath together became a cherished tradition that brings our family closer every holiday season.

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

Calories 220 Total Fat 3 g Carbohydrates 41 g Protein 6 g (per serving)

Close-up of a warm, twisted Budget Holiday Pretzel Wreath, perfect for sharing at any holiday gathering. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of a warm, twisted Budget Holiday Pretzel Wreath, perfect for sharing at any holiday gathering. | messlitreats.com

This pretzel wreath is the perfect blend of festive fun and delicious flavor for your holiday table.

Common Recipe Questions

What gives the pretzel wreath its unique texture?

The dough is boiled briefly in a baking soda bath before baking, creating a signature chewy crust and soft interior.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

What toppings enhance the flavor of this wreath?

Coarse salt, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds add crunch and flavor, while fresh rosemary and cherry tomatoes or cranberries provide festive aroma and visuals.

How can I make a vegan version of this wreath?

Replace butter with plant-based alternatives and omit the egg wash to keep the wreath vegan.

What dips pair well with this pretzel wreath?

Honey mustard, cheese dip, or herbed cream cheese complement the wreath nicely.

Is this wreath suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, it is suitable for vegetarians and includes dairy and egg products unless modified.

Budget Holiday Pretzel Wreath

Soft pretzel wreath twisted into a festive centerpiece with savory toppings and holiday garnishes.

Prep Duration
25 min
Cooking Duration
20 min
Overall Duration
45 min
Created by messli Sophie Lane


Skill Required Easy

Cuisine Origin American, Holiday

Portion Yield 8 People served

Diet Preferences Meat-Free

List of Ingredients

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 (optional garnish)
07 ½ cup shredded cheese (60 g, optional)

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 05

Shape Dough Ropes: Divide dough into 12 equal pieces; roll each into a 14-inch rope.

Step 06

Form Wreath Segments: Twist two ropes together, shape into a circle to create a wreath segment. Repeat and connect all segments on the baking sheet, pinching ends to seal.

Step 07

Prepare Pretzel Bath: Simmer water and baking soda in a large saucepan. Dip each wreath segment into the bath for 20 to 30 seconds, then return to the baking sheet.

Step 08

Apply Toppings: Brush the entire wreath with beaten egg. Sprinkle with coarse salt, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds as desired.

Step 09

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

Step 10

Garnish and Serve: Allow to cool slightly. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and optionally cherry tomatoes or cranberries. Sprinkle shredded cheese if using and let it melt from residual heat. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Kitchen Tools Needed

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

Allergy Warnings

Check all listed ingredients for allergens. Reach out to a healthcare provider if you aren't sure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), egg, milk (butter, cheese if used), and sesame (if added). May contain traces of nuts or soy depending on ingredient brands.

Nutrition per serving

Nutritional details are just for your reference. Always talk to a doctor for specific health advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 220
  • Fats: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Proteins: 6 g