Budget Holiday Pretzel Wreath

Featured in: Quick Snack Fixes

This soft pretzel wreath offers a festive centerpiece for holiday gatherings. The dough is crafted from flour, yeast, and butter, twisted into ropes then joined into a large wreath shape. After a baking soda bath for that signature pretzel texture, it's brushed with egg wash and sprinkled with coarse salt and seeds. Bake until golden, then garnish with rosemary and fresh berries or tomatoes. It’s a simple, budget-friendly snack that brings warmth and flavor to any celebration.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:47:00 GMT
Golden-brown Budget Holiday Pretzel Wreath, beautifully decorated and ready to enjoy with a variety of dips. Pin it
Golden-brown Budget Holiday Pretzel Wreath, beautifully decorated and ready to enjoy with a variety of dips. | smartyskitchen.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 pretzel wreath has become a holiday favorite in my family, bringing everyone together for a delicious and fun snack.

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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Every holiday season this recipe brings my family together for joyful moments filled with warm laughter and great food.

Notes

Add shredded cheese before baking for a cheesy crust. Serve with honey mustard cheese dip or herbed cream cheese. For a vegan version use plant-based butter and omit the egg wash.

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.

A freshly baked Budget Holiday Pretzel Wreath, its twisted dough sprinkled with coarse salt and seeds. Pin it
A freshly baked Budget Holiday Pretzel Wreath, its twisted dough sprinkled with coarse salt and seeds. | smartyskitchen.com

This pretzel wreath is a delightful centerpiece and snack that shines at every holiday gathering.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do I shape the pretzel wreath?

Divide the dough into ropes, twist pairs together, and form circle segments. Connect all segments into a large wreath, pinching ends to seal.

What is the purpose of the baking soda bath?

Dipping the wreath in a baking soda solution gives the crust its characteristic chewy texture and golden color during baking.

Can I add toppings to the wreath?

Yes, coarse salt, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds add flavor and texture. Fresh herbs and berries make festive garnishes.

Is there a vegan option for this dish?

Use plant-based butter and skip the egg wash to make the wreath suitable for a vegan diet.

How long does the wreath take to bake?

Bake the wreath for 18–22 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until it turns golden brown.

What dips pair well with this pretzel wreath?

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

Budget Holiday Pretzel Wreath

Soft, twisted pretzel wreath ideal for festive occasions, made with simple ingredients and easy steps.

Prep Time
25 min
Time to Cook
20 min
Overall Time
45 min
Created by Emily Scott


Skill Level Easy

Culinary Roots American

Makes 8 Portions

Diet Details Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Dough

01 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 packet instant dry yeast (7g)
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, for garnish)
07 ½ cup shredded cheese (60 g, optional)

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Knead dough: Knead dough 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 let rest for 10 minutes.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Form wreath segments: Twist two ropes together, then shape into a circle to form a wreath segment. Repeat and connect segments on baking sheet, pinching ends to seal.

Step 07

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

Step 08

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

Step 09

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

Step 10

Garnish and serve: Cool slightly. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and cherry tomatoes or cranberries if desired. Sprinkle cheese on top to melt from residual heat. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Info

Review each item for allergens and reach out to a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), egg, milk (butter, cheese if used), sesame (if added). May contain traces of nuts or soy depending on brands.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Info for reference only. Always check with your doctor for health guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 220
  • Fats: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Proteins: 6 g